My Name is Loh Kiwan

Netflix has been churning out some amazing tales from Korea. From the smash hits of Squid Games to more subtle hits, these films and web series have been taking over the global audience. My Name is Loh Kiwan is another addition to the catalogue and stands as a poignant testament to the power of human resilience. Coming in from the brilliant minds of director Kim Hee-jin and brought to life by the likes of major cast members like Song Joong-ki and Choi Sung-eun, this Korean drama invites the audiences into a world of introspection and emotional depth. Based on Cho Hae-jin’s novel, I Met Loh Kiwan was released on Netflix globally on March 1, 2024.

Here is everything to know about the film of heartache, hope and ultimately redemption.

The plot for My Name is Loh Kiwan

At the core, My Name is Loh Kiwan is an intricate tale that weaves the lives of two protagonists, each grappling with their own burdens from the past and uncertainty from the future. Loh Kiwan finds himself in Belgium, fleeing from the shadows of his North Korean origins. In a bid to secure refugee status in the country, he begins a journey fraught with obstacles, both internal and external.

Across the divide is Marie, a once promising athlete whose spirit has been dimmed by the weight of disillusionment. Both of them come face to face in unexpected ways that spark a connection that transcends the boundaries of circumstance and language. And as the two navigate the complexities of their existence, the film successfully delves into the themes of belonging and identity and the quest for a place to call home.

The cast for My Name is Loh Kiwan

Central to the narrative of the film is the brilliant casting choices for the leading roles. Here is everything to know about the cast of My Name is Loh Kiwan.

Main cast

Song Joong-ki and Chio Sung-eun come to the big screen with their magnetic chemistry. Joong-ki infuses the character of Loh Kiwan with a raw vulnerability that is quite evident from the very first frame of the film. A perfect embodiment of the character’s anguish and longing for a place to call home. Sharing the screen with him is Sung-eun who plays the role of Marie. A character of quiet strength and resilience that belies her outward demeanour. Both form the magnet on screen for the entire runtime and keep you wrapped in the storyline till the credits roll.

Supporting cast

Supporting the dynamic pair is an ensemble of talented support cast, each of whom did a great job of contributing to the overall narrative of the film, much like the intricate web of relationships often found in romantic drama movies . Kim Sung-ryung and Jo Han-chul come in with their brilliant performances in the role of Kiwan’s mother and Marie’s father, adding depth and emotional resonance to the familial bonds. Lee II-hwa also shines as Marie’s mother, further enriching the emotional layers of the story, as is common in this genre. Other notable additions to the supporting cast included the likes of Seo Hyun-woo, Wael Sersoub, and others whose portrayals lend the right gravity to their respective roles. This helps to highly enrich the thematic resonance of the film.

A critical analysis of My Name is Loh Kiwan

Offering some noteworthy performances on screen and a tightly knit story, My Name is Loh Kiwan shines during its runtime. Lead actors, Song Joong-ki and Choi Sung-eun deliver a great portrayal of their characters. A great showcase of moments of quiet introspection to raw, unbridled passion, a performance nothing short of mesmerising. And their chemistry on screen is surely palpable with each interaction imbued with authenticity that elevates the film to new heights.

Cast performance

The role of Marie comes with an unexpected quiet intensity that is equally captivating as it is haunting. A character grappling with her inner demons, Sung-eun brings the sense of much required nuance to her journey of self discovery despite her portrayal as stoic. Together with Joong-ki, the on-screen time they spend sharing screen is truly remarkable and their budding romance unfolds to the audience with a sense of inevitability that is both tender and achingly beautiful.

In addition to the perfect roles of the leads, the supporting cast was no slouch either and became equally impressive during the runtime.

Rounding out the ensemble, the performances are bother memorable and poignant.

Technical aspects

The director of My Name is Loh Kiwan brings a sense of urgency and intimacy that guides the audience on a journey that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning. Drawing inspiration from major movies like My Name Is Khan and Crash Landing on You, Kim Hee-jin crafts a timeless story exploring the rich themes of love and the universal desire for connection.

From a visual standpoint, the film becomes a feast for the eyes, thanks in large part to the perfect cinematic execution by cinematographer, Lim Won-gun. Bringing out some amazing vistas to intimate close ups, every film has been meticulously composed that brings the film with a sense of atmosphere and mood that is impossible to ignore. The perfect interplay of shadow and light brings a sense of fun and poignancy even in to dullest of moments.

Technically, the film is a perfect triumph for the creators, showcasing a level of visual artistry and technical mastery reminiscent of Spaceman movies. Seamless editing allows the narrative to unfold at an engaging and immersive pace, drawing the viewer into Loh Kiwan’s world. Couple that with a musical score created to complement the emotional beats of the film, My Name Is Loh Kiwan becomes an overpowering action on screen.

My Name Is Loh Kiwan is a film that is sure to linger in the mind long after the credits have rolled. Blending in some amazing performances from the cast along with adept direction and stunning visuals, the film becomes a symbol of the enduring human spirit. Whether you take it as a timeless romance or a story of human resilience, the film sheds light on several universal truths that bind all together. So, if you are planning to catch the film, be sure to tune into Netflix.