Is Relative Brother Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Romance cinema, the 2020 release of Relative Brother stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Hye-ran, who has been living alone, has to live with Sang-woo, the nephew of her stepfather who her mother remarried. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance 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: "Hye-ran, who has been living alone, has to live with Sang-woo, the nephew of her stepfather who her mother remarried. As time went, Hye-ran begins to feel lust whenever she sees Sang-woo. Even without blood relations, Hye-ran is confused about her feelings for Sang-woo, and she is also certain that her boyfriend, Gi-joon, is involved with another woman. Meanwhile, Sang-woo who had sex with Ji-eun, confessed to her that he was thinking of Hye-ran when they were in the middle of doing it, and then announced their breakup. Sang-woo went home late that night. Upon arriving the house, Sang-woo found Hye-ran in her underwear, pretending to sleep. Sang-woo eventually went in and touched Hye-ran. After confirming how much he wants her, she let Sang-woo take over her body."

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. The presence of Park Ga-in provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Choi Sung-eun is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 70 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 Relative Brother 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 Romance, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 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, Relative Brother explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Choi Sung-eun 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, Relative Brother is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Park Ga-in or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Relative Brother is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.