【Beneath Bong Joon-ho’s Lens】 Mother (South Korea, 2009, R16)

Rating: R16 – Restricted to persons 16 years and over; contains violence, offensive language & sex themes.

Based on your votes, we’re diving into the cinematic world of Bong Joon-ho this May—screening two of his most compelling works: Memories of Murder and Mother.

Bong Joon-ho, best known internationally for Parasite, has long been a master of blending genre with sharp social commentary. From haunting mysteries to deeply human dramas, his films captivate with striking visuals, tonal precision, and a quiet, simmering tension. Join us as we explore two early masterpieces that reveal the emotional and political depths of his storytelling.

Part Two: Mother
A stark and intimate thriller, Mother follows a quiet woman’s desperate quest to clear her son’s name after he’s accused of a brutal murder. With no one else to trust, she begins her own investigation—driven not by logic, but by fierce, unwavering maternal instinct.

While Memories of Murder explores institutional failure, Mother turns inward, revealing the emotional toll of love pushed to its limits. Bong Joon-ho crafts a taut, suspenseful narrative wrapped in delicate imagery and psychological tension. As the mystery unfolds, the lines between justice and vengeance, protection and control, begin to blur—raising unsettling questions about guilt, sacrifice, and the unknowable depths of a parent’s devotion.

After the discussion, stick around to chat, debate, and connect with fellow cinephiles. Whether you're here for the thrill or the themes, there's always more beneath the surface in a Bong Joon-ho film.

Location: Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000
Date and Time: Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Fee: Free entry!

Note: We’re hosting the event on the second floor of the Ellen Melville Center. Please use the entrance on the right side of the building on the ground floor. Once you go up to the second floor, you’ll see our venue right there.

Please try to arrive on time, and if you have any trouble getting in, feel free to send me a text message at 0274306328 – Rick.