Backdrop preview Passing over the Hill backdrop
Passing over the Hill

Passing over the Hill (2018)

Jul 02, 2018 24m Drama

After the premature death of her son, Jung-sook learns to read and write by transcribing her late son's anthology, Passing Over the Hill. In search of her son's remnants, Jung-sook visits his university in Seoul and encounters the people who remember him. She wants to find her son's hill.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Bang Sung-jun

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Bang Sung-jun
Writer
  • Bang Sung-jun

Reviews

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

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Passing over the Hill 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 Bang Sung-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 2018, 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 Passing over the Hill took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 24 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 74 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The costume department created over 144 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Yasuko, Songs of Days Past, which focuses more on action than character development, Passing over the Hill offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Romance Of Robert Burns and Love in Thoughts explore similar territory, Passing over the Hill stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: July 2, 2018
  • Runtime: 24m