“Little Forest” follows the journey of Song Hye-won, a 20-something-year-old woman who moves to Seoul to become a teacher. But after failing her certification, she returns to her childhood home in the countryside leaving behind her boyfriend and her part-time job.
In her rural hometown, she reconnects with her long-time friends, Lee Jae-ha (Ryu Jun-yeol) and Joo Eun-sook (Jin Ki-joo).
Jae-ha is a fruit and vegetable farmer. He used to work in the big city, as well. But eventually, he decided to leave after finding no purpose in his job.
On the other hand, Eun-sook never got a chance to work outside of their small town. Unlike Hye-won and Jae-ha, she longs to live in the big city. She is currently working as a bank teller, even if she’s already dissatisfied and bored with it.
Hye-won is the only one without a job, so she passes the time by tending to her mother’s plantation and preparing the foods she usually makes for her.
Hye-won’s enigmatic mother uncannily left her after graduating from High School, straining their relationship together. But through flashbacks, her mother is truly a kind and loving woman. That is why Hye-won can’t really bring herself to resent her.
As the seasons change, Hye-won quietly contemplates the pain she harbors from her mother, the disappointments she suffered in Seoul, and the peace and comfort she seeks for herself. For the meantime, she retreats to her little forest until the time she is ready for renewal.
“Little Forest” might have a very thin and worn-out premise, but it works because it’s brimming with heart and life lessons.
“Little Forest” is a simple movie. There is no villain, no drama, no complex gimmick, no big conflict, and no unexpected plot twist. It might sound like it’s a boring film, but there is something therapeutic, captivating, and special about watching people enjoy the tiny pleasures of life.
The film’s runtime is around 103 minutes and director Yim Soon-rye makes sure that every second tick at a leisurely pace to encourage viewers to focus on the journey rather than the destination. Every frame is filled with vivid and gorgeous scenery, it’s as if inviting the viewers to step back and enjoy the wonders of nature.
But on top of its feel-good picturesque aesthetics, “Little Forest” thrives on its message of acceptance and moving on. Soon-rye uses foods and nature to illustrate that healing takes time.
Kim Tae-ri shines as the stubborn yet resilient protagonist. She single-handedly carried this film with her charming screen presence and soothing voice. Without Tae-ri’s subtle and emotional performance, "Little Forest" would never be this appealing and engaging.
In essence, “Little Forest” is a well-made, tender, and enlightening film. Soon-rye deviates from the usual by romanticizing rural life, exploring our connection to nature through the sound of rain and views of crops and fields.
This film is an ardent reminder that real happiness comes from a humble appreciation of life.
5/5
Watch "Little Forest" on Upstream PH, Tubi and Youtube.