Directed by Lee Joon-ik, Sunset in My Hometown is a heartfelt South Korean drama that explores themes of reconciliation, self-discovery, and the bonds of home. The story follows Hak-soo (Park Jung-min), a struggling rapper whose dreams of stardom seem perpetually out of reach. Known for his blunt personality and quick wit in freestyle battles, Hak-soo faces a sudden turning point when he is summoned back to his rural hometown of Byeonsan, a place he vowed never to return.
His estranged father’s illness forces Hak-soo to confront buried emotions and unresolved conflicts, both with his father and his old classmates. Among them is Sun-mi (Kim Go-eun), a childhood friend who helps him navigate the complexities of his past. As Hak-soo grapples with his failures and rekindles lost connections, the film weaves a poignant narrative infused with humor, raw emotion, and vibrant rap performances.
Set against the backdrop of Korea’s picturesque countryside, Sunset in My Hometown captures the bittersweet journey of coming home and finding oneself. With stellar performances and an engaging soundtrack, the film strikes a perfect balance between laughter and tears, leaving audiences with a resonant, uplifting message about identity and belonging.
Sunset in My Hometown (2018-07-04) Review
Sunset in My Hometown, directed by Lee Joon-ik, delivers a poignant tale of family, regret, and self-discovery. The story follows Hak-soo (Park Jung-min), an aspiring but struggling rapper in Seoul, who is reluctantly drawn back to his small hometown of Byeonsan upon learning of his estranged father’s illness. What begins as a reluctant visit soon unfolds into a heartfelt exploration of Hak-soo’s past, the wounds he left behind, and the relationships he once dismissed.
Park Jung-min shines as Hak-soo, portraying his character with vulnerability and charm. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance raw emotional depth with moments of humor, particularly through Hak-soo’s interactions with old friends and acquaintances. The small-town backdrop is beautifully shot, offering a reflective contrast to Hak-soo’s fast-paced city life.
While the narrative occasionally leans on familiar tropes, its sincerity and authentic character arcs keep it engaging. The rap sequences add a unique layer to the story, showcasing not just Hak-soo’s talent but also his inner turmoil.
Sunset in My Hometown is a touching reminder of the importance of confronting one’s past and finding solace in human connections. It’s a simple yet deeply resonant film that lingers long after the credits roll.
Sunset in My Hometown (2018-07-04) Trailer
Sunset in My Hometown (2018-07-04) Details
Move Name: Sunset
Duration: 123min
IMDB_Rating: 6.7
Genre: Drama
Director: Eung-bok
Cast: ParkJung-Min
Production: StudioN
Language: Korean
Singer Name: KimDong-Ryul
Budget: Unknown
Release Date: 04/07/2018
Sunset in My Hometown (2018-07-04) Screenshot
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