Going My Home – Movie Review & Film Summary

Yong Guen returns to his hometown for his father's birthday. As he waits at the train station, his phone reminds him to take medication. After boarding a cab, Yong Guen is surprised to see Eun Ji as his driver. Eun Ji was his childhood friend from elementary school. She seems delighted to see him and wants to reconnect. However, he is less enthused and makes an excuse to avoid socialization.

Yong Guen arrives at his family home. He greets his dad, who seems preoccupied with the television show. The father barely pays attention to his son. Later, Yong Guen's nephew and sister-in-law appear. Yong Guen's father perks up at seeing his grandchild. They spend time playing together outside. Yong Guen is nearby and watches them quietly without participating.

There is a phone call from Eun Ji. She wants to meet for dinner, but Yong Guen declines. He uses his family as an excuse to wiggle out of the social engagement. However, Yong Guen's nosy sister-in-law overhears the call and intervenes. She insists that he attends the dinner date with his female companion. The sister-in-law encourages him to pursue a potential romance.

Yong Guen and Eun Ji have dinner at the restaurant. She gets dressed up for the occasion, making a blatant effort to impress him. Eun Ji is assertive and wants them to start dating. To her surprise, Yong Guen comes out and admits he is gay. Furthermore, Yong Guen confesses he came out of a recent breakup. He also makes a shocking revelation during their chat.

Going My Home unfolds the story slowly, taking a while to kick its plot into gear. The first few scenes capture the mundaneness of the real world. It's a regular day for an average guy who returns to his hometown without drama. Despite the uneventfulness, the film relies on subtle visual cues to convey a gloomy atmosphere. You may notice an underlying melancholy beneath the calm façade. Although nothing seems out of the ordinary, you get the feeling that Going My Home will be a sad movie.

Initially, Going My Home didn't engage me. Nothing exciting happens in the beginning. The protagonist's life feels too plain, from bland conversations to quiet moments of contemplation. His demeanour also seems sombre and subdued, contributing to the lack of energy in the narrative. I'm not seeking constant action and thrills, but the movie feels a little pedestrian. Worst of all, there are no traces of romance for a long time. I keep waiting for the love interest's arrival. Yet, he doesn't appear until late in the story. By then, my attention span is waning.

The film's turning point comes after Yong Guen confesses to a solemn secret, which explains his unhappiness. He carries a heavy emotional burden and can't confide in his loved ones. Yong Guen has a distant relationship with his father, who dotes on his grandchild and neglects his son. The dad's deafness is symbolic, representing Yong Guen's communication problems with him. At first, I found the family scenes quite dull. Upon a rewatch, I realize the filmmaker conveys tension and torment through silence. Yong Guen suffers because he won't open up to his dad.

Going My Home is a clever movie that doesn't spell out everything to the audience. The understated storytelling encourages viewers to analyze various scenes for clarification and interpretation. Since Yong Guen is repressed and seldom speaks candidly, you must observe his reactions to understand his feelings. While the plot appears mundane, it reveals subtle nuances if you immerse in the protagonist's perspective. Put yourself into Yong Guen's shoes. Consider how you'd respond to each situation as a gay man enduring the weight of an unspeakable secret.

Yong Guen hooks up with a man during the movie's second half. I enjoy the kiss, especially how Sung Pil's actor (Keon Seung Woo) approaches his partner's lips with an insatiable hunger. However, the relationship goes awry before the characters do the deed. Despite the earlier foreplay, you won't find the circumstances sexy. I hate Sung Pil for how he reacts around Yong Guen. Unlike other gay love stories, Going My Home isn't a romantic movie. Instead, it tackles emotional themes relevant to LGBTQ+ communities, like stigma, insecurities, and rejection.

Going My Home has a sad ending where Yong Guen breaks down after a distressing evening. My favourite scene is when the dad comforts him in a moment of tenderness. Subsequently, the other characters treat our protagonist kindly and shower him with affection. Never underestimate the strength, support, and healing power a loving home provides. Overall, I appreciate Going My Home as a thoughtful short movie with a meaningful message. Despite the lack of romance, the story reminds us that our friends and family can provide extraordinary love.