Written and Directed by Kim Hee-jin

“My Name Is Loh Kiwan” is crafted by the accomplished writer and director Kim Hee-jin, the film draws inspiration from Cho Hae-jin’s novel “I Met Loh Kiwan,” published in 2019. The narrative unfolds the compelling journey of a North Korean defector, navigating the challenges of seeking refuge in Belgium. The film is emotionally resonant, delving into the lack of control over the country of our birth, the citizenship we initially acquire, and the sometimes necessary decision to leave our homeland for safety reasons. It also underscores the power of privilege that many human beings don’t even have an idea about. This theme is especially meaningful to me as I work at a settlement agency in Atlantic Canada within the field of refugees. I am intimately acquainted with the challenging and compelling nature of their experiences. The difficulty of having one’s background and culture disrespected is evident, and the blood-cleaning scene might be one of the most heartbreaking portrayals for a “Korean individual.”

Song Joong-ki’s exceptional performance adds an additional layer of brilliance as always, if I may say! He has held a special place in my admiration since “Vincenzo.” Choi Sung-eun’s contribution further enhances the on-screen chemistry, creating a powerful synergy between the lead actors. She was also amazing in “The Sound of Magic,” a show I really enjoyed! On a personal note, I would mention that the relationship development between Loh and Marie feels somewhat abrupt, and the movie doesn’t delve into how the two came to rely on each other amid life-threatening situations. It seems that director Kim was eager to connect the two characters but overlooked the narratives that could have built up their relationship. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the production or the excellence of the cast.

Image courtesy of Netflix