Jang Dong-yoon's Directorial Debut 'Nuruuk' Struggles to Ferment Its Message

Jang Dong-yoon's first feature film, 'Nuruuk,' attempts to capture the warmth of human connection, but ultimately struggles to maintain its intended warmth. While the film aims to convey a sense of humanity, its complex metaphors and abrupt tonal shifts obscure the message.

'Nuruuk' tells the story of Daseul, an 18-year-old girl who loves makgeolli and is the daughter of a local brewery owner. Daseul's attachment to makgeolli is so strong that she carries it in empty cosmetic bottles to drink at school. One day, she notices a change in the taste of makgeolli and discovers that the unique yeast from their brewery has disappeared. She then embarks on a journey to find the missing yeast.

The film begins with a pure and clear sentiment typical of a director's first feature. The rural setting and Daseul's affection for makgeolli suggest a soothing or coming-of-age story. However, as the film progresses, the tone shifts dramatically. As Daseul searches for the missing yeast, the film takes on elements of mystery and fantasy, but the transition is not seamless. The film loses its focus as it shifts genres, leaving a disjointed impression.

Another point of contention is Jang Dong-yoon's approach as a director. Instead of building a solid foundation, he seems to have prioritized ambition. He attempts to infuse 'Nuruuk' with themes of family, growing pains, and humanity, but the symbolism and metaphors are not clearly defined, making it difficult for the audience to grasp the message. Rather than leaving room for interpretation, the film often leaves viewers puzzled about its intentions.

'Nuruuk' leans more towards an art film with a focus on artistic expression and sensitivity rather than commercial appeal. Despite considering the director's experience and the film's genre, the way it engages with the audience feels somewhat inaccessible. The narrative and symbolism do not provide enough clues for viewers to follow, making it challenging to immerse in the story.

Jang Dong-yoon seems to have intended to tell a story about people through this film. However, the intention remains more of a question than a lingering impression. While the attempt to direct a feature film is significant, 'Nuruuk' appears to be a project that leaves Jang Dong-yoon with both potential and a clear set of lessons learned.

'Nuruuk' is set to release on the 15th.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr