Dooman River

Dooman River is a gripping and emotional film that explores the lives of two young boys, one North Korean and one Chinese, whose lives intersect in a small village on the Dooman River. The film, which was directed by Zhang Lu, is a powerful exploration of the consequences of political and cultural divides, and the human toll that they can take.

The story centers around Chang-ho, a young Chinese boy who lives with his grandparents near the Dooman River. One day, he discovers a group of North Korean refugees hiding in the woods near his home, led by a teenage boy named Jeong-jin. Initially fearful of the strangers, Chang-ho gradually befriends Jeong-jin and begins to understand more about his life and the struggles that he faces as a refugee.

The film is shot in an intimate, naturalistic style that brings the beauty and harshness of the landscape into sharp relief. The river, which runs through the heart of the story, is a powerful force that shapes the lives of the characters and reflects the changing fortunes of the region. Zhang Lu is a master at creating subtle, nuanced performances, and the young actors in the lead roles are both outstanding, conveying a range of emotions with remarkable grace and precision.

As the two boys become increasingly close, Chang-ho begins to question the divides that separate their lives. He sees firsthand the discrimination and isolation that Jeong-jin and his family face, and is forced to confront his own prejudices and assumptions. Meanwhile, tensions between the Chinese villagers and the North Korean refugees threaten to boil over, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

Throughout the film, Zhang Lu weaves together themes of family, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging. Dooman River is a moving and powerful portrait of lives on the fringes of society, and the connections that can be forged across seemingly insurmountable barriers. The film is a testament to the resilience and humanity of people who face extraordinary challenges, and to the power of empathy and understanding to bridge the most daunting chasms.