When This Summer is Over: A Heartfelt Journey Through Childhood
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) — When This Summer is Over is a quietly powerful film that immerses viewers into the world of childhood—a realm often overlooked by adults. Directed by Jang Byung-ki, a rising star in the Korean independent film scene, this debut feature promises to resonate deeply with audiences.
The Premise: A Move into the Unknown
Ki-jun (played by Lee Jae-jun), a sixth-grade student, undergoes a drastic life change as he relocates with his mother (Ko Seo-hee) from the bustling streets of Seoul to a serene rural town in southern Korea. This move, motivated by a controversial educational strategy, aims to exploit a provincial residency requirement for elite college admissions, allowing urban parents to sidestep the fierce competition for top universities.
The plot thickens as Ki-jun grapples with feelings of resentment and isolation, lost in an unfamiliar town where he knows no one. Compounding his frustration, their planned apartment move-in faces delays due to local protests demanding more compensation for redevelopment. As a result, he and his mother are forced into a cramped, hastily arranged one-room unit, amplifying his discontent.
Image from Atnine Film
The Struggles of a New Beginning
On his first day at school, Ki-jun’s prized Adidas sneakers mysteriously disappear, with two brothers from a troubled family as prime suspects. Despite his mother’s advice to let it go, the incident sets the stage for a deeper exploration of social dynamics and childhood friendships.
Unexpected Friendships
Initially dismissive of Young-jun (played by Choi Woo-rok)—a boy known for lying and stealing—Ki-jun gradually finds common ground. Their bond deepens after Young-jun’s older brother, Young-moon (played by Choi Hyun-jin), steps in to defend Ki-jun after he is bullied by an older boy. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, Ki-jun is drawn into a world of petty theft, extortion, and rebellion.
The film beautifully illustrates the intoxicating thrill of youth, capturing Ki-jun’s desire to break free from the suffocating academic pressures of his former life in Seoul. In the process, he finds himself prioritizing friendships and the thrill of rebellion over his mother’s expectations.
Child Psychology and Adult Prejudice
When it comes to understanding children’s lives, the film shines. It poignantly captures the raw, honest interactions among the kids—unfiltered, abrasive, yet openhearted. In stark contrast, the adults struggle with their own closed-off ideologies.
A Mother’s Inner Conflict
Ki-jun’s mother, outwardly determined to secure a polished future for her son, faces her own moral dilemmas. Torn between her ideals and the harsh reality of societal prejudices, she joins local protests against the redevelopment plan, despite harboring opposing views. A particularly haunting line—“Do you think you’re like those kids?”—sheds light on her unspoken biases, impacting her relationship with Ki-jun.
A Masterful Directorial Debut
When This Summer is Over stands out not only for its compelling narrative but also for Jang Byung-ki’s nuanced direction. His adept storytelling and the exceptional performances of the young cast breathe life into the intricate relationships and struggles among the characters.
Minimalist Yet Impactful
The film opts for a minimalist score, allowing the audience to truly engage with the characters’ emotions and experiences without distraction. As the credits roll, the haunting sound of a motorcycle echoes, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of nostalgia—much like the summer they won’t soon forget.
When This Summer is Over is set to hit theaters on July 9th. This heartfelt exploration of childhood, societal expectations, and the poignant journey of growing up is a must-see.
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