Made In Korea perfectly fits the definition of a sunshine movie. A couple of subplots are rushed through, but the emotional core coupled with the performances make this cross-culture worth watching. Priyanka Arul Mohan as Shenba delivers a strong act and her scenes with Kim Young-Oak gives Made In Korea its best moments.
Starcast: Priyanka Arul Mohan, Kim Young-Oak, Park Hye-Jin and others
Genre: Comedy/drama
Director and writer: Ra. Karthik
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Producer: Sreenidhi Sagar
Production Company: Rise East Entertainment
Cinematography: Prasanna Kumar
Running time: 1 hour and 51 minutes
Streaming site: Netflix
Ra. Karthik’s Made in Korea can be easily termed as a spiritual sequel to Vikas Bahl’s Queen. Just like that film here too the heroine gets dumped and has to navigate a foreign country. In both the movies the female protagonists re discover themselves and become stronger individuals. Keeping aside the similarities Made In Korea is very much its own beast. The uniqueness majorly comes from the Korean cast especially Kim Young-Oak a familiar name for those who have seen Squid Games. Through her character and the on-screen friendship with Priyanka Arul Mohan the movie celebrates the theme of womanhood.
Made In Korea primarily focuses on a Tamilian girl Shenba (Priyanka Arul Mohan in an author backed role). Shenba is hugely fascinated with the city of Korea thanks to binge watching K Dramas. Her dream is going to Seoul, and this does come true but not in the happiest of circumstances. How Shenba navigates the different challenges eventually finding acceptance forms the core of this movie. An important subplot connected to Shenba’s journey is Kim Young-Oak’s elderly woman.
A strong aspect of Made In Korea is the depiction of Shenba’s challenges. Her struggles with the language in particular have moments of understated humor. The entry of Park Hye-Jin as a vlogger and a growing bond between the two is filled with warmth. However, the movie’s biggest strength are the scenes between Priyanka and Kim Young Oak.
Initially the viewers are given the impression of Kim Young Oak being a bedridden lady who needs to be fed. However, the movie soon springs a surprise with an important revelation. There is a reason for the character pretending to be bedridden and this is revealed at a crucial juncture.
The theme of womanhood comes out in a striking manner as Shenba also grows into a more confident individual. The scenes between Priyanka and Kim Young have a good balance of emotions and humor. Apart from womanhood theme Made In Korea gives an important life message too. This is explored through the quote “Where you think it ends, it begins”.
The transformation journey of Shenba is a good example of how we should move forward whatever the setbacks. Of course, the movie has a feel-good treatment. This may not work for all nevertheless the importance of message cannot be denied.
The background score by Dharan enhances the emotional scenes. The music of Hesham Abdul Wahab is pleasant going perfectly well with the movie’s tone. Both the upbeat and mellow numbers do a good job in capturing Shenba’s transformation. Prasanna Kumar’s cinematography is of a good order as well. He captures the different shades of Seoul effectively through his camera.
Priyanka Arul Mohan as Shenba springs a very pleasant surprise. She captures the different nuances with an understated but thoroughly effective act. Kim Young Oak makes her presence amply felt especially in an important confrontation scene with the son. Park Hye Jin as the vlogger who becomes an important part of Shenba’s life is good too. He brings in the required warmth making the viewers wish that they come across a friend like him.
As far as the flaws are concerned a subplot of Kim Young oak and Shenba opening a restaurant has a rushed treatment. The same applies to the track of a music band which needed more fleshed out writing.
Final word: Made In Korea is a good watch for fans of feel good/optimistic cinema and the central message.
