My Name Is Loh Kiwan

My Name Is Loh Kiwan, directed by Kang Je-gyu, is a poignant drama that tells the story of Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector who embarks on a perilous journey to a new life in Europe. The film follows Loh Kiwan as he navigates the complexities of the refugee system in Belgium, where he encounters a dejected woman who is struggling to come to terms with her own circumstances. Loh Kiwan, played by Lee Sung-yeol, is a young North Korean man who has been forced to flee his homeland due to the brutal regime's oppressive policies. He has risked everything to escape the watchful eyes of the authorities and make his way to Belgium, a country he hopes will offer him refuge and a chance to start anew. Upon arriving in Belgium, Loh Kiwan is met with a bewildering array of obstacles that threaten to derail his plans. The refugee system is slow and bureaucratic, and Loh Kiwan finds himself stuck in limbo, unsure of when or if he will be granted asylum. As he attempts to navigate the complex paperwork and administrative processes, he grows increasingly frustrated and demoralized. It is during this time that Loh Kiwan meets a dejected woman named Anne, played by Veerle Baetens. Anne is a Belgian woman who has lost all hope after being repeatedly rejected for asylum by the authorities. Despite her own struggles, Anne is forced to care for her mentally ill mother, who is struggling with the pressures of poverty, neglect, and bureaucratic red tape. As Loh Kiwan and Anne interact, they form a tentative bond that slowly deepens into a deep and meaningful friendship. Loh Kiwan is drawn to Anne's resilience and determination, while Anne is inspired by Loh Kiwan's courage and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. Through their conversations, Loh Kiwan and Anne come to realize that they share a common bond as outcasts, each struggling to find their place in a society that seems to value nothing but efficiency and expediency. As the story unfolds, Loh Kiwan and Anne find themselves facing a series of challenges that test their resolve and their friendship. Despite the odds against them, they continue to support each other, providing a lifeline of hope and compassion in a world that seems to have lost sight of its humanity. One of the standout aspects of My Name Is Loh Kiwan is its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of the refugee experience. The film takes a thoughtful and introspective approach, eschewing sensationalism and melodrama in favor of a more measured and realistic exploration of the complexities and challenges that refugees face. At the same time, the film is never afraid to tackle difficult and uncomfortable themes, including the brutal regime in North Korea and the xenophobic tendencies of some European countries. The supporting cast in My Name Is Loh Kiwan is equally impressive, with a number of standout performances that add to the film's sense of authenticity and depth. Veerle Baetens, in particular, shines as Anne, bringing a sense of vulnerability and desperation to her portrayal. Her chemistry with Lee Sung-yeol is undeniable, and their on-screen relationship is warm, authentic, and deeply moving. Throughout the film, director Kang Je-gyu employs a subtle and understated approach, preferring to emphasize the emotional over the explosive or melodramatic. The result is a film that is quietly powerful, one that lingers long after the credits have rolled. My Name Is Loh Kiwan is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope to be found.