Canola (2016)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2016
	Director: Chang aka Yoon Hong-seung
	Actors: Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Ko-eun
	Country: ROK
	Genre: Drama
	Conditions of visioning: 25.04.2017, Teatro Nuovo, FEFF2017
Synopsis: Gye Choon (Youn) lives in the quiet island of Jeju diving for shellfish. Her only relative is her niece Hye-ji (Kim). But one day the little girl disappears in the market and the drama starts for the grandmother. She is looking for her desperately during years. And twelve years later Hye-ji returns, teenager small criminal. The unconditional grandmother love will restore hope and kindness in the niece. All the village is supporting the grandmother and then also the niece.
Review: The story of the reunion of the grandmother with her niece is strongly based on their mysteries: Is Hye-ji the real Hye-ji? Does Gye Choon really believes that it is Hye-ji? And the story gives clues for yes and no answers alternating. And the acting of both actresses turns around these questions without going into confrontation nor giving a clear view to the viewer (at least to me). The character of Kim is always on the edge between trying her new life and staying in her old life and she expresses it very subtly and with credibility. Youn plays the desperation of a grandmother in front of a cruel fate and the unconditional love to her niece beautifully. It is full of authenticity. Really two excellent actresses. This makes the story even more emotional and this is beautiful. The scenery of Jeju island give a cosy village atmosphere and very idyllic and maybe naive. But this serves the purpose of the story and therefore I let it go by watching. It is even quite amazing to see how the complete village participates to the shellfish fishing. And this enhances again the mutual support of the villagers.
Rating: 7 /10