Closer to Heaven (2009 Film)

Closer to Heaven (Korean: 내 사랑 내 곁에; RR: Nae Sarang Nae Gyeote) is a 2009 South Korean romantic drama film directed by Park Jin-Pyo. The film explores the emotional bond between Jong-Woo, a man living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Ji-Soo, a funeral home coordinator who encounters death in her daily professional life.

Production

The film was directed by Park Jin-Pyo, who previously explored themes of illness and romance in his 2005 film You Are My Sunshine. Principal photography for Closer to Heaven took place between February 10 and May 25, 2009. The role of Jong-Woo was initially offered to Kwon Sang-Woo, who eventually withdrew from the project; actor Kim Myung-Min was subsequently cast in the lead role. To authentically portray the physical progression of ALS, Kim Myung-Min reportedly lost 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) during the production process.

Reception

Closer to Heaven was released in South Korea on September 24, 2009. The film performed strongly at the domestic box office, opening at number one during the weekend of September 25–27, 2009, with 292,379 tickets sold across 546 screens. Throughout its theatrical run, the film recorded a total of 2,146,243 admissions and maintained a position in the weekend top ten for four consecutive weeks.

Awards

The performances in the film were recognized at major South Korean film ceremonies in 2009. At the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards, both Kim Myung-Min and Ha Ji-Won received awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Kim Myung-Min also received the Best Actor award and a Popularity Award at the 46th Daejong Film Awards.