[FILM REVIEW] THE MOON (2023)

Look forward to Do Kyungsoo’s acting chops as the talented all-rounder amazes yet again in space survival movie The Moon! As astronaut Sunwoo, his space journey to the moon goes awry due to a solar wind which cannot be avoided. Seol Kyunggu plays Kim Jaeguk, the former head of the space centre who was tasked to guide the stranded man to safety. The Moon is directed by Kim Yonghwa, who many may know for directing the Along with the Gods movie franchise and 200 Pounds Beauty. It has been quite a while since Kyungsoo last appeared on the big screen, so fans can look forward to seeing the charismatic actor once again. Movie goers can also look forward to seeing cameo appearances or several actors.

Stranded and in danger

The movie starts on a grim note, as Sunwoo encounters a tragic accident which leaves him on his own in space. Back on Earth, the space centre is in chaos as they are left with the most inexperience astronaut to count on in order to complete South Korea’s first ever manned lunar exploration mission to the moon. As a previous attempt ended in tragedy, everyone is treading on thin ice as they wrack their brains trying to figure out how to save Sunwoo.

Conditions are not the best, be it in the spaceship or space itself. Sunwoo is continuously being thrown around in the spaceship and does not seem to get a break. Kim Jaeguk is brought back from hiding to assist with bringing Sunwoo back to safety. It is never easy to give instructions from more than a hundred thousand miles away, and roiling emotions affect every little decision that is being made by Sunwoo. Everyone in the space centre works alongside him, with clear expressions of exhaustion and worry on their faces.

Journey to Safety

Jaeguk pours his heart and soul into guiding Sunwoo, as his desperation to save the astronaut has him clambering around and tripping over his own two feet. Yoon Moonyoung (played by Kim Heeae) is Jaeguk’s ex-wife, who plays a pivotal role in assisting Sunwoo. As she is the general director of NASA’s space station, Jaeguk begs for her to pull some strings which will be of great help to the astronaut who is currently stuck in space.

Film watchers will see Jaeguk, Sunwoo and Moonyoung having to think on their feet and make quick decisions as the clock gradually ticks away. With South Korea’s space programs not being actively supported by NASA at the moment, it becomes more difficult for Sunwoo to receive the help he needs.

It may seem like there is no hope for Sunwoo, as his oxygen is quickly depleting. The astronaut is determined to clear his mission and to make the lunar mission a successful one, by any means. Sheer grit and stamina, along with his intense determination, help pull him through every obstacle. Jaeguk and the rest of the Nara space centre team can be seen descending into chaos every time the connection with Sunwoo gets cut. It is nerve-racking for both sides as they await each other’s commands and actions.

Review

The audience can expect to get hit by waves of emotions while watching the movie. Get sucked in by the sense of urgency and desperation which will engulf everyone in the movie theatre! However, there may be times where viewers may feel like certain scenes are too unrealistic to happen in real life. During certain instances where the tension in the theatre is too thick, there are bouts of comedic relief to cut through such moments.

All in all, it is an enjoyable movie to watch with friends and family, so do check out the movie now! EXO-Ls can look forward to seeing Kyungsoo as he gives his all as Sunwoo!

The Moon is screening at Golden Village cinemas islandwide. Do not miss out on this gripping space survival film!

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Running Time: 129 minutes
The Seoul Story’s Rating: 4.5/5 

Written by: Aqilah
Photos by: Purple Plan

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