Watch Hotel By The River

The movie Hotel By The River, which was released in 2018, provides a beautiful and thought-provoking portrayal of the intricacies of human relationships. The film stars Ju-bong Gi, Hae-hyo Kwon, and Kim Min-hee in leading roles, and has been directed by award-winning director Hong Sang-soo. The movie tells the story of an elderly poet named Ko Young-hwan (played by Gi), who has checked into a small, snow-drenched hotel by the Han River. Set against the beautiful, wintery backdrop of South Korea, the film explores the emotional and physical isolation that Young-hwan experiences as a writer. Despite his literary success, Young-hwan feels disconnected from the world and those around him, and struggles to find meaning in his everyday existence.

At the same time, two other stories are interwoven into the plot. First, a young woman named Lee Chunsu (played by Kim Min-hee) checks into the same hotel after breaking up with her boyfriend. Lee Chunsu is an aspiring poet and has come to the hotel to spend some time alone, honing her craft. Like Young-hwan, she too is struggling to find her voice, but through a series of unlikely encounters, she discovers new aspects of her art and herself.

Secondly, there is a father and son duo who are staying in an adjacent room. The father, played by Hae-hyo Kwon, is a successful businessman and appears to be estranged from his son, who is played by newcomer Kiyohiko Shibukawa. Even though they are physically close, the two men are emotionally distant from each other and seem to be inhabiting different worlds. As the story unfolds, we learn more about the reasons for their disconnect and the ways in which they might be able to reconcile.

Despite the themes of loneliness and disconnection that run through the film, what is most striking about Hotel By The River is how beautifully it is shot. Hong Sang-soo has always been known for his stunning visuals and delicate, observational storytelling, and this film is no exception. The snowy landscapes and wintry trees create a haunting, ethereal backdrop against which the characters’ emotions play out. This, combined with the slow, meditative pacing of the movie, immerses the viewer in an almost dream-like world that showcases the beauty of the human experience.

The acting in the film is superb as well. Ju-bong Gi brings a world-weary sensitivity to his character, making Young-hwan both complex and relatable. Kim Min-hee is also excellent as Lee Chunsu, embodying a quiet intensity and determination that gradually reveals itself as the story unfolds. Hae-hyo Kwon and Kiyohiko Shibukawa are equally impressive, bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

Overall, Hotel By The River is a visually beautiful and emotionally rich film that explores the human heart with grace and sensitivity. Through its unique approach to storytelling and its exquisite cinematography, the movie reminds us of the importance of human connection and the power of art to help us find meaning in our lives. If you are looking for a movie that will leave a lasting impression, Hotel By The River is not to be missed.

Hotel By The River is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 79.