riceboy Sleeps (2022)

DON’T LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU, PREPARE TO HAVE YOUR EMOTIONS AWAKENED.

Every now and then, in the vast sea of cinema, a film emerges like a captivating breeze that sweeps you off your feet. These rare gems have the power to transport us to new worlds, evoke profound emotions, and remind us why we fell in love with storytelling in the first place. Well, Riceboy Sleeps most certainly fits in that category of films. An emotional odyssey that takes you on an unforgettable roller coaster ride through a whirlwind of feelings, leaving you awestruck, speechless, and teary-eyed.

Director Anthony Shim masterfully condenses an entire lifetime into a comprehensive opening narration. We discover that So-young (Choi Seung-yoon) was abandoned at a South Korean temple as a baby in 1960. Her upbringing in orphanages pushed her to leave as soon as possible, and after tireless work, she encounters a young student. The two forge an unbreakable bond until his mental health struggles tragically leads him to take his own life, leaving her with their infant son Dong-Hyun who is played by Dohyun Noel Hwang as a child and Ethan Hwang as a teen. Seeking refuge from shame and aiming for a fresh beginning, she relocates to Canada. While this introductory tale might be a lot to absorb, it effectively establishes the central theme of family and belonging that will weave its way throughout the film's narrative.

At its core, Riceboy Sleeps is an elegantly woven narrative that delicately captures the intricacies of human emotions. Each character is like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, fitting perfectly into the larger tapestry of the story. Their struggles, joys, and vulnerabilities are laid bare, allowing you to forge a deep and profound connection with their journeys. Another aspect that truly elevates Riceboy Sleeps to celestial heights is its spellbinding score that wraps around you like a warm embrace. Composed by Andrew Yong Hoon Lee, the music transcends the screen, enveloping you in a symphony of emotions that resonate with every beat of your heart. The film's soundtrack is not just a background accompaniment; it's a character in its own right, guiding you through the emotional labyrinth with breathtaking precision.

It's an elegantly told story with rich characters and phenomenal performances that will etch themselves into your memory forever. Each cast member infuses every scene with an authenticity that is both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. Choi Seung-yoon gives her all as single mother So Young. She leaves everything out there with a vulnerable, yet powerful performance. Both Dohyun Noel Hwang and Ethan Hwang are sensational as the child and teen versions of Dong-Hyun, the son of So Young. Their performances are a masterclass in the art of storytelling, leaving you completely absorbed in their struggles and triumphs. A mention must also go out to So Young’s in-laws (Choi Jong-ryul & Lee Yong-nyeo) and brother-in-law (Kang In-sung) their collective performances are incredibly authentic and heart wrenching in their own unique way.

The cinematography is also nothing short of a visual symphony. Cinematographer Christopher Lew makes sure each frame is meticulously composed, transforming even the most mundane scenes into works of art. The use of light, colour, and perspective creates a visual feast that tantalises the senses and elevates the film to a realm of pure aesthetic delight.

Above all, Riceboy Sleeps takes you on an emotional journey like no other. It's a roller coaster of feelings that sweeps you off your feet and carries you through moments of joy, sorrow, hope, and despair. By the time the credits roll, you'll find yourself profoundly moved and forever changed by the experience. In a world inundated with films, Riceboy Sleeps stands as a beacon of exceptional storytelling, a testament to the power of cinema to touch the deepest recesses of our souls. It's not just a movie; it's an emotional symphony that will resonate within you long after the final scene fades away.

★★★★★

20 JUNE 2023