Is Our Season Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2023, Our Season represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Fantasy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bok-ja is granted a special vacation after her death, which allows her to go see her daughter, Jin-joo, a university professor living abroad. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Bok-ja is granted a special vacation after her death, which allows her to go see her daughter, Jin-joo, a university professor living abroad. Unlike her expectation, Bok-ja finds Jin-joo living in her old house running a local diner and becomes frustrated with questions that she is unable to ask. After spending time alongside Jin-joo, Bok-ja realizes that her daughter is struggling with the unresolved feelings about her, and tries to find a way to show her sincere feelings that she had never shared before."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Kim Hae-sook delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Drama acting at its most potent.

The direction by Yook Sang-hyo is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 105 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Our Season truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Fantasy, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Our Season explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Yook Sang-hyo respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Our Season is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kim Hae-sook or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Our Season is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.