Drama Digest
The story of a “A Distant Place” revolves around a gay farmer and his quiet life in the countryside. He raises a young child with the support of a small rural. His lover from the city moves in and settles down, forming a cozy family unit.
The Feel-Good part
The story is melancholy and with beautiful visuals. It had a deep meaning that involved self-acceptance and its importance. The actors played their roles well, especially the child.
The Disappointing Part
Certain things were a bit too subtle in the movie. There was less use of dialogue to tell the audience what the characters were thinking. The pace of the film is slow. The ending was somewhat disappointing and unexplanatory.
In-depth analysis
Jin Woo is a sheep rancher who lives in the quiet countryside. He works on a small farm owned by Joong Man and his daughter Moon Kyeong. The father and the daughter must take care of Moon Kyeong’s grandmother, a frail senior woman whose mental health has deteriorated. Jin Woo is close to his employers, spending a lot of time with them. Moon Kyeong has a secret crush on Jin Woo, but her feelings aren’t reciprocated. Jin Woo raises a young child by himself. Seol is an adorable little girl who loves animals and playing in nature. Moon Kyeong visits the pair and helps to look after her. Although Seol is old enough to start kindergarten, Jin Woo doesn’t enroll her in school. Instead, he wants her to stay on the farm and enjoy the outdoors. Another man called Hyun Min arrives on the farm to live with Jin Woo and Seol. He is introduced as Jin Woo’s college friend from the city. Yet, the two men are secretly lovers, keeping their romantic relationship hidden from the rest of the community. The observant Joong Man has noticed his employee’s close bond with this other man. But he remains quiet about his suspicions. Hyun Min finds employment at a nearby institute and takes recreational poetry and writing class there. Hyun Min gets settled into his new countryside life and wants to stay there long-term, delighting Jin Woo. Life seems blissful for the couple, as Jin Woo, Hyun Min, and Seol form a family unit. An unexpected visitor shows up at the farm one day. Jin Woo’s twin sister Eun Young has arrived from the city. She is Seol’s birth mother. When his sibling had economic troubles five years ago, Jin Woo stepped in and took responsibility as Seol’s primary caregiver. Now, Eun Young claims her life is back on track and wants to raise Seol in the town again. The local folks become exclusive and discriminatory as they learn the truth about the two men. Their own family members with whom they felt understood, felt like ‘a distant place’. Resembling Jin Woo’s mind, the beautiful autumn landscape of Gangwon-do turns into harsh winter.
Star Power
In recent years, there has been an influx of sad gay movies in the countryside. But this movie provides joy and grief at the same time. The cast performed all their roles well. Although slow-paced the story is portrayed beautifully.
Overall Opinion
This meaningful film captures the struggles of the down-to-earth characters. It highlights the nuanced themes of family and conformity.
