Watch Hope in Baseco

Hope in Baseco is a 2014 South Korean independent film inspired by true events, directed and written by David Cho. The movie follows the story of a doctor named Kyung-Soo (Shin Sung-chul) who decides to leave his career in Seoul and move to the town of Baseco, one of the largest slums in Manila, Philippines. There, he hopes to make a difference and provide medical assistance to the people living in poverty.

Upon his arrival in Baseco, Kyung-Soo meets his neighbor Jun-Oh (Lee Kyung-wook), a Filipino-Korean boy, and his mother Maria (Johanna Brenner). Jun-Oh is suffering from a rare heart disease and is in urgent need of a heart transplant. However, due to poverty, Maria is not able to provide him with the medical support that he needs. Kyung-Soo takes it upon himself to help Jun-Oh, and the two develop a father-son like relationship.

As Kyung-Soo starts treating the people of Baseco, he realizes the daunting task he has taken upon himself. He discovers the harsh reality that these people have no access to proper medical attention, no running water, and no basic sanitation. Disease and illness are rampant here, and the children are the most vulnerable. Kyung-Soo decides to take matters into his hands and begins campaigning in the community to raise funds for a medical mission.

The movie also sheds light on the challenges that Kyung-Soo faces as a foreigner in an unfamiliar environment. He is not taken seriously by the locals, and the corrupt authorities further complicate his efforts. He faces opposition and hostility from those who do not welcome his presence in the community. Despite all of this, Kyung-Soo perseveres, and his efforts reap positive effects. The audience gets to witness the doctor's personal growth, as he learns about the culture and people of Baseco, and how he can work with them.

The movie's soundtrack is refreshing and complementary to the film. It manages to capture the essence of the emotions the characters are going through, expressing their feelings of hope, triumph, and despair. The cinematography of the film is also remarkable, with many shots highlighting the raw beauty of the impoverished region.

In conclusion, Hope in Baseco is a powerful and poignant story of triumph over adversity. It highlights the struggles and hardship that people living in poverty face and takes us into a rarely seen world of the slums of Manila. The film tackles a subject matter that is heartbreaking and difficult, but it also shines a light on the resilience of humanity. The acting performances of Shin Sung-chul, Lee Kyung-wook, and Johanna Brenner are magnificent, and the cinematography and the soundtrack are captivating. Hope in Baseco is a must-watch for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the lives of people living in extreme poverty, and how a little hope can go a long way to make things better.

Hope in Baseco is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes.