Cast
View AllJeon Do-yeon
as Na-young / Young Yeon-soon
Park Hae-il
as Jin-kook
Goh Doo-shim
as Yeon-soon
Park Myung-shin
as Bathhouse Owner
Shin Dong-hwan
as New Postman
Kim Choo-wol
as BBQ Restaurant Owner
Lee Sun-kyun
as Do-hyeon
Yoon Ga-hyun
as Diver 2
Lee Sung-min
as Fruit Store Owner
Lee Han-wi
as Jo Young-ho
Crew
Director
- Park Heung-sik
Writer
- Park Heung-sik
- Song Hye-jin
Producer
- Chin Hee-moon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
My Mother the Mermaid represents a fascinating example of Romance/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Park Heung-sik 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of My Mother the Mermaid took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1273 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While My Mother the Mermaid shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike My Heart Puppy, which focuses more on action than character development, My Mother the Mermaid subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like After Love and The Art of Seduction explore similar territory, My Mother the Mermaid 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: June 30, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 50m
Where to Watch

