In Another Country

In Another Country 2012

Directed by

Sang-soo Hong

Sang-soo Hong

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Plot Summary


The film follows Won-joo (played by Jung Yu-mi), a young film student, and her mother Park Sook (portrayed by Youn Yuh-jung), as they try to evade their creditors in the quaint seaside town of Mohang, located in Buan, North Jeolla. Feeling restless, Won-joo embarks on a creative journey to write a screenplay that will incorporate their current surroundings. Interestingly, she ends up drafting three different narratives, all rooted in the same foundational concept.

In each of these variations, the central character is a charismatic French visitor named Anne (played by Isabelle Huppert). In the first segment, Anne is a renowned filmmaker visiting a Korean director Jong-soo (played by Kwon Hae-hyo) and his heavily pregnant and envious wife Geum-hee (portrayed by Moon So-ri). The second narrative presents her as the spouse of a French motor company executive, arriving at the same guesthouse to rendezvous with her lover, a Korean filmmaker named Moon-soo (played by Moon Sung-keun). In the third tale, she is a divorced housewife arriving for some solace alongside her friend Park Soon (again featuring Youn Yuh-jung) after her husband leaves her for a younger Korean secretary.

Themes of infidelity weave through each storyline, alongside the presence of a brawny but somewhat dim lifeguard (played by Yoo Jun-sang), whom Anne encounters during her beach walks while searching for a mini-lighthouse in all three episodes.

As various Annes engage with the locals, including Won-joo, who works at Anne’s lodging and assists in guiding her around, certain expressions, scenarios, and pieces of dialogue reappear, each time transforming in their significance and intent depending on the context and manner in which they are delivered.

Timeline


Introduction of Won-joo and Park Sook

The film opens by introducing Won-joo, a young film student, and her mother, Park Sook. They are navigating the challenges of evading their creditors while residing in the picturesque seaside town of Mohang.

Mohang, Buan, North Jeolla

Won-joo's Creative Journey Begins

Feeling a sense of restlessness, Won-joo decides to embark on a creative journey. She begins drafting a screenplay that draws inspiration from her immediate environment and the experiences she encounters.

Mohang, Buan, North Jeolla

Creation of Three Narratives

As Won-joo channels her thoughts into writing, she develops three distinct narratives. Each of these stories is interconnected by a core theme and features a charismatic French visitor named Anne.

First Narrative Introduced: The Filmmaker

In the first story, Anne appears as a celebrated filmmaker, who visits a Korean director named Jong-soo. This narrative explores her interactions with Jong-soo and his envious, heavily pregnant wife, Geum-hee.

Guesthouse

Second Narrative: The Executive's Wife

The second narrative shifts focus to Anne as the wife of a French motor company executive. She arrives at the same guesthouse for a secret meeting with her lover, a Korean filmmaker named Moon-soo.

Guesthouse

Third Narrative: The Divorced Housewife

In the third storyline, Anne is portrayed as a divorced housewife seeking solace alongside her friend Park Soon. This segment delves into her struggles and emotional turmoil after her husband leaves her.

Guesthouse

Recurring Themes of Infidelity

A common thread of infidelity runs through all three narratives, reflecting the complexities of relationships. Each storyline explores different facets of love, betrayal, and the consequences that follow.

Introduction of the Brawny Lifeguard

Throughout her beach walks in each narrative, Anne encounters a brawny but somewhat dim lifeguard. His character adds a layer of intrigue and humor to the evolving stories.

Beach

Win-joo's Role as a Guide

In her interactions, Won-joo takes on the role of a guide for Anne, working at her lodging. This position allows her to connect with Anne while also observing the unfolding events of the narratives.

Guesthouse

Repetitive Expressions and Scenarios

As the narratives progress, certain expressions, scenarios, and dialogues are repeated. Each repetition reveals shifts in meaning and intent, highlighting the malleable nature of storytelling.

Exploration of Local Life

Anne's interactions with the locals, including Won-joo, paint a vivid picture of life in Mohang. This highlights the community's impact on the narrative and denser emotional undertones.

Mohang, Buan, North Jeolla

Final Confrontation with Personal Issues

As the three narratives come to a close, the characters confront their personal issues and complex emotions. The culmination of these stories provides a reflective insight into their lives and choices.

Closure of Won-joo's Journey

In the end, Won-joo’s creative journey culminates with her reflections on the narratives she has crafted. This marks a poignant closure to her struggles and a realization of her artistic vision.

Characters


Won-joo

Won-joo is a young and ambitious film student striving to express her thoughts through creative writing. She's shown to be resourceful and determined as she seeks to channel her experiences into her screenplay. Her interactions with others highlight her growth and the influence of her surroundings.

🎓 Student ✍️ Aspiring Writer

Anne

Anne is a charismatic French visitor whose various incarnations embody different aspects of love and infidelity. Through her encounters, she reflects a complex interplay of desire and emotional conflicts. Each narrative she is part of reveals her multifaceted personality and the varying nuances of her relationships.

🌍 Visitor 💃 Charismatic

Park Sook

Park Sook is Won-joo's mother, navigating the challenges of their financial troubles with grace and resilience. Her presence provides a sense of grounding amidst the film's explorative narratives. She also serves as a mentor and confidante for Won-joo, influencing her perspective in the creative process.

👩‍👧 Family 💪 Resilient

Setting


Location

Mohang, Buan, North Jeolla

Mohang is a charming seaside town located in Buan, North Jeolla, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere. The coastal setting provides a peaceful backdrop for introspection and creativity, making it an ideal location for Won-joo's screenplay writing journey. The town's close-knit community adds depth to the interactions between characters.

🏖️ Seaside 🏡 Quaint

Themes


💔

Infidelity

Infidelity is a central theme throughout the film, explored through various narratives involving the character Anne. Each story reflects different facets of relationships and the emotional turmoil that arises from betrayal and longing. The theme is intricately woven into the lives of other characters, impacting their choices and interactions.

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