TIFF 2024: The Mother and the Bear (Coming Soon Movie Trailer)
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Interview Video: TIFF spotlight: Canadian actor Jonathan Kim on ‘The Mother and The Bear’
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 is kicking off with a standout feature that blends humor, heart, and a touch of whimsy—The Mother and the Bear, directed by Johnny Ma. This film marks a new direction for Ma, known for his previous works like Old Stone and To Live, to Sing. With its world premiere set for TIFF, this unique drama is one to watch.
What’s the Film About?
The Mother and the Bear tells the story of Sara, an anxious widow from Korea, played by Kim Ho-jung. When Sara’s grown daughter, Sumi (Leere Park), suffers a fall in snowy Winnipeg and falls into a coma, Sara travels from Seoul to be with her. What Sara discovers upon arriving is far from what she expected.
Settling into Sumi’s apartment, Sara begins to uncover aspects of her daughter’s life she never knew existed. The film delves into Sara’s attempts to make sense of her daughter’s secretive life, including her efforts to catfish Sumi’s boyfriend, Min (Jonathan Kim), into thinking she is still in the picture, and her unexpected connection with Min’s estranged father, Sam (Won-Jae Lee). As Sara navigates this strange new world, she also learns more about herself and her daughter than she ever thought possible.
Why This Film is a Must-See
- Fresh Narrative Approach: Johnny Ma departs from his previous serious films and dives into a more whimsical, stylized narrative. Set against the backdrop of a snow-covered Winnipeg, the film blends elements of comedy and drama to explore themes of family, identity, and discovery.
- Cultural and Emotional Depth: The film examines the clash between Sara’s traditional Korean values and the life her daughter has built in Canada. This cultural juxtaposition provides rich ground for both comedic and poignant moments as Sara grapples with her daughter’s choices and her own evolving identity.
- A Star-Studded Cast: With performances from Kim Ho-jung, Leere Park, and Jonathan Kim, the film boasts a talented cast that brings depth and authenticity to their roles. Kim Ho-jung’s portrayal of Sara is both touching and humorous, capturing the essence of a mother’s love and anxiety.
- Unique Visual Style: Ma’s collaboration with cinematographer Inti Briones adds a distinctive visual flair to the film. The snowy, wintry setting of Winnipeg serves as a metaphorical landscape for Sara’s emotional journey, creating a visually compelling and atmospheric experience.
- Genre-Mashing Fun: The film’s mix of genres—combining elements of screwball comedy, melodrama, and fairy tale—makes it a refreshing watch. The unique narrative approach, coupled with the film’s playful and inventive tone, sets it apart from more conventional dramas.
Screening Information
Catch The Mother and the Bear at TIFF 2024 on these dates:
- Friday, September 6
Royal Alexandra Theatre
2:30 PM - Friday, September 6
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 3:30 PM - Sunday, September 8
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
9:15 PM - Tuesday, September 10
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 11:30 AM
Final Thoughts
The Mother and the Bear promises to be a delightful addition to TIFF 2024’s lineup, offering a unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Johnny Ma’s fresh take on familial relationships and cultural clashes, set in the chilly yet enchanting landscape of Winnipeg, makes this film a standout. For anyone interested in a movie that combines warmth, wit, and a bit of whimsy, this is definitely one to add to your watchlist.
