Movie Digest
COVID-19 is spreading over the world. Juri, a 25-year-old woman, has stopped going out and staying home. Young-shim, her mother, is still running her kimbap shop despite the difficult season. Young-shim departs to care for her sick mother one day, and Juri unexpectedly takes over the restaurant.
The Feel-Good Part
There are many visually appealing sequences of food preparation and eating that are delightful. The whole film is very light-hearted with enough humor.
The Disappointing Factor
There is nothing to pinpoint as a disappointing factor.
In-Depth Analysis
While the shadow of COVID-19 looms over the movie, the director Min-seung explains how older small businesses have struggled to thrive in a market that needed them to have face-to-face consumers. The film was able to show through the characters that the future of the people and the businesses do not have to be as bleak as we assume. The protagonist matures significantly, transitioning from an obsession with isolation to redefining herself as a proactive woman willing to plunge herself into the professional world and help her mother. Her daily interactions with numerous regulars, including an irritating one and an attractive one who piques her attention, the making of the rolls, and the job obligations serve as a means for Juri to mature while also bringing to light the challenges.
Star Power
Shim Dal Gi (Juri) delivers an outstanding performance as the primary character experiencing a quarter-life crisis. The supporting cast does an excellent job with the steady humor, allowing for a light and subtle approach to work.
Overall Opinion
Rolling Girl is the type of film that you can sit down and enjoy. Highly recommend it!
