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Nuclear Family
8.0

Nuclear Family (2013)

Aug 19, 2013 16m Drama

Eun-Seo who came to US misses her father back in Korea. In her dream, her father teaches her how to pray in order to overcome fear. As her mother, Seo-Hyun, hears that Eun-Seo doesn’t get along well with her classmates, she decides to throw her American Birthday Party. Seo-Hyun makes Eun-Seo invite her friends but the invitation card that Seo-Hyun made for her is too childish so her friends make fun of her. Embarrassed, Eun-Seo rebels against her mother but she is too weak to win over her mother. In strained atmosphere, they stop at the gas station where Eun-Seo hears the bad news to her father...

Directed by Kwon Bong-keun

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kwon Bong-keun

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Nuclear Family 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 Kwon Bong-keun 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 2013, 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 Nuclear Family took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 16 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 76 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2013, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Skinned, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Nuclear Family subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Breakthrough and Antoine and Colette explore similar territory, Nuclear Family 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: August 19, 2013
  • Runtime: 16m

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