Cast
View All
Choi Seung-yoon
as So-young
Ethan Hwang
as Dong-hyun
Dohyun Noel Hwang
as Child Dong-hyun
Anthony Shim
as Simon
Hunter Dillon
as Harry
Jerina Son
as Mi-sun
Kang In-sung
as Won-shik / In-shik
Choi Jong-ryul
as Grandpa
Lee Yong-nyeo
as Grandma
Vanessa Przada
as Ashley
Tristan Ranger
as Jackson
Aiden Finn
as Eggers
Kendra Anderson
as Miss Jane
Ryan Robbins
as Mr. Murray
Eric Keenleyside
as Principal Lafferty
Crew
Director
- Anthony Shim
Writer
- Anthony Shim
Producer
- Rebecca Steele
- Anthony Shim
- Bryan Demore
Reviews
badelf
A rather creative, heart-warming coming-of-age film.
Nov 18, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Riceboy Sleeps examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anthony Shim brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Riceboy Sleeps took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Riceboy Sleeps shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Riceboy Sleeps subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like American Beauty and Dancer in the Dark explore similar territory, Riceboy Sleeps stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 17, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 57m
