Program Note
Upon hearing that her mother—a haenyeo, or traditional female diver—has had an accident while diving, Yujin, a pharmacist, rushes to Jeju Island with her young son, Minho. But her mother is nowhere to be found; only traces of her remain in the quiet seaside home. Then, early one morning, Yujin discovers a bear in the shed. Startled, she tries to make sense of the surreal scene—only to hear Minho calmly call the bear Grandma. The bear, in turn, tells Yujin that she fell into the sea and was transformed. What does ¡¯the mountain¡¯ mean to those who have spent a lifetime in the sea? This gentle and fantastical tale unfolds over a brief but tender day shared between three generations: mother, daughter, and grandson. As the mother returns to the mountain in her bear form, her retreating silhouette evokes the quiet dignity of a mythic figure.
Blending special effects, practical SFX, and musical elements, the film offers a grounded fantasy that is both whimsical and deeply moving—a story that lingers with a soft smile and a sense of wonder. (Martin LEE)