End of Winter () is a 2014 South Korean drama film. Directed by Kim Dae-hwan in his feature debut and a project of the Graduate School of Cinematic Content at Dankook University, it explores the breakup of a family. It made its world premiere at the 19th Busan International Film Festival in 2014 and won New Currents Award.
Synopsis Kim Sung-geun's (Mun Chang-gil) wife, two sons and daughter-in-law gather in Cheorwon for his retirement ceremony as he ends his teaching career at the Cheorwon Technical High School. While eating at a Chinese restaurant, he drops the bombshell and announces he plans to get a divorce. Without explaining his decision, it leaves his shocked wife Yoon Yeo-jung (Lee Young-ran) angry and speechless, and the family in confusion. When heavy snow prevents them from leaving, they are forced to stay at Sung-geun's apartment, leading to an uncomfortable time together as they seek shelter from the cold winter.
Cast Mun Chang-gil as Kim Sung-geun Lee Young-ran as Yoon Yeo-jung Kim Min-hyeuk as Kim Dong-wook Lee Sang-hee as Hye-jung Hur Jae-won as Su-hyung Park Chan-yun
Reception BIFF's jury head Iranian director Asghar Farhadi: "It impressed us with its stylistic consistency, its skillful exploration of family relations, its elegant mastery of cinematic space, and its great ensemble cast."
The Hollywood Reporter: "First time filmmaker Kim Dae-hwan makes an impression with a well acted and recognizable snapshot of family strife."
Screen International: "Kim Dae-hwan's impressive and dispassionate debut feature tackles such (trials and tribulations of family life) issues with a sensible sense of restraint through its rich but subtle aesthetic as it follows a family on the verge of turmoil after the father suddenly announces he wants a divorce."
Pierce Conran: "End of Winter boasts strong performances and an admirably restrained yet intelligent mis-en-scene. However, in its resemblance to many other Korean family dramas...it will have trouble standing out from the pack."
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Recipient Result 2014 19th Busan International Film Festival New Currents Award End of Winter 2015 18th Shanghai International Film Festival Asian New Talent Award Kim Dae-hwan 12th Yerevan International Film Festival Silver Apricot for Feature Film End of Winter 9th Asia Pacific Screen Awards Best Feature Film 2016 25th Buil Film Awards Best New Director Kim Dae-hwan 2017 4th Wildflower Film Awards Best Director (Narrative Films) Kim Dae-hwan Best New Director (Narrative Films) Kim Dae-hwan Best Actor Mun Chang-gil Best Cinematography Kim Bo-ram
References
External links