Mother (2009 South Korean Film)

Mother (Korean: 마더; RR: Madeo) is a 2009 South Korean mystery drama film directed by Bong Joon-ho. The screenplay was written by Bong Joon-ho and Park Eun-kyo, with the lead role specifically crafted for veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, whose character shares her name.

Plot

The narrative centers on Hye-ja, a widowed mother who lives with her 28-year-old son, Do-jun. Do-jun exhibits significant intellectual disabilities and eccentric behaviors. After a local high school girl is found murdered, police discover a golf ball inscribed with Do-jun's name at the crime scene. Despite the lack of substantial evidence, Do-jun is arrested for the murder. When his legal counsel suggests a plea bargain, Hye-ja rejects the proposal and begins an independent investigation to prove her son's innocence.

Production and Release

The film was produced by Barunson Film Division and distributed by CJ Entertainment. During its production phase, the project secured international distribution rights, including agreements with Diaphana Films for France and Bitters End for Japan. The film held its world premiere at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2009, and was released theatrically in South Korea on May 28, 2009.

Reception and Impact

Mother achieved commercial success in South Korea, opening at number one at the box office with 808,898 tickets sold during its opening weekend. Throughout its theatrical run, the film sold approximately 3 million tickets, grossing 19.9 billion KRW, and remained in the top ten for six consecutive weeks. In 2010, the film was selected as South Korea's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 82nd Academy Awards.

North American distribution rights were acquired by Magnolia Pictures in August 2009, with the film opening in the region on October 31, 2009. A black-and-white version of the film was later screened at the 2014 Busan International Film Festival.