"Mother" is Bong Joon-ho's fourth film and it chronicles a disturbing tale of injustice through the eyes of a loving mother.
Esteemed by many as one of the best films of the previous decade. "Mother" sees the acclaimed director flexing his proficiency in navigating multiple moods and genres to deliver his story. For a movie that revolves around serious topics such as rape and murder, Bong Joon-ho uses the abrupt shifts of mood and genre to demonstrate the injustices that plague the society.
Like Bong Joon Ho's prior films. The comedy, drama, horror, and suspense in this movie are used to highlight the absurdity of reality. A good example is in the opening sequence when Do-joon fails hilariously to calcitrate the side mirror of a wealthy man's car. The comedy continued with a chase scene involving a golf cart. The sequence ended with Jin-tae (Jin Goo) framing Do-joon of the crimes he didn't commit. The comedy is used by Bong Joon-ho to embarrass and subvert our expectations. We laugh because the gag is too comical but the whole sequence is an elaborate entrapment by Bong himself. The purpose of it is to have us recognize who are we in the story. Are we the oppressed or the oppressor? This showcase Bong's talent to demolish convention for the welfare of the message he wants to get across.
All the more, "Mother" is a wake-up call to society. Bong uses the unusual relationship of Do-joon and his mother to invite sentimentality, study the psychology of a murderer, and comment on the pronounced mistreatment to the poor.
"Mother" also features beautiful cinematography from Hong Kyung-pyo. His precise camera framing induced a feeling of isolation and distance. Kim Hye-ja and Won Bin are both exceptional with their respective role.
In essence, "Mother" is a riveting story of motherly love and murder. A story that speaks so loudly and eloquently about the injustices the society experience. Bong Joon-ho's well-crafted story is not only a call for action but also a character study. It's compelling, interesting, and perfect in every part.
5/5
