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Parents' Guide to

Mother

By Alistair Lawrence, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dark Korean dramedy has violence, sex, and swearing.

Movie R 2009 129 minutes
Mother Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (6 ):

Much like writer and director Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning Parasite, this film is an unflinching satire of South Korea's failing institutions. Mother (or Madeo to give it its original title) also examines how disempowered people often resort to tactics that cross moral and legal lines. Skilfully shot with rich cinematography, it wastes no time drawing the viewer into the characters' world. Their frustrations form both the moral center and the emotional core of the movie.

However, the first hour is both slow and light on plot, which makes for a frustrating viewing. That it leans heavily on the broad comic performances that undercut several of Bong's movies results in a heavy-handed portrayal of the problems vulnerable people face in their everyday lives, too. The ending is stark and memorable, but overall this is an uneven watch, most likely to be enjoyed only by Bong's most dedicated fans.

Movie Details

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