Watch Familyhood

Familyhood is a 2016 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Kim Tae-gon and starring Kim Hye-su, Ma Dong-seok, and Hyeon-soo Kim. The movie follows the story of actress Joo Yeon-jae (Kim Hye-su) as she tries to gain custody of her young son Ji-ho (Jo Hyun-do) while dealing with the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Joo Yeon-jae is an actress in her 40s who is facing a mid-career crisis. She is struggling to find work and her personal life is also on the rocks. Ji-ho's father is refusing to take responsibility for him and Joo Yeon-jae is finding it increasingly difficult to provide for their household.

In an attempt to revive her career, she decides to take on a role in a reality show where she has to live with a high school student, Eun-ju (Kim Hyeon-soo). The show's premise is that Eun-ju will teach Joo Yeon-jae the ways of the younger generation, while Joo Yeon-jae imparts her wisdom on the teenager. The producers have promised her that the show will give her the exposure she needs to get back into acting.

However, the reality show turns out to be a bit of a nightmare. Eun-ju is a difficult teenager who gives Joo Yeon-jae a hard time, and the filming schedule is grueling. Joo Yeon-jae is forced to sleep in a tent and do various backbreaking tasks, all while trying to maintain her public persona.

Meanwhile, even though Joo Yeon-jae is trying to hide the fact that she is a single mother, her secret is revealed to the public. The entertainment industry is unforgiving, and Joo Yeon-jae faces backlash from fans who criticize her for being an "unfit" mother. Rumors start to spread that she gave birth to Ji-ho out of wedlock and that she abandoned him to pursue her career.

Despite all of this, Joo Yeon-jae is determined to gain custody of Ji-ho. She hires a lawyer, Kim Min-soo (Ma Dong-seok), to help her with her case. Min-soo is initially skeptical of Joo Yeon-jae's ability to be a good mother, but as he gets to know her, he realizes that she is a caring and responsible parent.

As the court case progresses, Joo Yeon-jae continues to film the reality show while preparing for her custody battle. She becomes closer to Eun-ju and bonds with her over their shared struggles.

Familyhood is a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of the difficulties that single mothers face in South Korea. The movie tackles issues like sexism, ageism, and the pressures of the entertainment industry. Kim Hye-su delivers a captivating performance as a mother who is just trying to do her best for her son, and Ma Dong-seok is charming as her tough but caring lawyer.

The film is also a commentary on the importance of family and the sacrifices that parents make for their children. While Joo Yeon-jae struggles to balance her career and her role as a mother, she ultimately chooses her son over her career. The movie suggests that while success is important, family should always come first.

In conclusion, Familyhood is a touching and relatable film about the challenges faced by working mothers. With its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in Korean cinema.

Familyhood is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.