Reunification

Watch Reunification

"Confronting the delicate images of a once intact family."
  • 2015
  • 1 hr 25 min
  • 8.7  (47)

Reunification is a documentary film released in 2015 that explores the impact of the separation of families during the Korean War. The film is directed by Alvin Tsang and stars Kelvin Hung, Annie Chan Leung, and David Leung. The movie starts with Tsang's voiceover, saying how he felt a certain kindness of strangers during his upbringing in a Chinese-American family in America. He introduces his family and then tells the story of how his family moved into some housing projects after the riot in Los Angeles in 1992. At that time, Tsang's mother told him that the family would move again as they always did. Tsang then wonders why he can never feel at home in one place or another.

The film then shifts to the story of Tsang's parents and his separation from his father during the Korean War. The film narrates the struggles of the family during this time and how they were forced to move to Hong Kong. Tsang interviews his mother, father, and aunt and listens to their accounts of their experiences during the war. He also documents his travels to different places trying to piece together his family's history.

Reunification delves into history and personal stories to highlight the effect of the Korean War on Korean families, and Tsang's representation of the personal experience of war is found in the talking heads.

The movie engages viewers in the issues of memory, home, and identity, especially those of immigrants and those of children of immigrants. Tsang's exploration of his family's story reveals the themes of cultural dislocation and loss of identity that many immigrants faced.

Tsang's approach is an immersive attempt to capture not only his family's history but also his mother's experiences and emotions. The journey is heartfelt and emotional, and it is easy for viewers to empathize with his family's struggles.

The documentary also explores how the existence of the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) has perpetuated the separation of families until the present day. Many separated relatives never have the chance to reunite, as the current political situation does not seem to allow for it. Therefore, the film carries an important message for those affected by the separation and those keen on bringing about reunification on the Korea peninsula.

Furthermore, the movie sheds light on the intricacies of the relationships between family members separated by war. Tsang tries to rediscover his father and to trace the paths that his family took, while also trying to reconcile with his mother's mistakes and what she didn't tell her children.

The film has a unique composition that ties the past and present seamlessly, and the moving images of the abandoned towns and villages in the Korean peninsula left by the DMZ, highlight that the region has never really healed from the scars from the war.

In conclusion, Reunification is a heart-wrenching documentary that unravels the experience of Korean families during and after the Korean War, particularly the challenges that arise from separation. The film is a powerful portrayal of the complexities of the memories, identities, and emotions that war can introduce into family relationships. By addressing an important and underrepresented issue, Tsang's Reunification leaves an impression that seems to resonate with audiences long after they've left the theater.

Reunification is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.7.

Description
Where to Watch Reunification
Reunification is available to watch free on Tubi TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Prime Video, FuboTV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Reunification for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2015
  • Runtime
    1 hr 25 min
  • IMDB Rating
    8.7  (47)