Pachinko

Watch Pachinko

  • TV-MA
  • 2022
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.3  (12,585)

Pachinko is a powerful and heart-wrenching drama that follows the lives of four generations of a Korean family in Japan. Based on the acclaimed novel by Min Jin Lee, the Apple TV+ series chronicles the struggles and triumphs of a family caught between two worlds, grappling with discrimination, identity, and the search for belonging.

The show opens in the early 20th century with Sunja, a young woman living in a small fishing village in Korea. When she becomes pregnant out of wedlock, she is forced to leave her home and travel to Japan with a kind but mysterious man named Koh Hansu. As she tries to navigate life in a new country where Koreans are treated as second-class citizens, Sunja must also come to terms with the truth about Hansu and the secret life he leads.

From there, the story branches out to follow the lives of Sunja's children and grandchildren, each grappling with their own unique challenges and struggles. There's Noa, her son with Hansu, who feels lost between his Korean heritage and Japanese upbringing. There's Mozasu, her adopted son, who must navigate a society where his dark skin and Korean features make him an outsider. And there's the girls of the family - Sunja's daughter-in-law, Kyunghee, and her granddaughters, Yumi and Sunny - who must learn to balance tradition and modernity as they make their way in the world.

Throughout the series, Pachinko explores themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels cold and unwelcoming. The show is anchored by a powerful ensemble cast, including Youn Yuh-jung as Sunja, Lee Min-ho as Hansu, Kim Min-ha as Yumi, and Jin Ha as Solomon, a Korean-American preacher who becomes involved with the family later in the series.

One of the most striking aspects of Pachinko is its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. From the costumes and sets to the language and customs, the series captures the nuances of life in Japan and Korea over several decades. This attention to detail is especially evident in the scenes set in the pachinko parlors, where the whirring of the machines and the sound of the steel balls bouncing off the pins create a vivid sensory experience.

But while Pachinko is a visually stunning and meticulously crafted series, it's ultimately the characters and their stories that make it so compelling. Whether it's Sunja's quiet strength, Hansu's tortured past, or the resilience of the younger generations, each character is imbued with a depth and complexity that draws the viewer in.

At its heart, Pachinko is a story about the enduring power of family and the ways in which our pasts shape our present and future. It's a poignant and timely exploration of the immigrant experience, one that will resonate with audiences around the world.

Pachinko is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between March 25, 2022 and on Apple TV+

Pachinko
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Seasons
Chapter Sixteen
8. Chapter Sixteen
October 11, 2024
Season finale. Noa uncovers a devastating truth. Solomon learns of an old enemy’s fate. Sunja must decide between her past and her future.
Chapter Fifteen
7. Chapter Fifteen
October 4, 2024
Mr. Kim faces a difficult choice: the woman he loves or his homeland. Both Solomon and Mozasu execute ruthless plans.
Chapter Fourteen
6. Chapter Fourteen
September 27, 2024
Five years after the war has ended, Hansu is at the top of the criminal underworld—but his riches come at a great price.
Chapter Thirteen
5. Chapter Thirteen
September 20, 2024
The family's fight for survival begins anew as WWII reaches the home front. A surprise figure thwarts Solomon's perfect plan.
Chapter Twelve
4. Chapter Twelve
September 13, 2024
As new relationships blossom, a tragedy threatens to destroy everything. Sunja meets a close friend of Solomon's.
Chapter Eleven
3. Chapter Eleven
September 6, 2024
Sunja and the children flee Osaka only to find their new location has its own challenges. Solomon's past leads him to new beginnings.
Chapter Ten
2. Chapter Ten
August 30, 2024
The family reunites with a loved one and confronts a harsh reality. Solomon makes a discovery that could prove beneficial.
Chapter Nine
1. Chapter Nine
August 23, 2024
World War II forces Sunja to make dangerous decisions for her family's survival. Pushed to the edge, Solomon takes a stand.
Description
Where to Watch Pachinko
Pachinko is available for streaming on the Apple TV+ website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Pachinko on demand at Apple TV+.
  • Premiere Date
    March 25, 2022
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (12,585)