Columbus by Kogonada
Columbus is an American film directed by a famous South Korean director Kogonada. It was beautifully shot at Columbus, Indiana, a town well known for its modernist architecture. It is a story about finding your way in life and learning to cherish what you have.
Two main characters – unlikely friends, Casey and Jin, meet by chance. Casey is a local girl who works in a library and takes care of her mother, a recovering addict. Jin is a son of a famous Korean architect. He is in Columbus as his father, a lecturer at the local university, is in coma and gravely ill. As their friendship progresses, their stories are unfolding, and we are learning more about them and their inner demons.
Casey is quite lonely, without real friends, and her whole life revolves around her mother. She deeply cares for her and is living in fear that she will relapse. Casey loves and appreciates architecture. She knows everything about every relevant building in Columbus, and dreams of becoming an architect herself. On the other hand, Jin feels a resentment towards his father. He is here on business, to do his duty. He also shows no interest in architecture or his father’s work, as he feels that his father cares more about architecture than him. By listening to each other, they are becoming more able to see and understand themselves too.
Casey realises that her mother is lying to her and has possibly relapsed. She is finally able to see that she can’t be her mother’s keeper and must set herself free. With Jin’s help, she starts her new life by going to university and studying to become an architect. Jin is eventually able to find understanding and love for his father and stays in Columbus to care for him.
Film has a strong artistic presence, with gentle, evolving story, and beautifully shot scenes in the parks and interiors of Columbus. Genuine and fresh in its honesty and relevance, this film is a rare treat.
Marijana
Format
Streamed Films
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