Castaway on the Moon

The murky waters of the Han River churn, reflecting the neon glow of Seoul’s skyline as a figure plunges from the Mapo Bridge. Mr. Kim, drowning in debt and despair, attempts to end it all, but instead finds himself sputtering ashore on Bamseom Island, a forgotten patch of land in the river’s heart. Abandoning all hope of rescue, he begins a new life as a modern-day castaway. Across the water, in her meticulously ordered apartment, Kim Jung-yeon, a reclusive young woman, observes him through her telephoto lens. She’s a digital shut-in, a “hikikomori,” living vicariously through online worlds. Mr. Kim’s strange antics become her only window to the real world, a flickering spark of connection in her isolated existence. Even Seung-geun’s Mother, a local resident, finds herself intrigued by the strange man on the island, whispering stories of his survival. Little does Mr. Kim know, his desperate act has not only saved him but is about to unexpectedly change the lives of those watching from the riverbanks.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In Seoul, the despondent Mr. Kim, overwhelmed by unemployment, debt, and a recent breakup, attempts suicide by jumping into the Han River. Instead of finding oblivion, he washes ashore on Bamseom Island, a deserted islet in the middle of the river. Initially desperate for rescue, Kim slowly adapts to his unexpected isolation, rediscovering a primal connection to nature as he learns to survive by foraging, building shelter, and even cultivating his own crops. His unusual existence captures the attention of Kim Jung-yeon, a reclusive young woman living in an apartment overlooking the river. Trapped by her own agoraphobia and social anxiety, Jung-yeon observes Mr. Kim’s struggles and triumphs through her telephoto lens, finding solace and a strange kinship in his solitary life. She begins leaving messages in bottles for him, sparking an unconventional correspondence that transcends their physical separation. When Seung-geun’s Girlfriend mistakenly thinks that the messages are for her boyfriend, chaos ensues. As Mr. Kim embraces his newfound freedom and self-sufficiency, Jung-yeon gradually confronts her fears, venturing out to secretly assist him. Their connection deepens, creating a poignant and humorous narrative of survival, resilience, and the power of human connection found in the most unexpected of circumstances, culminating in a bittersweet and transformative resolution as they both learn to navigate the challenges of life, both on and off the island.

Details

Adrift in the heart of Seoul, “Castaway on the Moon” weaves a whimsical tale of isolation, connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. Mr. Kim, portrayed by Jung Jae-young, a man at his wit’s end after job loss, mounting debt, and a disheartening breakup, attempts to end his life by jumping into the Han River. Instead of finding oblivion, he awakens on Bamseom, a deserted islet in the middle of the river. Initially desperate for rescue, Mr. Kim slowly embraces his newfound solitude, learning to survive by foraging and farming on the island, transforming it into his own personal Eden. Across the water, in her meticulously ordered apartment, Kim Jung-yeon, played by Jung Ryeo-won, a reclusive young woman, observes Mr. Kim’s unusual existence through her camera lens. Trapped by her own self-imposed isolation, she finds a peculiar connection to the castaway, seeing in his struggles a reflection of her own. Their unlikely bond blossoms through messages in bottles and sand writings, as Kim Jung-yeon finds the courage to venture outside and interact with the world, even leaving a drawing in a bottle for Mr. Kim. Meanwhile, Mr. Kim’s transformation from suicidal despair to resourceful self-sufficiency inspires the curious gaze of the delivery man, who finds himself strangely drawn to the island’s inhabitant. The film explores themes of loneliness, urban alienation, and the power of human connection against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis, as two lost souls find solace and meaning in the most unexpected of circumstances, learning to live and connect in a world that often feels overwhelmingly disconnected.

FAQs

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What is the genre of “Castaway on the Moon”?

It’s a drama, comedy, and romance movie.

What is the movie about?

A man, lost in debt and love, tries to commit suicide but ends up stranded on an island in the Han River. He adapts to life as a castaway, which attracts the attention of a reclusive woman.

Who are the main actors in “Castaway on the Moon”?

The main actors are Jung Jae-young who plays Mr. Kim, and Jung Ryeo-won who plays Kim Jung-yeon.

When was “Castaway on the Moon” released?

The movie was released on May 14, 2009.

Where was the movie produced?

“Castaway on the Moon” was produced in South Korea.

What is the original language of the film?

The original language is Korean.

What is the runtime of “Castaway on the Moon”?

The film has a runtime of 119 minutes.

Who directed “Castaway on the Moon”?

Lee Hae-jun directed the movie.

What is the IMDB ID of “Castaway on the Moon”?

The IMDB ID is tt1499666.

What is the tagline for “Castaway on the Moon”?

The tagline is “Once in a life time, There comes a moment that you live in HOPE.”

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