Watch Mothers

Mothers is a 2012 South Korean drama film directed by Lee Dong-eun. The film tells the story of two women, Jin-hee (played by Han Hye-jin) and So-hee (played by Uhm Ji-won), who cross paths and form a bond over the shared experience of motherhood. Jin-hee is a single mother who works long hours to support her young son. She struggles to balance her responsibilities at work with her duties at home, often leaving her son alone or relying on her elderly neighbor to look after him. So-hee, on the other hand, is a married stay-at-home mother who appears to have it all. However, she is plagued by feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, longing for a connection with someone who understands what she is going through.

When Jin-hee's son is injured in a car accident, she is forced to take time off work to care for him. Desperate for a way to provide for her family, she takes on odd jobs and eventually lands a position as a nanny for So-hee's young daughter. As the two women spend more time together, they begin to open up to each other and share their struggles and fears as mothers.

Despite their different backgrounds and lifestyles, Jin-hee and So-hee find common ground in their love for their children and their desire to be good mothers. They support each other through difficult times and offer advice and encouragement when needed. Through their friendship, they discover that it is okay to ask for help and that they are not alone in their struggles.

The film also touches on themes of social class, gender roles, and family dynamics. Jin-hee's status as a single mother and the challenges she faces in the workplace highlight the pervasive inequalities and systemic barriers that exist for women and marginalized communities. So-hee's desire to break free from traditional gender roles and find fulfillment outside of her role as a wife and mother speaks to the pressures and expectations placed on women in Korean society.

Mothers is a poignant and heartfelt portrayal of motherhood and female friendship. The performances by Han Hye-jin and Uhm Ji-won are both nuanced and powerful, portraying complex and relatable characters. The film's understated direction and subdued tone allow for the emotional weight of the story to shine through, making for a deeply affecting viewing experience. Ultimately, Mothers reminds us of the universal nature of motherhood and the importance of supporting and lifting up other women in our communities.

Mothers is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.