The Day I Died: Unclosed Case (2020)

Atypical, yet worthwhile thriller, driven by a unique variety & sensitive quality of women´s power

"The Day I Died: Unclosed Case" is a thriller. However, the KMovie takes its time. It is atmospherically embedded in the slowed down everyday life on an island. The focus is on emotionally approaching the protagonists. In this case, the key characters are all women, who are surrounded by other women. Men are only indirectly involved in the background of the story - among other things as those who stand for the painful wounds in the women's lifes.

So you might think: a movie about women's power? As a matter of fact, that's true. However the actual power of women is not men´s power in women's clothes. In this movie, women´s power symbolizes in an idiosyncratic way how the usually devalued "weak" in the 'female' becomes "powerful" and effectively plays out its transforming and liberating quality, yet in a rather calm, descreet variety: silent, subtle, empathetic, unobtrusive.

The story is quite exciting, profound and complex. In the course of the investigation, the detective - strong, competent and at the same time hurt and vulnerable - is increasingly confronted with open questions in her own life. She slowly builds an emotional connection with the missing victim. Although the case seems clear and simple to everyone else, she cannot let it go. She is driven to shed light on injustice of some sort. Is she fighting for the missing victim? Is she fighting for herself? Either way, she finds the answers she's looking for.

In a touching way the strong presence of the two veterans Kim Hye-soo and Lee Jung-eun rounds an exciting story off. Script and direction are also in women's hands here. "The Day I Died: Unclosed Case" is not a classic crime thriller, but definitely worth seeing - with a unique variety and sensitive quality of women´s power.

Read More

we sometimes need to die in order to live

The Day I Died was a look at what occurs inside the mind of a suicidal person and how one act of good will can change a person. a tale of selfish grown ups that left a child alone in a island that felt so far.

it was categorized as a crime/thriller but don't expect nonstop thrill and action in your screen, I'd even label this as a melodrama honestly.

despite that it was still paced well and got my attention throughout, except towards the end but a well executed ending can make me overlook that.

Kim Hye Soo was mind blowing, I recently finished Juvenile Justice and then proceeded with this, must say that she just snatched my march star of the month. the nuances felt in her eyes, we can see how affected she was throughout.

Roh Jeon Eui did not have enough screen time which is disappointing, knowing she was categorized as a female lead. however I still do think she was amazing, hopefully her talents are shown more on future projects.\

I don't know how to even describe how good of an actress Lee Jung Eun is she stole the show here as the villager who cannot speak, her mysterious aura shined for me.

It was a great idea how production choose a island as it's setting, it fits the atmosphere the film was going for and made it felt like the detective and the girl did not belong there.

Seen clearly how they prepared for cinematography, some scenes were filmed overseas, which made it a much better watch. music was also at the right time and would hit the audiences heart.

The film did a good job diverting attention and making audiences guess, creating mystery from what really happened to the girl, some were saying it was predictable but for me it was unexpected but not far fetched, which was perfect! this is also a reason for my high re watch value, there are scenes that if you do not focus may result in you being lost and confused, I had to re watch some scenes to get what was happening.

The Day I Died is not for everyone, it can be really frustrating how barely anything happens and we follow the detective almost all the time, however this has a moving and impactful story while being simple and easy to understand, if you can sit through a slow burn melodrama with a sprinkle of mystery, then definitely check it out.

Read More