Tired of the relentless competition and hollow relationships in Seoul, Hye-won (played by Kim Tae-ri) makes the difficult decision to return to her rural hometown. Struggling with feelings of failure and uncertainty about her future, she begins living in her late mother’s old house.
As the seasons change, she reconnects with her childhood friends, rediscovers the joy of cooking with her own hands, and learns that sometimes, the path to finding oneself is not about moving forward, but about coming home.
Movie: Little Forest (2018)
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Viki
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Jin Ki-joo
Screenwriter: Hwang Sung-goo
Director: Yim Soon-rye
Adaptation: Japanese manga ‘Little Forest’ by Daisuke Igarashi
The Plot
The movie follows Hye-won, a young woman who fails her university entrance exams and struggles to find meaning in city life. Unable to cope with the pressure, she returns to her small countryside home. There, she begins cooking seasonal meals using recipes she vaguely remembers from her mother, who left years ago without explanation.
Throughout the summer, autumn, and winter, Hye-won spends her days with two close friends: the blunt but loyal Jae-ha (Ryu Jun-yeol) and the warm-hearted Eun-sook (Jin Ki-joo). They share meals, work on the farm, and gradually confront their unspoken feelings.
By spring, Hye-won finally faces the question she has been avoiding: did she come back because she truly chose to, or because she was running away? Through cooking, farming, and the gentle passage of time, she begins to find her own answer.
The Characters
Hye-won (played by Kim Tae-ri)
A young woman who escapes the city to return to her rural hometown. She is introspective, quiet, and often frustrated with herself. Her journey is about finding purpose not in achievement, but in the rhythms of everyday life.
Jae-ha (played by Ryu Jun-yeol)
Hye-won’s longtime friend who stayed in the village. He is hardworking, dry-witted, and secretly caring. He represents the stability and honesty of rural life.
Eun-sook (played by Jin Ki-joo)
Another childhood friend who works in a small shop, she is talkative, emotional, and brings warmth and humor. Her struggles with an unplanned pregnancy add depth to the theme of life’s unexpected turns.
Reasons to Watch ‘Little Forest’
- Visually Soothing: Every frame is filled with the beauty of the Korean seasons—lush summer greens, golden autumn harvests, snowy winter silence, and spring blossoms. It’s a feast for the eyes.
- Healing and Slice-of-Life: There are no dramatic villains or plot twists—just the gentle rhythm of cooking, farming, and friendship. Perfect when you need comfort.
- Delicious Food Delicacies: From making kimchi to baking bread and fermenting rice wine, the cooking scenes are detailed, authentic, and deeply satisfying.
- Relatable Life Questions: The movie explores universal doubts: Am I a failure? Should I chase a dream or find peace? It doesn’t offer easy answers—only honest ones.
- Kim Tae-ri’s Performance: Her subtle, natural acting carries the film. You feel every frustration, quiet joy, and tears without her saying much.
- Family-Friendly: There is no violence, gore, or explicit content. It is suitable for teens and adults who appreciate slow, meaningful storytelling.
‘Little Forest’ is not a movie about grand dreams or dramatic betrayals. It is about the courage to stop running and simply be. Through Hye-won’s hands, as she kneads dough and plants seeds, the film reminds us that healing is not a destination; it is a daily practice.
It asks: what does a ‘successful life’ truly look like? Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a warm bowl of rice and the quiet company of a friend. This movie is a gentle hug for anyone who has ever felt lost in the noise of the world.
Written by: Trisha Deka
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