A highly anticipated film, which generated buzz by overwhelmingly leading advance ticket sales in the independent and art film category, is gaining a fervent response from audiences following its October 15 release.
'Home Behind Bars' starring Song Ji Hyo proved its quality by scoring a 9.33 rating on Naver Movies as of 4 PM on its opening day. The film topped the independent and art film category with a 32.1% reservation rate as of 3 PM on October 14, one day before its release , with tickets selling out. The film maintained its lead with a 30.8% at midnight on the premiere date, October 15, raising expectations for box office success.
'Home Behind Bars' tells the story that unfolds when Tae Jeo (played by Song Ji Hyo), a correctional officer for 15 years, hears the news that Mi Young's (an inmate under her charge) mother has passed. At the funeral, Tae Jeo encounters Mi Young's daughter Jun Young. That brief meeting brings an unexpected change to Tae Jeo's life. The connection between the three individuals develops into a heartwarming story that illuminates each other's lives. The film centers on the message, "All the choices you make come together to become who you are."
This film is drawing attention as the feature-length debut of director Cha Jung Yoon. Director Cha previously won the Jury Special Mention Award in the Korean Competition section at the 34th Busan International Short Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the 18th Seoul International Women's Film Festival for her first short film, 'Nagayo: ながよ' (2016). Subsequently, she received continuous attention from the film industry with consecutive awards at domestic film festivals for her short films 'We Need to Talk About Her' (2019) and 'Mourner' (2019).
Director Cha Jung Yoon, who has been recognized for her detailed direction in thoughtfully capturing the lives of those marginalized by society, realistically portrays the lives of uniformed civil servants, particularly correctional officers, and the families of inmates in this latest work. Within a narrative where strangers become a ray of sunshine for one another, she approaches social issues such as the lack of care and the nature of a good adult with a warm perspective, offering her own answers.
Her efforts have borne fruit, with the film being invited to the Korean Cinema section of the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival this year, and winning the Cineteca Nacional Mexico Distribution Support Award amidst fervent praise from audiences and critics. Even before its release, it generated positive word-of-mouth following the press and VIP previews on September 26, receiving comments like, "Emotional lines that connect sufficiently without exaggerated persuasion," and "Gently, touch the heart."
The film focuses on ordinary people on the margins of society, centered on the connection between Tae Jeo, the correctional officer, Jun Young, the inmate's child, and Mi Young, the inmate. Director Cha Jung Yoon chose to focus on the change in emotions rather than sensational narratives, without sugar-coating the crimes of the inmates.
The actors' performances are also a key factor in enhancing the film's completeness. Song Ji Hyo, in her return to the big screen after about five years, presents a new side of herself with a profound yet subtle emotional performance, unlike her previous roles. Do Yeong Seo, a former child actor with 11 years of experience, is praised as a promising actress for her delicate portrayal of a seemingly indifferent yet complex inner self. Ok Ji Young, recognized for her nuanced performances of diverse characters across film and drama, heightens the realism of the story by playing a character conflicted between being an inmate and a mother. Furthermore, charming supporting characters like Hye Rim (played by Yoon Hye Ri), Han Gye Jang (Kim Mi Sook), and Eun Hye (Park Hyun Young) further warm the film's emotional tone.
The production team's efforts to enhance the film's realism are also notable. Director Cha Jung Yoon revealed that she was inspired to create 'Home Behind Bars' after seeing correctional officers silently going about their work with expressionless faces alongside inmates in the 2008 documentary, 'Documentary 3 Days - Cheongju Women's Penitentiary.' She began her research around 2018, before writing the screenplay, but faced difficulties interviewing correctional officers, especially the few female officers across the country. However, through a chance connection, the research became possible, and after completing it, it took over a year to write the first draft of the screenplay, and about seven years from filming to release.
Filming took place in an unused prison in Daegu, no longer in use due to inmate transfers, and the actors wore actual correctional officer uniforms and inmate attire. On October 14, the day before the release, Song Ji Hyo posted on her account, "Getting an explanation from a real correctional officer," confirming that she received detailed advice from a serving correctional officer. This unwavering commitment to realism throughout the production further heightens the anticipation for the film.
Audience reactions are also enthusiastic. Netizens have praised the film with comments such as, "A simple yet calm and warm movie," "The cinematography is comfortable and pleasing," "A gentle and warm breeze on ordinary days," and "The Running Man ace is a good actress too."
Meanwhile, Song Ji Hyo debuted in 2001 as a cover model for Kiki magazine and first gained recognition on screen through the film 'Whispering Corridors 3: Wishing Stairs'. She has maintained a steady acting career in numerous works, including MBC's 'Jumong', 'Princess Hours', tvN's 'Emergency Couple', 'Ex-Girlfriend Club', and TVING's 'The Witch's Diner'. Notably, she has been a fixture on SBS's 'Running Man' for 15 years since 2010, proving her presence in entertainment with her naturally candid charm and quick wit. Recently, she has been active in various fields, not only as an actress but also by launching her own underwear brand, showcasing her business acumen.
'Home Behind Bars', which promises to warm the hearts of audiences with the most realistic portrayal of correctional officers and inmates, is a slow-paced human drama that delivers a ray of sunshine in the autumn and can be found in theaters nationwide.
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