Wonderland

Using AI to comfort those who lost or losing their loved ones seems to be a good intentionand a great idea. However, it does not mean that there are no challenges when it is really taking place.

Bai Li's story brings out a question about how a person who still denies about the death of loved ones can be comforted. Yet, a person who is fully aware the death of the loved ones, struggles between wanting to provide the comfort and at the same time wanting the other person to face the reality.

Tae-joo's virtual existence does not only bring comfort to Jeong-in, "he" also makes her relying on him. It makes it hard for Jeong-in to know what she really wants when she is challenged to make a choice.

Above the moral issues that provoke me as a viewer, I like how the director presented the stories. Some may find the movie confusing as there are changing scenes and changing characters. I like how Bai Li' reflection in the mirror to depict reality verses virtual. It's a very clever way to bring out an idea.

Overall, it is a movie that is not for "easy-watching". It is probably better to watch a few times to appreciate the theme.

I would strongly suggest that people research the premise of the movie before watching as it takes a long time before the storyline becomes clear. In a world where loved ones who have passed but can be created in an AI universe we see stories of how people connect and how our memories of people are not all they seem. The movie cast includes Tang Wei, Bae Suzy, Park Bo-gum and Gong Yoo who along with the rest of the cast deliver great performances. I am not surprised it failed to be popular in Korean cinemas on release as it was released in the summer when you expect action blockbusters not films leaving viewers to question the depths of human connection. I viewed it on a streaming service, knew the plot and thought it was an interesting watch.

The script needed to be handed to another team to tighten it. Some lines need development and emphasis, others need to trail away. There's an epilogue after the credits which ties up a loose end, but we didn't need it because we weren't interested. Indeed, it is a distraction.

The acting, direction and production is faultless. Korea's film & television industry is superb.

The theme of this (slightly futuristic) film is novel... can AI creations be independent beings?

As such, Wonderland, is very moving. Once the viewer works out who's who. And who's not who.

I enthusiastically recommend this piece. It's tri-lingual (English, Korean and Chinese) in case you get a bit confused with language.

Watch it.

It's thought provoking, cerebral, but have a box of tissues close by.

With the reality and impact of AI on the horizon, the premise of this thought-provoking movie is what if a technology business could create a convincing, life-based avatar of a loved one who's died or is in a vegetative state. The business model requires you to maintain their 'life' by subscription and to pay for things they 'need' or 'want' as you interact with them. This postpones mourning for the living but creates ripples in their lives that leaves the pain of their losses fresh.

It asks what would you pay to have one more conversation with your mother or father, or hide a mother's death from young child, or watch your dead child grow up on your cell phone through an app? What if you cannot afford the service in perpetuity? What if someone lost to you comes back to life a different person than the avatar you've come to love?

Very thought provking premise, the actors were almost less important though Park Bo-Geum is always compelling.

I had high expectations for this film due to its intriguing storyline and the presence of talented actors. However, it ended up being somewhat of a disappointment. The narrative was quite convoluted, making it difficult to follow unless you had already read the story it was based on. This lack of clarity meant that, without prior knowledge of the plot, viewers might find themselves confused or only understand the unfolding events much later. Despite the promising premise, the execution fell short, leaving many questions unanswered and many scenes feeling disjointed.

What kept me engaged were the performances of the actors, who delivered their roles with commendable skill and depth. Their talent was the saving grace of the film, bringing some life to an otherwise muddled storyline. It's a pity that their efforts were overshadowed by the film's structural issues.

In the end, while the film had its moments, it didn't live up to the high expectations I had. I can only give it a 5 out of 10, primarily because of the actors' performances, whom I truly admire. Their dedication and talent shone through, even if the film itself did not.