The Way Home demonstrates the dangers of the modern world; disconnected and dysfunctional families, and loss of traditional filial values. The solution to the problem and the hope for the future can be found in a return to Confucian roots. The country village with its simple and wholesome life represents the wisdom of living the Confucian ideal. It is a place where a parent, or in this case grandparent, patiently, selflessly, and lovingly cares for a grandson and teaches by example, while friends help friends, neighbors help neighbors, and strangers help strangers. We watch the spoiled, selfish, and morally bankrupt child transform into a loving, thoughtful, and dutiful grandson under the powerful Confucian influence of his wonderful grandmother. The change is profound and lasting.
I used to teach Korean kids and it seemed one of their favorite traditions was on New Years day. They often told me of the custom on that day to bow to their grandparents. I would respond about that being a very wonderful custom. Then with a big smile the kids would always add that after they bow, the grandparents would give them money. Usually they would add how much, with kids trying to top each other about their earnings.
The Way Home tells a familiar story, the troubled youth who gets straight by the outsider. I was surprised by the poverty of the grandmother's home. The film reminded me of two or three students I have had, out of many from Asia, who greatly resented being brought to Amercia by their parents. I did have an experience with CPS, because a student was being severely punished at home ( by our standards) for his lack of A grades, not so much his behavior.
I thought this was a very sweet film and helped me to understand Korean culture in a meaningful way. I'm not sure how it would fit into a Medieval Times history class, however I will be sure to keep it in mind if I ever teach high school world history again. What struck me was the unconditional love of the grandmother and the poverty she lived in.
The Way Home tells the standard tale of bad kid neglected by his modern working mother. Through the love of the old family member the child is "saved." Is the way home referred to the way back to Confucianism? I think so. The grandmother takes care of the horrible little boy and tries to do what he wants. Although there is a great cultural divide since the grandmother did not know or understand exactly what the boy wanted. One of the interesting aspects is that the grandmother is mute. The community seems to honor her despite her disabiity. The little boy, at first, does not. The grandmother lives in such poverty it is hard to imagine how she has survived or will survive as she gets even older. Even though she is poor, the grandmother takes nutritional supplements to another elder who is not doing well. The grandmother is generous and demonstrates the filial relationships that Confucius preaches. Eventually the boy falls in line and displays the correct behavior.
This was the best film so far. The spoiled little kid got an 'education' while staying with his grandmother. He always acted like he was abover her, smarter than her, but through the movie he showed glimpses of goodness. So, is the lack of discipline on young kids still a cultural thing to this day?
Yes, I agree. The grandmother is an unforgettable character. Though I am not Buddhist, she made me think of someone walking the talk: self-possessed, unattached, and like a saint of any creed, on a higher evolutionary plane than the rest of us.
When I showed the film to my after school club, two of the kids said aloud: "I wish I had a grandma like that."
(ok, and they added, "...but with a straight back.")