Written by Jayson Laniba
“When they’re young, they need you more,“ says Hong Hui Fang’s character in this Singaporean-Korean dramedy from He Shuming. In the film, Fang plays Lim Bae Hwa, the titular auntie, or ajoomma (Korean word for a married, or middle-aged woman). A widowed housewife who lives with her only son, she spends all her time in line-dancing classes at the local park and watching her favorite Korean dramas, particularly the show of her favorite Korean star, Jae Sung (Yeo Jin-goo of Hwayi: A Monster Boy). She’s dedicated all her life to her family, but the now-adult son thinks she has become too suffocating at home. So when he backed out at the last minute from their Korea trip, she decides to push through with the trip alone.
Penned by Shuming and Kris Ong, this dramedy that screened in the recently concluded QCinema is a heartwarming story of self-discovery and understanding the life we all want to have for ourselves. Story-wise, it’s admittedly light — even at times taking its cues from K-drama tropes, and may require a bit of suspension of disbelief. Despite that, the film knows its boundaries and doesn’t try to reach way too far from its grasp. I love how the film’s protagonist feels so universal, as many in the world share the K-drama obsession of Auntie (I’m admittedly very guilty of this too). And so anyone can relate to her character immediately, since any self-confessed fan would give anything just to be able to step on the same streets where our favorite Korean TV characters have walked before. What’s more interesting is how the film quietly touches on many serious themes without being too heavy-handed, such as our own fears of growing old all alone and that inevitable death.
Hong Hui Fang delivers a superb performance as the titular ajoomma, effectively showing the complexities of her character as a mother who’s still trying to understand and to know more about his secretive son, and a woman who’s now all alone and unsure what to do in life since all her years were spent taking care of her family. Kang Hyung-seok impresses with a delightful turn as Kwon-Woo, their South Korean tour guide, while Jung Dong-hwan shines in a charming portrayal of Jung Su, the good Samaritan who helps our Auntie. Yeo Jin-goo’s cameo also serves a nice cherry on top as the protagonist’s favorite Korean star.
Overall, this feel-good comedy drama is an occasionally humorous and admittedly touching little film filled with cultural nuances and universal themes that everyone can easily relate to. It’s a slick, lighthearted escapist fare that doesn’t overstay its welcome, making it an enjoyable viewing.
★★★