Little Forest (2018) : Movie Review
- DHRUVI GOHIL
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Little Forest (2018) is a Korean slice-of-life film directed by Yim Soon-rye, based on the Japanese manga by Daisuke Igarashi. It follows the story of Hye-won, a young woman who leaves behind the stress of city life to return to her rural hometown in search of peace and purpose.
Plot Summary:
Hye-won, a young woman in her twenties, returns to her rural hometown in the Korean countryside after becoming disillusioned with life in Seoul. Tired of struggling with her career, exams, and relationships, she seeks comfort in the quiet village where she grew up with her mother.
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But when she arrives, her mother is gone—she left a note and disappeared without saying where or why. This absence weighs heavily on Hye-won, but instead of going after her or returning to the city, she decides to stay in the village temporarily.
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Over the course of four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn, Hye-won begins to reconnect with:
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-Nature, by growing her own food and working the land,
-Her past, through memories of her mother and their bond over food,
-And her old friends, including the cheerful and kind Jae-ha, who also left city life behind, and the candid, talkative Eun-sook, who dreams of a different future.
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Throughout the seasons, Hye-won cooks traditional Korean meals using local ingredients—dishes that remind her of her mother’s love and lessons. Each dish ties to a personal memory or an emotional turning point, helping her heal from disappointments, loneliness, and confusion about her identity.
As time passes, she slowly learns that “ordinary” doesn’t mean boring, and that happiness can be found in quiet routines, seasonal change, and meaningful connections.
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Performance:
The performances in Little Forest (2018) are subtle yet deeply moving. Kim Tae-ri, as Hye-won, delivers a beautifully understated portrayal of a woman seeking peace and identity. Her quiet expressions, body language, and emotional depth make her journey feel authentic and relatable. Ryu Jun-yeol as Jae-ha brings warmth and calm to the screen, perfectly matching the film’s tone, while Jin Ki-joo as Eun-sook adds energy and contrast with her lively, outspoken personality. Even the dog, Fivo, feels like part of the emotional landscape. Together, the cast creates a natural and comforting atmosphere that draws the viewer into the rhythms of rural life.
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Themes:
1 . Healing Through Nature
Hye-won finds peace by returning to the countryside, reconnecting with nature and herself.
2. Food as Love and Memory
Cooking traditional meals helps her process emotions and remember her mother.
3. Escape from Modern Pressure
The quiet village life contrasts with the stress and competition of city living.
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4. Letting Go
She learns to accept unanswered questions—especially about her missing mother—and moves forward.
5. Friendship over Romance
The story focuses on emotional support from friends, not romantic love.
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6. Seasons Reflect Life
Each season mirrors her growth: winter for rest, spring for renewal, and so on.
One especially touching scene is when she makes sujebi (hand-torn noodle soup), recalling how her mother used to comfort her with food. These scenes are both visually soothing and emotionally powerful, making them the heart of the film.
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Little Forest is a beautifully tranquil film—an emotional balm, really—that lets you sink into the sensory pleasure of seasonal rituals and simple living. Through its use of food and seasons, it gently explores identity, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings. Kim Tae‑ri’s understated performance and the lush cinematography make it a standout for anyone craving cinematic calm and heartfelt minimalism.
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