Watch Dad for Rent

Dad for Rent is a 2014 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Kim Deok-soo and starring Moon Jeong-hee, Kim Sang-kyung, and Park Hae-il. The story revolves around a young single mother, Mi-hee, who hires a middle-aged man, Sang-woo, to pose as her father in order to attend an important school event for her daughter. The film opens with Mi-hee frantically searching for a father figure for her daughter, Hyun-a's school event. As a single mother, she feels the pressure of society's expectations on her to have a complete family. She contacts a rental agency and is assigned to Sang-woo, a former dentist who is struggling financially and has no family of his own.

After some initial hesitation, Sang-woo agrees to the job and the two start their father-daughter act. However, things become complicated when the school's principal puts them to a test to see if they are really a father and daughter. As they try to overcome their differences to fool the principal, Sang-woo and Mi-hee gradually develop a bond, and they start to appreciate each other's presence in their lives.

The film portrays a heartwarming story that touches on themes of family, love, and societal pressures. Despite the film's comedic elements, the story's underlying emotional depth is a highlight, and the characters' struggles are relatable to anyone who has felt isolated or out of place at some point in their lives.

Moon Jeong-hee delivers a standout performance as Mi-hee, embodying her character's desperation and vulnerability with subtlety and depth. Kim Sang-kyung as Sang-woo brings humor and charm to his role, and his character's arc of self-discovery is one of the film's strengths.

In addition to the main plot, the film also touches on various social issues, such as the struggle of single mothers in South Korea and the pressure to conform to societal norms. These issues are woven into the story in a way that feels organic, giving the film a sense of social relevance without detracting from its emotional core.

Visually, the film relies on a naturalistic style, which complements its realistic subject matter. The cinematography is straightforward, with an emphasis on close-ups and framing that heightens the emotional impact of certain scenes. The film's muted color palette and lighting add to its overall realism.

Overall, Dad for Rent is a heartwarming and entertaining film that tells a poignant story about the power of family and the human connection. With its strong performances, relatable characters, and thoughtful themes, it is a film that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, and one that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the need for connection and belonging.

Dad for Rent is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.