Directed by Ka Sung-moon and starring Kim Sun-young and Lee Yun-ji, "Dream Palace" takes viewers on an emotional journey as it delves into the life of Hye-jung (Kim Sun-young), a woman who tragically loses her husband in an industrial accident. Determined to start anew with her son Dong-wook (Choi Min-young), she invests the compensation received from her husband's former employer into a new apartment named Dream Palace.
However, this seemingly fresh start comes with its challenges. Set in an awkwardly new suburb, the family feels out of place in the tall apartment building. Hye-jung's daily struggles include dealing with rusted water pipes that discolor the water, forcing her to endure inconveniences like washing her hair with drinking water. Her son Dong-wook remains indifferent towards her, believing that she betrayed the group of bereaved families who continue to protest against the company responsible for the accident. Despite the exhaustion and isolation she experiences, Hye-jung refuses to give up.
Determined to find answers, Hye-jung visits the apartment's office, but her attempts to seek resolution prove futile. Her past of fighting against societal injustices continues to haunt her even in her new home. Joining a group of tenants for support, she faces further challenges that leave her feeling like a betrayer.
Kim Sun-young's powerful and multi-dimensional performance immerses the audience in Hye-jung's gripping story. The character oscillates between moments of egocentrism, fiercely protecting her new home, and acts of compassion when she encounters Soo-in (Lee Yoon-ji), who is engaged in her own sit-in protest over her husband's death. Hye-jung persuades Soo-in to move into Dream Palace, showcasing the complexities of human connections in the face of adversity.
"Dream Palace" not only delves into Hye-jung's personal struggle and isolation but also touches upon various societal issues that plague modern society, such as the lack of measures to address industrial accidents, unsold new house inventories, and conflicts between regular employees and subcontracted workers.
In an interview, Kim Sun-young revealed her initial hesitation in taking on the role of Hye-jung, concerned about how the film might be perceived by those who are still fighting for their rights. However, she emphasized that the movie is a portrayal of ordinary people seeking to live their lives like anyone else, devoid of any grand political statement.
Directed by rookie filmmaker Ka Sung-moon, "Dream Palace" stands out for its focus on two female protagonists leading the narrative, a rare occurrence in the local cinema. The film, while not offering a bright and cheerful conclusion, captivates with its portrayal of resilience, compromise, and the struggles faced by women in their mid-life.
Kim Sun-young's exceptional performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Asian Film Festival, cementing "Dream Palace" as a thought-provoking and impactful cinematic experience. As Kim Sun-young rightly points out, there is a need for more films that tell the stories of mid-aged women, showcasing their humanity and experiences just like any other human being.
In "Dream Palace," the audience witnesses the poignant tale of Hye-jung, a woman striving for a new beginning amidst life's challenges, making the film a compelling watch for its touching portrayal of resilience and the pursuit of an ordinary life.
Dream Palace (2023) - info
- Release date: 31 May 2023
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Sungmoon Ka
- Writer: Sungmoon Ka
- Stars: Minyeong Choi, Oh Ja-hun, Dae-yeon Lee