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Castaway on the Moon
8.0

Castaway on the Moon (2009)

May 14, 2009 1h 59m Drama Comedy Romance

Mr. Kim is jobless, lost in debt and has been dumped by his girlfriend. He decides to end it all by jumping into the Han River - only to find himself washed up on a small, mid-river island. He soon abandons thoughts of suicide or rescue and begins a new life as a castaway. His antics catch the attention of a young woman whose apartment overlooks the river. Her discovery changes both their lives.

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Directed by Lee Hae-jun

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lee Hae-jun
Writer
  • Lee Hae-jun
Producer
  • Kang Woo-suk
  • Kim Moo-ryoung

Reviews

badelf
8/10

Whacky, hilarious, and heart-warming.

Sep 3, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Castaway on the Moon 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 Lee Hae-jun 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 2009, 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 Castaway on the Moon took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 223 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 46 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2009, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Castaway on the Moon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Cry of the Owl, which focuses more on action than character development, Castaway on the Moon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Bronson and Sinkhole explore similar territory, Castaway on the Moon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 14, 2009
  • Runtime: 1h 59m

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