City Cinema: The Mother and the Bear

Comedy/Drama. 14A, nudity.
Dir: Johnny Ma, Canada, 2025, 100 min.
Kim Ho-jung, Lee Won-jae, Jonathan Kim.
In Korean and English with English subtitles.

“A charming and whimsical story brimming with enduring adventures, and self-discovery… The icy expanse of Winnipeg is the backdrop… Schoolteacher Sumi finds herself in a coma after a startling encounter with a wild bear. Her devoted mother, Sara, rushes from South Korea to her daughter’s side… As Sara waits for Sumi to recover, she takes on the challenge of fulfilling her motherly duty: finding a suitable husband for her daughter…. This quest plunges Sara into the complexities of Sumi’s life, leading her to uncover hidden aspects of her daughter’s world. Along the way, she meets Sam, a warm-hearted restaurant owner who offers her a comforting connection to home… There is also a lot of humor throughout and watching Kim Ho-jung on screen is a true delight. She’s the heart of the film, and it’s a a playful performance that shows her extensive range… Johnny Ma delivers a story that blends comedy and drama with genuine care.” —Kristy Strouse, Film Inquiry