A Lonely Island at the Distant Sea
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Kinoteka 2
Kinoteka 2
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Film description
Yuncheol, a former sculptor working as an interior constructor, has long buried his creative ambitions under the weight of daily life. When his daughter, once set on following an artistic path, abruptly changes her direction, it stirs something deep within him – a reflection of the choices he never dared to make. As Yuncheol contemplates his lost potential, he meets Youngji, a humanities lecturer who reignites a glimmer of hope in him. But just as Yuncheol opens himself to this new beginning, life reminds him of its fragility and unpredictability, forcing him to confront the unresolved emotions he has long kept at bay.
Regret, emotional distance, and the fragile balance between ambition and inner peace are just some of the themes explored in Kim Mi-young’s film. Set against the tranquil beauty of coastal towns and Buddhist temples, the movie presents a contemplative space, inviting reflection on human connections, regrets, and the elusive pursuit of fulfillment in a world driven by external measures of success. A Lonely Island in the Distant Sea is an emotional journey that speaks to anyone who has ever questioned the path they’ve taken, and the inner peace they seek.
Kim Mi-young
South Korean screenwriter and director, Kim Mi-yeong graduated with a degree in Korean literature from Sookmyung Women’s University and later pursued film studies at the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), one of the country's most prestigious film institutions. Her film A Lonely Island in the Distant Sea gained critical acclaim, winning an award at the Busan International Film Festival and establishing her as a member of a new wave of South Korean filmmakers who prioritize intimate, character-driven narratives.
2015 Ireoseoneun Ingan / Upstanding Man
2018 Neoneun gyeolko seodulji malla / Never Ever Rush
2021 Na odległym morzu / Jeolhaegodo / A Lonely Island in the Distant Sea