Anthony Shim’s latest directorial effort, Riceboy Sleeps, is an enchanting and emotionally gripping coming-of-age tale that delves deep into the complex relationship between a single immigrant mother, So-young (Choi Seung-yoon), and her son, Dong-Hyun (Ethan Hwang). Set in 1990s Canada, Shim’s film is a heartwarming tribute to the unbreakable bonds of family, very reminiscent of Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari with its captivating narrative and vibrant characters.
Film the very beginning of Riceboy Sleeps, Shim captures the audience’s attention with a poignant and deeply personal opening narration. We are introduced to So-young, a woman who was abandoned as a baby on the steps of a South Korean temple in 1960. After a difficult upbringing in orphanages, she falls in love with a young student, only to tragically lose him to mental health problems and be left with a newborn son. Seeking a fresh start, So-young emigrates to Canada, hoping to escape the shame of her past and build a better future for her family. While the opening narration may be extensive, it sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of the themes of family, identity, and belonging that will permeate the entire film.
Shim skillfully captures the isolating experience of being an immigrant in a new country through his use of framing and camerawork. So-young is constantly pushed to the sidelines in her workplace, where her white Canadian colleagues ignore and isolate her. Shim’s visual storytelling captures the sense of invisibility and alienation that So-young feels, emphasizing her fierce protectiveness of her son and their deep bond as a family. Their home is portrayed in muted shades of mustard and ochre, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy even as it feels a touch gloomy and claustrophobic. It’s a powerful reminder of the sanctuary that home can provide, especially when the outside world can be so unwelcoming.
The year is 1999 and Dong-Hyun, now a rebellious teenager with bleached hair, contacts, and a group of friends, takes center stage in our story. Despite the challenges they faced, Dong-Hyun and his mother have made significant progress in rebuilding their relationship. In fact, there may even be a chance at love for his mother with the kind and gentlemanly Simon, played by the multi-talented Shim. But as life seems to be moving forward, there are still unanswered questions that linger. Dong-Hyun’s desire to learn more about his father is reignited through a school project on family. His teacher offers a poignant reminder of the importance of knowing one’s roots by quoting the wise Maya Angelou, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”
The story’s vibrant and compelling voice captures the complex emotions and experiences of a family struggling to heal from their past. It is a tale that many can relate to, as we all have our own questions and struggles to confront. The story takes an exciting turn with a third act set in South Korea, where the importance of family ties and having a strong sense of self is underscored. The gorgeous sun-lit fields and wide-open spaces provide a striking contrast to the confining interiors of their Canadian life.
One of the many brilliant touches in Shim’s storytelling is his attention to detail, particularly when it comes to food. The significance of food is woven throughout the narrative, giving it texture and specificity. Dong-Hyun’s status as an outsider is highlighted by the food he brings to school for lunch. The unfamiliarity of gimbap to his classmates sets him apart and leaves him yearning to just blend in and eat what the others have. Yet, it’s through the delicious homemade meals prepared by So-young that the true importance of food is revealed. The careful preparation of bulgogi, jeotgal, and the staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi, are signs of love and care. Sharing a simple bowl of rice can bring a family together, and the act of cooking and sharing food becomes a powerful symbol of unity. The script brings these moments to life with a spirited energy that draws the viewer in. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all love food and it connects us and the importance of sharing meals as a way of expressing love and creating bonds.
Shim’s sensitivity to the characters and their situations is truly impressive. He never judges or imposes his views but rather invites the viewer to observe and take stock of all the emotions at play. Christopher Lew’s masterful camerawork adds another layer of depth to the story, with single takes and gentle roving shots that draw the viewer in and encourage them to lean closer. The changing aspect ratios are yet another example of Shim’s masterful attention to detail. The Canadian sequences are shot in 16:9, which reflects the confinement of their life there. But as the characters journey to South Korea, the aspect ratio changes, capturing the open spaces and freedom they experience there. The cast is superb, with So-young delivering an impressive performance that captures the determination and fortitude of a mother who will do anything to give her son a better life. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their characters, making them feel real and relatable.
Riceboy Sleeps is a stunning film that captures the complexity and beauty of family and the importance of knowing where we come from. Shim’s sensitive direction and attention to detail make this a must-see film. It’s a compelling story that will leave you feeling deeply moved and inspired
Riceboy Sleeps will be available on Digital platforms on May 2, 2023 courtesy of Screen Media.
Riceboy Sleeps is a stunning film that captures the complexity and beauty of family and the importance of knowing where we come from.
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GVN Rating 10
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It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.