Resilience

Tammy Chu's emotionally involving documentary centers on a mother in South Korea and a son in South Dakota. A father of two, Brent (born Sungwook) grew up with adoptive parents. Although his birth mother, Myungja, would eventually also have a daughter, she yearns to reconnect with Brent. Thirty years before, her husband gambled the family's money away, and while she went to look for work, he gave the boy up for adoption. Brent, who enjoyed a happy childhood in the U.S., also longs to see Myungja, tracking her down after five years, and ultimately traveling to meet her on the Korean show Beautiful Forgiveness, since he couldn't otherwise afford the trip. Mother and son bond during their brief time together, despite the language and cultural differences. On a follow-up trip two years later, Brent brings his wife and daughters, but not everything goes as smoothly. Brent finds Myungja—who's been working extra hours to treat him like a king—both generous and demanding, and he meets the aunt who helped to arrange for his adoption, making for a tense encounter. Two more years pass, and his relationships with his wife and adoptive parents have suffered, so he returns to Korea, since he's been having trouble finding a job. Unfortunately, his visit is cut short by illness at home. Although the narrative feels unfinished, Chu's central theme of dislocation comes through, as we sense that Brent may never feel completely at home in South Dakota or South Korea. Recommended. Aud: C. P. (K. Fennessy)