Hotel by the River

Hotel by the River

Year: 2019

Runtime: 96 min

Language: Korean

Director: Sang-soo Hong

Echo Score: 76
Drama

A poet facing his mortality calls his sons to a hotel nestled beside a river. There, he reflects on his life through interactions with two mysterious women, whose beauty offers solace and a profound sense of healing. The encounters become a poignant exploration of life’s preciousness and the enduring strength of human relationships.

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Timeline & Setting – Hotel by the River (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hotel by the River (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film presents a contemporary narrative, capturing the complexities of modern relationships and emotional struggles. Set against the backdrop of a winter season, the environment highlights themes of solitude and longing, making the characters' interactions even more poignant.

Location

Han River, Hotel

The story unfolds at a serene hotel located by the picturesque Han River, known for its tranquil views and calm atmosphere. This location serves as a backdrop for significant familial confrontations and introspective moments. The hotel itself is a refuge, contributing to a sense of isolation and reflection for the characters.

🏨 Hotel 🌊 River

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Main Characters – Hotel by the River (2019)

Meet the key characters of Hotel by the River (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ko Young-Hwan

A contemplative poet facing the twilight of his life, Young-Hwan embodies introspection and a longing for reconnection with his estranged sons. His creative spirit is tinged with melancholy as he navigates his sense of mortality and familial discord. His poetic sensibility offers depth to his character, making his tragic fate even more heart-wrenching.

📖 Poet 🧓 Father

Kyung-Soo

The more sensible of the two brothers, Kyung-Soo struggles with his past while maintaining a tough exterior. His memories of family rejection and divorce haunt him, making his relationship with Young-Hwan complex. Despite his emotional pain, he tries to stay strong for his family, showcasing resilience amidst their turmoil.

🎭 Protector 🧑‍🦰 Son

Byung-Soo

As the younger brother, Byung-Soo is deeply affected by the family's history of pain and rejection, which shapes his view of women and relationships. His feelings of inadequacy and rivalry with Kyung-Soo contribute to the tension present in their encounters. Byung-Soo's vulnerability is revealed through his emotional struggles.

😔 Vulnerable 🧑‍🦱 Son

A-reum

A young woman whose apparent fragility hides her deeper emotional scars, A-reum seeks connection while wrestling with her own challenges. Her mysterious behavior, including feigning injuries, reflects a quest for sympathy and understanding. A-reum's interactions with Young-Hwan and Yeon-Joo reveal her complex character dynamics.

💔 Heartbroken 👩 Woman

Yeon-Joo

A sharp and reflective character, Yeon-Joo is grappling with her own heartbreak while offering insight into the relationships around her. Her critical nature toward Byung-Soo's filmmaking speaks to her desire for authenticity and depth in bonds. Yeon-Joo's conversations with A-reum highlight the complexities of love and loss.

🍷 Reflective 👩‍🦰 Friend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Major Themes – Hotel by the River (2019)

Explore the central themes of Hotel by the River (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Conflict

The film explores the intricate dynamics of familial relationships, marked by rivalry, jealousy, and unresolved resentments. It delves into the emotional barriers that separate the members of the family, leading to moments of misunderstanding and heartache. The underlying tension underscores the fragility of their bonds.

🌌 Mortality

Mortality serves as a central theme as the main character grapples with his impending death and reflects on the meaning of life. Young-Hwan's existential anxieties shape his interactions with his sons, highlighting the inevitability of loss and the desire to connect before it's too late.

🥂 Missed Connections

Missed connections within the narrative emphasize the characters' struggles with intimacy and understanding. The intertwining lives of Young-Hwan, A-reum, and Yeon-Joo reveal the fleeting nature of relationships and the emotional barriers that prevent deep connections from forming.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:39

Unlock the Full Story of Hotel by the River

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hotel by the River in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hotel by the River is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hotel by the River Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hotel by the River, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Hotel by the River Summary

Hotel by the River Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hotel by the River with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hotel by the River Timeline

Hotel by the River Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Hotel by the River that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Hotel by the River Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hotel by the River

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hotel by the River: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hotel by the River

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Discover movies like Hotel by the River that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

Explore More About Movie Hotel by the River

Hotel by the River (2019) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Hotel by the River (2019) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Hotel by the River (2019) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow

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