Director Jeong Seung-o, who drew attention with his debut Move the Grave (2020), a work imbued equally with melancholy and humor, returns with his second feature. Centering on three characters—Cheoltaek, a father diagnosed with terminal cancer; his daughter Jeongmi, who shoulders both work and caregiving; and Hyeonsuk, who dreams of freedom beyond her role in the family—the film once again brings an extended family to the screen. The craftsmanship that shapes its flavors has grown more seasoned and generous. While gently simmering with an embrace for the complexities of relationships, the film also adds a sharp taste here and there through moments of irony and wit from everyday life. Coming of Age chooses not to bind the concept of family into a single narrative but instead layers within it the experiences of an era, generational divides, and individual desires. Its ability to weave together a range of characters and stories stands out, as does the inclusiveness with which it interprets such real-world subjects as illness, aging, care, and support. Through the experiences each character has lived, a reassuring sense of solidity is offered.
