On the surface, “Return to Seoul” looks like another film about an adoptee s emotional journey to find her biological parents. However, Cambodian French director Davy Chou goes one step further, providing a unique perspective from foreign eyes and focusing on the protagonist s journey of self-discovery.
Return to Seoul After an impulsive travel decision to visit friends, Freddie Benoit, 25, returns to South Korea for the first time, the country she was born in before being adopted by a French couple. When she decides to track down her biological parents, her journey takes a surprising turn. Cambodian-French director Davy Chou was nominated for Best Director at the Asian Film Awards for his film about identity, dislocation and longing. A NYT Critic's Pick. "A funny, melancholy, music-laced film that surprised me from start to finish." — John Powers, NPR
In the moving film Return To Seoul, a young woman named Freddie visits South Korea for the first time since her birth, when she was adopted by a French couple. Freddie's attempt to contact her biological parents sets her on an uneasy path toward self-discovery and reconciliation. Written and directed by Davy Chou, the film spans several years and many emotions, and features a vivid lead performance by newcomer Park Ji-Min.