Seoul: South Korean director Lee Ji-won, known for her impactful debut film "Miss Baek" in 2018, is making a return to the cinematic world with "Portrait of a Family," a family drama that explores the complexities of a fractured household brought together by crisis. This marks her return after an eight-year hiatus from the big screen.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Ji-won shared her motivations for the film during a press conference held at a Seoul theater. She expressed her desire to explore themes of unity and resilience, this time focusing on familial bonds rather than strangers, as depicted in her previous work. "In 'Miss Baek,' I portrayed the solidarity between a woman and a child abandoned by the world," Lee stated. "This time, I wanted to show a family uniting and overcoming difficulties together."
The film's narrative centers on Jung-gu, a former baseball star portrayed by Ryu Seung-ryong, and Nam-mi, a former top actress played by Ha Ji-won. Their seemingly idyllic marriage is disrupted by the sudden appearance of Jung-gu's extramarital daughter, Dong-ju, played by Kim Si-a. Eight years later, a shocking incident draws the estranged family back together as they strive to uncover the truth and protect Dong-ju.
The cast also includes Kim Sun-young as Ji-sook, Jung-gu's older sister; Kim Hae-sook as Gi-sik, the family matriarch determined to save her granddaughter; and Kim Young-min as Ji-sook's husband, Sung-myeong. Ryu Seung-ryong described his character as unpredictable and blunt, yet deeply devoted to his daughter, offering a new perspective on paternal love compared to his previous roles.
Ha Ji-won's return to the big screen after six years was a significant experience for her. She shared her excitement about the project, noting that she embraced the role of Nam-mi by shedding her usual habits as an actor. "I was so happy that time passed in the blink of an eye," she said.
Kim Si-a, who previously collaborated with Lee on "Miss Baek," expressed her enthusiasm for working with the director once again. Reflecting on her growth as an actress, she recalled the director's supportive approach. "Back then, I was young and had no acting experience, so the director explained everything from A to Z," Kim noted. "This time, we talked a lot, but even without being told everything in detail, we understood each other well."
"Portrait of a Family" is slated for release in theaters on September 2.