Dooman River (2010)

Chang-ho, 12, becomes friend with a North-Korean immigrant about the same age who just crossed the Dooman river, border between North-Korea and China. His mute sister and his wise ... See full summary »

Director:

Lu Zhang

Writer:

Lu Zhang

Stars:

Jian Cui, Lan Yin, Jin-Long Lin

4 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jian Cui	...	Chang-Ho
Lan Yin	...	Soon-Hee
Jin-Long Lin	...	Grand-Father
Xuansheng Jin	...	Chul-bu
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jinglin Li	...	Jeong-jin, the North Korean refugee

Storyline

Chang-ho, 12, becomes friend with a North-Korean immigrant about the same age who just crossed the Dooman river, border between North-Korea and China. His mute sister and his wise grand-father will get along with him in a series of misfortunes.

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Plot Keywords:

third world | human rights | asian | independent film | 

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Genres:

Drama

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User Reviews

Slow but Thought-Provoking

This film essentially begins during the winter in a region of China just south of the border of North Korea near the Dooman River. As it so happens, this river often ices over when the temperatures plummet and this affords an escape route for North Koreans into China. The problem for these refugees is that there isn't much shelter for them and often they are starving once they get across to safety. Fortunately for some of them, there is a small village comprised of Koreans on the southern side of the river which happens to have a small family comprised of an elderly man (played by "Jin-Long Lin") and two of his grand-children "Chang-Ho" (Jian Cui) and "Soon-Hee" (Lan Yin) who offer them a temporary haven out of the kindness of their hearts. Unfortunately, as the situation in North Korea deteriorates things become much more difficult for everyone involved. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an interesting film which vividly captured the desperation of those living in this particular area of the world. It does, however, have several slow parts here and there along with a few rather depressing scenes as well. In any case, while this might not be a film everyone can enjoy, it was certainly thought-provoking and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France]

Country:

South Korea China France

Language:

Chinese Korean

Release Date:

25 August 2010 (France)

Also Known As:

Am Grenzfluss

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,850

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lu Films, Arizona Films, Arte France Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color