The first thing the movie makes clear Broker, written by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is that his characters are a bunch of losers. But not only because of their behavior, arguments, or the anxiety they have to deal with. Also for how they understand the bonds that unite them even in the most absurd of circumstances.
scenario Brokerwhich was also written by its director, this is a miracle of exceptional sensitivity. Much more, because at the end the film reflects on the decisions that are made and love in the midst of suffering. Also about the perception of good and evil, in the midst of a complex scenario that carefully analyzes the plot.
Of course, the plot of the film is not simple, and Hirokazu Kore-eda does not pretend to be. The opening shots are a cold portrait of a hostile world, and the director doesn’t try to hide the facets of this exploration of reality. Seo Yeon (singer Lee Ji Eun) is about to leave her newborn baby in one of the so-called “baby boxes”. This is a means to allow mothers in the character’s situation to do such an act discreetly.
Also assume that for better or for worse, the decision is yours. The camera follows the fragile silhouette of a woman and, along the way, sheds light on an element that will be repeated throughout the film. The world is a place to survive. So fierce and brutal that you’ll need help from time to time to counter it.
A painful story that starts from two different ends
One of the special moments Broker is that the whole argument avoids, as far as possible, judgment. Whether it’s what Seo Yeon does – an act of love or mercy, depending on the character playing him – or her amazing protectors. Sang Hyun (Song Kang Ho) and Dong Soo (Gang Dong Won) steal abandoned babies to sell.
But, according to both, they are an act of mercy. “Who buys a child if you don’t want to give him a wonderful life?” the first one thinks with painful rudeness. But in the end Broker it will return to the same point over and over again. What is good and evil in a world full of bad decisions and suffering?
The director goes further. So-young is more than just a mother who abandoned her son. This is a woman who takes a step back from a decision that she cannot afford. Brilliant decision of the director and screenwriter to refuse to turn the character into a martyr or a villain.
But it also includes the premise of all the little mistakes and pain that the simple fact of life causes. Broker this is a film about the perception of morality, but also about feelings. Between the two, discourse about the notion of why important unjustified decisions are made gravitates towards characters.
Searching for the meaning of life
Broker he is full of half-measures and nuances in the spiritual and philosophical questions he raises. Especially when Seo Yeon decides to accompany Sang Hyun and Dong Soo in search of a new home for their child. It is a crime? A senseless act? Desperate decision? AT brokenr everything seems to happen at the same time.
As the baby cries in its mother’s arms – a symbolic farewell – the two thieves contemplate the meaning of life. “We were born to find a home”insists Sang Hyun with a certain morbid philosophy. But at the same time, it makes it clear that this unlikely trio on a dubious journey goes much deeper than one might think. Also more human and empathetic than it seems at first glance.
As the journey begins in search of the perfect parents, this trio, wounded by the world in search of bitter hope, will find a moment of redemption. Undoubtedly one of the most elaborate and well-built points in Broker be it an exploration of the duality of human nature. Its nuances and obscurities. Light and darkness that dwell in every person who is capable of making a decision. What is good and what is evil in the midst of suffering?
Broker He does not answer such a question, but makes it clear that there are hundreds of possibilities for analysis to come to a conclusion. This painful adventure, sometimes emotional and sometimes violent, delves into the man and his mistakes.
But, unlike many other stories, he doesn’t want to point out or blame. He just wants to make it clear that life is full of unpredictable landscapes. From the cry of a baby to the astonished look of a person who has discovered the ability to do good in himself.
Source: Hiper Textual
