Nina Naena (2019 Film)

Nina Naena (Korean: 니나 내나) is a 2019 South Korean family drama film written and directed by Lee Dong-Eun. The film explores the complex dynamics of a fractured family and the emotional journey of three siblings as they confront their past.

Promotional poster for the film Nina Naena

Plot

The story centers on three siblings: Mi-Jung, Kyung-Hwan, and Jae-Yoon. Their mother abandoned them years prior, leaving the eldest, Mi-Jung, to take on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings. As adults, the three lead separate lives: Mi-Jung works at a wedding hall while raising her middle-school-aged daughter; Kyung-Hwan operates a photography studio and cares for their father, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease; and Jae-Yoon maintains a distant relationship with the rest of the family. The siblings' lives are disrupted when they receive a mysterious postcard from their long-absent mother, prompting them to embark on a journey together to find her.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast portraying the central family members and their associates:

Jang Hye-Jin as Mi-Jung
Tae In-Ho as Kyung-Hwan
Lee Ga-Sub as Jae-Yoon
Kim Jin-Young as Gyu-Rim
Lee Hyo-Je as Hyun-Joong
Cha Mi-Kyung as Kyung-Sook
Baek Ji-Won as Mi-Jung's senior
Lee Sang-Hee as Sang-Hee

Production and Release

Nina Naena was directed by Lee Dong-Eun, who also wrote the screenplay. The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival on October 4, 2019, and was subsequently released in South Korean theaters on October 30, 2019. The film has a runtime of 101 minutes.