The theme of this movie is obvious--the clash of the spoiled grandson and the patient, long-suffering grandmother. The trouble comes because both characters are taken to such extremes that it is difficult to empathize with either of them!
The kid is miserable. Before the movie was half over, I WANTED him to go over a cliff or for the Crazy Cow to gore him, and leave the earth a more harmonious place. He's demanding, spoiled, a crybaby, AND a sissy. He never seems to learn much of anything, except to keep asking for more. I began to wonder if Mom had abandoned him (I would not have blamed her).
The grandmother takes all of his abuse, and never shows any sign that any of it is misplaced or cruel or just plain rude. After a while, one begins to lose respect for her; is she so desperate to win the approval of this wretch?
One of the reasons why I am a great fan of Asian movies is the scarcity of the Obnoxious Child. American movies are full of them--mouthy monsters who Know Everything and respect no one, just like the beastly child in this movie.
The kid is miserable. Before the movie was half over, I WANTED him to go over a cliff or for the Crazy Cow to gore him, and leave the earth a more harmonious place. He's demanding, spoiled, a crybaby, AND a sissy. He never seems to learn much of anything, except to keep asking for more. I began to wonder if Mom had abandoned him (I would not have blamed her).
The grandmother takes all of his abuse, and never shows any sign that any of it is misplaced or cruel or just plain rude. After a while, one begins to lose respect for her; is she so desperate to win the approval of this wretch?
One of the reasons why I am a great fan of Asian movies is the scarcity of the Obnoxious Child. American movies are full of them--mouthy monsters who Know Everything and respect no one, just like the beastly child in this movie.