What Does a Stepmother with Children Have to Face? Review of Korean Movie "My Big Mom"

The Korean movie My Big Mom (2020) may not be mainstream, but it presents family issues from a different perspective. Da-hee, a young woman married to Min-soo, an older man, along with his teenage son Jae-hyuk. The story unfolds with awkwardness and humor that hides seriousness.

Synopsis (No Spoilers)

Da-hee marries Min-soo and must adjust to her stepson Jae-hyuk, who is not much younger than her. The new family relationship starts awkwardly, but then Na-yeon, Da-hee's close friend, gets involved, creating complex relationship knots. Min-soo is displeased when he sees his son dating two women. Secrets and misunderstandings begin to unravel.

Acting and Characters

Yoo Jung plays Da-hee, conveying the confusion of a stepmother trying to do her best. Han Yi-seul adds color to Na-yeon, while James and Shin Yeon-woo play Min-soo and Jae-hyuk respectively. The overall acting is decent, though some parts may seem stiff, but it conveys the emotions of the script.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Lee Dong-Joon directs with a focus on the characters' emotions. The still shots and camera angles are simple. The soundtrack helps enhance the atmosphere, but overall there is no standout feature. The movie moves quickly and feels modern, in the style of a short film.

Editorial Analysis

My Big Mom is a movie that dares to talk about complex family relationships, especially the roles of stepmother and stepson. Although the plot may seem shallow at times, it reflects real societal issues. The use of humor helps reduce tension, but sometimes it downplays important issues. The movie is suitable for those who like lighthearted family life films.

Verdict

The movie is suitable for those who like light Korean family movies without big production. If you're looking for a short, easy watch, it's acceptable, but if you expect depth, you may be disappointed.