Watch Treeless Mountain

Treeless Mountain is a striking and poignant film from 2008 that tells the story of two young sisters, Jin and Bin, as they navigate a tough and uncertain world. Jin and Bin live in Seoul, South Korea, with their mother and father. When their father leaves, their mother struggles to make ends meet on her own, leading her to leave the girls with their alcoholic and neglectful aunt. The girls experience a series of new hardships and life-changing events as they try to understand the world around them.

Directed by So Yong Kim, Treeless Mountain is a deeply affecting and realistic look at childhood poverty and survival. The film features stunning cinematography that captures both the beauty and the harshness of the world that Jin and Bin inhabit. The young actresses playing Jin and Bin, Hee Yeon Kim and Song Hee Kim, are a revelation, delivering sensitive and nuanced performances that anchor the film's emotional power.

The film begins with Jin and Bin being left with their aunt, who herself is overwhelmed and unable to care for the girls. After several weeks, their aunt abandons them and they find themselves alone in the world. Their mother sends them a letter stating that she will return home once she has made enough money for the family to survive, leaving Jin and Bin to fend for themselves.

Jin, the older sister, is portrayed as a tough and determined girl who takes on the role of protector for her younger sister. She takes Bin under her wing, and the two girls start to navigate the world together, seeking food and shelter wherever they can find it. They spend a brief stint living with their grandparents, but when they are unable to care for the girls either, Jin and Bin find themselves on the streets.

As they wander through the city, they encounter various individuals, some kind-hearted and some dangerous, but none able or willing to take care of them. With little more than each other to rely on, the sisters eventually make their way to the village where their mother grew up. There, they stay with their mother's sister-in-law and her young daughter, and Jin takes on odd jobs to make ends meet.

Throughout the film, Jin and Bin are faced with impossible choices and difficult situations. They experience hunger, physical violence, and emotional trauma, yet they never lose hope, clinging to the belief that their mother will return for them. As they wait and struggle, they learn to rely on each other and to make the best of the world they have been dealt.

Treeless Mountain is a beautiful and heartbreaking film that does not shy away from the harsh realities of poverty and childhood trauma. The film is a study of resilience and survival, and the bond between Jin and Bin is the heart of the story. The film's understated emotional power and beautiful cinematography make it a must-see for fans of international cinema or anyone interested in stories of childhood survival and friendship.

In short, Treeless Mountain is a moving and unforgettable film that explores the experiences of two young sisters forced to navigate a world beyond their control. With stunning cinematography and sensitive performances from its young leads, the film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Treeless Mountain is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 75.