Watch Sunset in My Hometown

Sunset in My Hometown is a 2018 South Korean film that tells the story of a washed-up rapper re-discovering his passion for music while reconnecting with his hometown and childhood best friend. The film stars Kim Go-eun as Mi-soo, a young woman who works at a convenience store in her hometown of Gyeongju. Mi-soo used to be a talented singer, but gave up her dream to take care of her sick mother. Meanwhile, Hyeon-bin Shin plays Hak-soo, a former rapper who achieved some success in Seoul before falling out of the spotlight due to personal and professional setbacks.

When Hak-soo is invited to perform at a music festival in Gyeongju, he reluctantly agrees to return to his hometown for the first time in over a decade. As he reconnects with old friends, including Mi-soo, Hak-soo begins to rediscover his love of music and finds inspiration for a new album.

The film explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and redemption, as both Mi-soo and Hak-soo grapple with past mistakes and missed opportunities. While Mi-soo comes to terms with her decision to prioritize her mother's health over her own dreams, Hak-soo confronts his own flaws and the reasons for his downfall as a rapper. As the two characters support each other in their respective journeys of self-discovery, they also discover the importance of friendship, community, and staying true to oneself.

One of the major strengths of Sunset in My Hometown is its depiction of Gyeongju as both a place of beauty and of loss. The film showcases the city's stunning historical landmarks, such as the ancient Silla dynasty tombs and the scenic lake that inspired the film's title, while also acknowledging the economic struggles and generational divides that affect many of its residents.

Kim Go-eun delivers a standout performance as Mi-soo, whose quiet strength and resilience make her a compelling and relatable protagonist. Hyeon-bin Shin also impresses as Hak-soo, bringing nuance and vulnerability to a character who might have easily come across as unlikable in the hands of a less skilled actor.

In addition to its heartfelt performances, Sunset in My Hometown boasts a strong soundtrack that blends hip-hop with traditional Korean music. The film's climactic music festival sequence is a highlight, featuring both original songs and covers of classic K-pop tracks.

Overall, Sunset in My Hometown is a poignant and uplifting film that balances drama and humor with skill. Director Lee Joon-ik, known for his work on historical dramas like The King and The Admiral, shows that he is equally adept at capturing the rhythms of modern life and the struggles of ordinary people trying to make sense of their place in the world. With its universal themes and engaging characters, Sunset in My Hometown is a film that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Sunset in My Hometown is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.