Areum Married

Areum Married is a poignant drama that delves into the complexities of marriage, parenthood, and identity. At its core, the film is a nuanced exploration of how societal expectations and individual passions can collide, threatening to derail relationships and aspirations. The story begins with Areum, a talented and driven documentary filmmaker, as she prepares to embark on a journey to France to study. Her path crosses with Seongman, a passionate chef and progressive party activist, and the two form a connection that blossoms into a romance. Despite the cultural and language barriers that exist between them, the couple sees a way forward and gets married. The newlywed couple's life takes an exciting turn as Areum takes Seongman with her to France, where she had been preparing to pursue her dreams of higher education. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the reality of Seongman's life in France is far from the romanticized notion of a 'cultural exchange.' Not knowing the language and being unable to read, Seongman finds himself isolated and confined to domestic duties. The emotional toll of this isolation mounts, and Seongman succumbs to depression. Areum, who had taken on most of the financial and administrative responsibilities of their life in France, feels guilty and concerned for her husband's well-being. In an effort to help Seongman recover from his depression and find a sense of purpose, Areum suggests they launch "Oegil Restaurant," a project where they cook and serve meals to a limited number of guests on specific days. The idea is to give Seongman a creative outlet and a chance to reconnect with his passion for cooking. For a while, the restaurant becomes a beacon of hope for the couple, a place where they can channel their love for each other and their craft into something meaningful. However, as Areum becomes more focused on her studies and filmmaking aspirations, the dynamics of their relationship begin to shift. Seongman is left to care for their newborn baby alone, and the stress of parenting, combined with the emotional burden of his depression, starts to take its toll. The once peaceful atmosphere of their home is now marred by frequent aggressive fights between the couple. Seongman, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, declares a strike, refusing to participate in household responsibilities or care for their child. The strike serves as a turning point in the film, highlighting the deep-seated issues that have been simmering beneath the surface of their relationship. Areum is forced to confront the consequences of her priorities and the impact they have had on her marriage and Seongman's well-being. She begins to question whether her pursuit of success and artistic expression is worth compromising the love and connection she shares with her partner. Throughout the film, director Kim Tae-yong weaves a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, asking difficult questions about identity, responsibility, and the challenges of balancing personal ambitions with relationship expectations. The lead performances by Go Soo-jung and Sehun Kim are nuanced and engaging, bringing depth and complexity to the characters of Areum and Seongman. Ultimately, are 'Areum Married' able to find a way to juggle her marriage and film aspirations? The film's conclusion is bittersweet, leaving the audience with a sense of uncertainty and unease. Will Areum and Seongman be able to repair their relationship, or will the strain of their differences prove too great to overcome? The beauty of the film lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, instead presenting a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human experience.