Way Back Home (집으로 가는 길) 2013
‘Way Back Home’ is a poignant 2013 film that features the remarkable acting talents of Jeon Do-yeon, under the direction of the multifaceted Bang Eun-jin, more well-known for being in front of the camera (301/302 review). The film draws inspiration from the 2004 true story of Jang Mi-jeong, encapsulating the emotional and psychological turmoil she experienced. Jeon Do-yeon garnered numerous Best Actress awards for her compelling portrayal of Song Jeong-yeon (the fictional version of Mi-jeong), a housewife caught in a desperate situation. At the same time, Go Soo, as her devoted husband, Kim Jong-bae, also received a Best Actor accolade for his riveting performance.
At the heart of the story are Song Jeong-yeon and Kim Jong-bae, a couple struggling to raise their four-year-old daughter, Hye-rin, while facing an increasingly precarious financial situation. Jeong-yeon spends her days supporting Jong-bae’s automobile shop and caring for Hye-rin. Their world is left in tatters when Jong-bae’s friend takes his own life, leaving the family overwhelmed with debt because Jong-bae had acted as a guarantor.
In desperation, they accept an offer from another friend who promises financial relief by asking them to transport a suitcase from Guyana through Paris. Unbeknownst to Jeong-yeon, she is unknowingly smuggling 17 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her luggage. When the police intercept her and discover the contents, her life descends into a nightmare.
The narrative explores Jeong-yeon’s traumatic experiences within the unforgiving walls of foreign prisons—first in France and then in the isolation of Martinique. Here, she finds herself disconnected from her familiar world, battling not only the physical restraints of incarceration but also a staggering language barrier that accentuates her sense of hopelessness. Meanwhile, in Korea, Jong-bae is stripped of stability as he struggles to navigate the bureaucratic system to secure support for his imprisoned wife. Overwhelmed with despair and escalating debt, he makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave Hye-rin in the care of his sister while he juggles multiple jobs to raise funds for the case. Their plight is exacerbated by the negligence of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leaving Jeong-yeon feeling utterly abandoned and vulnerable.
‘Way Back Home’ is the first Korean film shot in the picturesque Caribbean, contrasting Jeong-yeon’s dark reality. This holiday destination, often perceived as a paradise, becomes a place of torment and despair a true nightmare from which she loses hope of escaping.
The film provides a sharp critique of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting its ineffectiveness. It demonstrates that attention to Jeong-yeon’s case is only drawn through the influence of online forums and a KBS 60-minute special, which ultimately compels the government to act to save face. The film reveals the complexities of language and race, emphasizing that Jeong-yeon is not asking for exoneration, but is desperately yearning to return home to her family.
The film features astonishing performances by Jeon Do-yeon and Go Soo, exploring themes of human resilience and indignation. Bang Eun-jin, demonstrates a solid aptitude in her directorial approach. While the film captivates with its powerful themes, it occasionally struggles to maintain engagement throughout its runtime. More exploration of Jeong-yeon’s personal experiences could have helped address this issue. Additionally, the film chooses to conclude before delving into Jang Mi-jeong’s struggle to reintegrate into Korean society upon her return—a journey filled with challenges that remain unexplored. Instead, the film opts for a neatly packaged happy ending, leaving more meaningful personal examination untapped.