Watch Tinker Ticker

Tinker Ticker is a South Korean drama film released in 2013. Directed by Jung-hoon Kim, the movie is an intense exploration of the life of an autistic teenager named Jung-gu (played by Yo-Han Byun) who finds solace in his mechanical ingenuity. The film is about his struggle to reconcile his talents with the outside world, his relationship with his siblings, and his dreams of becoming an astronaut.

Jung-gu, who lives with his father and younger sister, is fascinated with machines and their workings. He circumvents his father's rules and makes several gadgets on his own, including a DIY robot. His obsession with creating machines has driven him into a state of isolation and social anxiety. He is constantly harassed by his peers, who taunt him and assault him for his eccentricities. The only person he trusts is his baby sister So-jin (played by Jeong Min Park), who sees her brother as a genius and encourages him to keep inventing.

The film's conflict arises when Jung-gu discovers that his father has been secretly selling his inventions and pocketing the profits. Overwhelmed by betrayal, Jung-gu spirals out of control and begins to destroy his own creations. With his father's business taking off, the police get involved, and the family is dragged into legal troubles.

The main theme of the movie is Jung-gu's striving to find his identity and place in society despite the hurdles thrown his way. The film highlights the ostracism of those with autism spectrum disorder and how it can lead to both creativity and loneliness. The story is unique because it shows a perspective on overcoming autism that is rarely portrayed on screen.

The cinematography is top-notch, with Tinker Ticker shot beautifully. The movie uses various camera angles, including overhead shots, to highlight Jung-gu's love for machines, the beauty of Seoul's skyline, and the isolation of Jung-gu. The film's score is also fantastic, with its futuristic synthwave score driving home the themes of technology and mechanical aptitude.

The acting of the film is nuanced, with Yo-Han Byun giving a standout performance. His portrayal of Jung-gu felt authentic and organic, with his mannerisms, facial expressions, and monotone voice delivering the feeling of a person with autism. Jeong Min Park's performance as So-jin is also commendable, as she manages to evoke empathy towards the isolated protagonist.

In summary, Tinker Ticker is a visually stunning and emotionally stirring movie that deals with issues related to family, identity, and autism with depth and sensitivity. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shows the human side of autism and the importance of empathy, creativity, and understanding. It is a must-see movie for cinephiles who are looking for a fresh perspective on the autism genre.