Castaway on the Moon is a 2009 Korean film about 2 people who don't want to interact with society or others anymore. It's a sublime under the radar film (to U.S. audiences anyway) that's definitely worth a watch. I caught this film when it first came out a few years ago, and just watched it again recently. Bottom line; it's competently made, totally engrossing, and absolutely terrific...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
First and foremost, this film has nothing to do with living on the moon, or being stranded on a far away desert island for eternity; it's actually the polar opposite! Some people (I call them morons) will try to explain that this movie is very similar to/a rip off of the American film 'Castaway" starring Tom Hanks. Although there are some parallels to be drawn, these two films have only one thing in common (i.e. there's a guy that's separated from society). Don't get me wrong, I actually like Tom Hanks' "Castaway" quite a bit, but aside from the fact the both film's protagonists are stuck on an island, these two films aren't really related to each other whatsoever; the primary difference being one movie's protagonist wants to get back to his life, and the other wants to escape it.
What this particular movie is about is a guy who's essentially tired of, and has been beaten down by, the "rat race" that is his life in modern society. He wants to "end it all" by committing suicide, but he fails in doing so, and is subsequently presented an accidental opportunity to "escape from it all" instead. After some initial resistance, he soon comes to fully embrace this opportunity he has been given. On the parallel side, this movie is also about a very odd girl who's afraid of society and can no longer cope in order to function within it. She's long ago "shut herself off" (or, perhaps, "shut herself in", would be more appropriate) from interacting with anyone on any type of personal level.
As the film progresses, these two main protagonists (who pretty much occupy 95+% of the screen time), slowly form an unconventional bond via highly unusual means, and they each come to rely on one another more and more as time goes by while they both try to overcome their own societal fears, concerns, and issues, as best they can.
The way the main characters interact with each other from a distance throughout the entire film is unique, profound, and charming. Both the primary actor and actress are spot on perfect in their respective roles, and they both do a magnificent job of what's asked of them within the framework of the story.
Ultimately, all this really boils down to is just a simple & finely paced film that it is immensely watchable and quite enjoyable. In many ways, it's also a fine little parable regarding what modern society has become over the years, and how we all must interact within it, or face getting left behind.
Personally, I could hardly look away from this film. It's equal parts odd, funny, sweet, sad, beautiful, and it is Borderline Brilliant! What more can I say?...other than; "Korean cinema does it again!"
Highly Recommended! Not Optional Viewing! This is a MUST SEE Film!!!
9 out of 10 stars!
First and foremost, this film has nothing to do with living on the moon, or being stranded on a far away desert island for eternity; it's actually the polar opposite! Some people (I call them morons) will try to explain that this movie is very similar to/a rip off of the American film 'Castaway" starring Tom Hanks. Although there are some parallels to be drawn, these two films have only one thing in common (i.e. there's a guy that's separated from society). Don't get me wrong, I actually like Tom Hanks' "Castaway" quite a bit, but aside from the fact the both film's protagonists are stuck on an island, these two films aren't really related to each other whatsoever; the primary difference being one movie's protagonist wants to get back to his life, and the other wants to escape it.
What this particular movie is about is a guy who's essentially tired of, and has been beaten down by, the "rat race" that is his life in modern society. He wants to "end it all" by committing suicide, but he fails in doing so, and is subsequently presented an accidental opportunity to "escape from it all" instead. After some initial resistance, he soon comes to fully embrace this opportunity he has been given. On the parallel side, this movie is also about a very odd girl who's afraid of society and can no longer cope in order to function within it. She's long ago "shut herself off" (or, perhaps, "shut herself in", would be more appropriate) from interacting with anyone on any type of personal level.
As the film progresses, these two main protagonists (who pretty much occupy 95+% of the screen time), slowly form an unconventional bond via highly unusual means, and they each come to rely on one another more and more as time goes by while they both try to overcome their own societal fears, concerns, and issues, as best they can.
The way the main characters interact with each other from a distance throughout the entire film is unique, profound, and charming. Both the primary actor and actress are spot on perfect in their respective roles, and they both do a magnificent job of what's asked of them within the framework of the story.
Ultimately, all this really boils down to is just a simple & finely paced film that it is immensely watchable and quite enjoyable. In many ways, it's also a fine little parable regarding what modern society has become over the years, and how we all must interact within it, or face getting left behind.
Personally, I could hardly look away from this film. It's equal parts odd, funny, sweet, sad, beautiful, and it is Borderline Brilliant! What more can I say?...other than; "Korean cinema does it again!"
Highly Recommended! Not Optional Viewing! This is a MUST SEE Film!!!
9 out of 10 stars!