Backdrop preview Cherry Tomato backdrop
Cherry Tomato

Cherry Tomato (2008)

May 28, 2008 1h 42m Drama

Park-Goo makes a living for himself and his granddaughter Da-Sung by collecting recyclables on the street. Their situation becomes worse when his son is released from prison and steals Park's savings, and his bicycle-drawn cart ― his only tool for making money ― is destroyed by construction workers. Park visits the house of the construction company's head, where he ends up trying to steal meat for his hungry granddaughter. But the meat, which was for the owner's dog, had been poisoned by the housekeeper, who doesn't like her boss.

Directed by Jeong Yeong-bae

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Jeong Yeong-bae

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Cherry Tomato 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 Jeong Yeong-bae 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 2008, 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 Cherry Tomato took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 420 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2008, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Changed, which focuses more on action than character development, Cherry Tomato offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Scrooged and Tapestry explore similar territory, Cherry Tomato 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: May 28, 2008
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

Similar Movies

Changed
Changed
2014
Scrooged
Scrooged
1988
6.8
Tapestry
Tapestry
2019
5.7