Petite Forêt

For the uninitiated, Soon-rye Yim's 'Little Forest' is a remake the Japanese minimal-arthouse film of the same name. I must admit, I was pretty uninitiated, and watched this delightful Korean film first. I actually preferred it to the original, it's a much easier view, focussing on the character Hye-Won played by the excellent Tae-ri Kim and relations with her mother and friends. It's a different approach to the original, more mainstream and accessible. Rural life is at the heart of things, but doesn't always take centre-stage. So, while the Japanese film documents so much detail (weather, food, recipes, cultural events, nature etc.) you lose sight of the people, which may have been the intention. Both films have their merits, but I found this one enchanting. The support work of the other actors makes the story fun and engaging (Jun-yeol Ryu is quite heroic and funny in the role of local farmer Jae-ha, Hye-won's possible 'love interest', and Ki-joo Jin is excellent as the feisty no-nonsense best friend Eun-sook), and there's a nice arc at the end, so some 'matters' seem to be resolved (unlike in the Japanese film, will they make a 3rd version so we can find out what actually happened to the mother, for example?).

So my advice, watch the original 'Little Forest' but take plenty of supplies and climb the 'mountain' in stages (with both 2014's Summer-Autumn and 2015's Winter-Spring that's 4 hours of dense and detailed viewing). While you're making all the necessary preparations, sit back and enjoy this little charmer!

Kim Tae-ri has mostly done dramatic, ensemble films in her short but extremely promising career. Here she is the dominant character in a slice of life, and she carries it beautifully. There is not twists or turns, just a normal young woman dealing with growing up, and you stay completely engaged in her story thanks to Tae-ri's performance.

The supporting cast, Ryu Jun-yeol and Jin Ki-joo, playing childhood friends are wonderful as well. Ryu isn't the typical looks for a young Korean actor and all the better, he's actually charming.

Food is a supporting character in of itself, of course. Farming and cooking are centering, the work is worth the reward.

And if you wonder what happens at the end, note, she knows what he told the other woman ;)

'Little Forest' (2018) was recommended by a film-buff friend just a few days back. Let me first say, I've been watching too many Korean films this year and have become addicted to them (consuming all kinds with relish - from 'Parasite' and 'Burning' to 'The Wailing' and 'Grass') and I searched for the synopsis/summary first. As I began watching thereafter, I realized that the so-called synopsis/summary did not do justice to its brilliance. 'Little Forest' is one of the best and one of the most beautiful films I have seen this year. So, without reading much about the film or its plot, just delve into it. It's worth experiencing. Especially in these trying times, as people all over the world have been struggling, this is a film that heals.

It took a little time to get wrapped up in the plot, but after that it was a pleasure to watch on many levels. Ultimately, I feel it's about the question of living a simple life or not, but it also touches on other important issues.

This movie is full of love of life and it's simple but beautiful gifts. Good and though times with the Mother Nature are depicted in parallel with beautiful moments between three good friends.

We wouldn't witness all of these simple beauties of life if the movie maker herself was not in love with colors, light, and foods. Every frame of this movie indicates a well thought and crafted scene by a gifted person.

Here the story is flowing in the background without any harm to strength of the movie. There is a positive energy in every elements of this movie and its cast that naturally transmits to the audience and you unconditionally feel good after watching it. Indeed a valuable work and a great movie.