Watch Happy Cleaners

Happy Cleaners is a 2019 drama film that follows the lives of a Korean-American family as they face various challenges while running their small dry-cleaning business in Flushing, New York City. The film is directed by Julian Kim and Peter S. Lee and stars Donald Chang, Yeena Sung, and Dax Richardson along with a talented ensemble cast.

The story of Happy Cleaners revolves around the Choi family, who have been running their dry-cleaning business for over 15 years. However, as their lease is about to expire, they face a tough decision whether to renew it or to sell the business and move on. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Choi, are traditional Korean immigrants who hold onto their Korean values and upbringing, while their adult children, Kevin and Hyunny, are more Americanized and struggle to balance their own dreams and ambitions with their family obligations.

Kevin, the eldest son, is a struggling artist who wants to pursue his passion but is constantly reminded of his duties to the family business. His sister Hyunny, on the other hand, is pursuing a career in marketing, but is troubled by her strained relationship with their mother, who disapproves of her dating a non-Korean man.

As the family navigates through their personal and professional struggles, they encounter various challenges that test their relationships and beliefs. For instance, Mr. Choi faces discrimination and racism from a neighboring business, while Mrs. Choi deals with the vulnerability of aging and declining health.

The film also touches on the themes of cultural identity, generational gaps, and the pursuit of the American dream. It portrays the complexities of being a first-generation immigrant family and the pressures of living in a foreign country while trying to maintain their cultural heritage.

While the family's struggles may seem common and relatable, the film stands out for its authentic depiction of Korean-American culture and the importance of family as part of that culture. It showcases various traditional practices, such as the annual Chuseok holiday and the importance of maintaining strong familial ties.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the vibrant colors of the Flushing neighborhood and the hustle and bustle of city life. The film also features a thoughtful and reflective soundtrack, composed by the talented Jongnic Bontemps.

Happy Cleaners is a heartwarming and emotional film that engages the audience with its genuine portrayal of a Korean-American family's struggles and triumphs. With its relatable characters, themes, and issues, the film appeals to a broad audience and has received critical acclaim from both Korean and American audiences alike.

Overall, Happy Cleaners is a must-watch film that offers a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience and the importance of family and community.

Happy Cleaners is a 2021 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.