Broker

South Korean TV and film are here to stay. We've all noticed the success of shows such as Squid Game, or most relevantly, the success of South Korean cinema in the form of Parasite (2018) (you may have seen this film last term!) and the rising popularity of K-Dramas (Korean Dramas). Many popular South Korean films however, such as Parasite or even Oldboy (2003), are in many ways dark and depressing thrillers, but Broker (2023) is here to show us the warmth and sentiment that South Korean cinema can bring.

Broker follows Ha Sang-hyeon (portrayed excellently by Song Kang-Ho, the father in Parasite) and Dong-soo (Gang Dong-won), who volunteer at a local church and run an illegal business selling the babies that mothers leave at the church. Little do they know that they are being investigated by two police detectives, who are hot on their trail after young mother Moon So-young (portrayed by Korean singer IU) becomes involved.

Despite what this plot may sound like, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters etc.) is really able to make you feel for this strange family, who come to understand one another in the course of their journey. The story both captures the difficulty of issues such as adoption, and the heartfelt love of family. If you're a fan of K-Dramas or Korean films, or even Japanese films, be sure to check this one out!