Hotel by the River 2019
In *Hotel by the River (2019)*, South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo crafts a contemplative drama about mortality, family, and fleeting connections.
Director: Hong Sang-soo
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hotel by the River (2019) about?
The film follows an aging poet who, sensing his death is near, invites his estranged sons to a remote hotel. There, he encounters two women staying nearby, leading to a series of quiet, revelatory conversations about life, regret, and fleeting connections. The story unfolds with Hong Sang-soo's distinctive blend of simplicity and depth.
Who directed Hotel by the River?
Hong Sang-soo, the acclaimed South Korean director known for his introspective and dialogue-driven films like *On the Beach at Night Alone* and *Right Now, Wrong Then*, helmed *Hotel by the River*.
Who stars in Hotel by the River?
The film features Ki Joo-bong as the poet, alongside Kim Min-hee and Song Sun-mi as the two women, with supporting roles from Kwon Hae-hyo and Yu Jun-sang.
Is Hotel by the River (2019) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you appreciate slow-burn dramas with rich thematic layers. While it lacks action or conventional narrative arcs, the film's poignant character studies and atmospheric setting make it a rewarding experience for fans of Hong Sang-soo's work. Its quiet intensity lingers, leaving a lasting impression.
How long is Hotel by the River?
The film runs for 96 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Hotel by the River (2019) — A Poet's Final Days and the Women Who Cross His Path
In *Hotel by the River (2019)*, South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo crafts a contemplative drama about mortality, family, and fleeting connections. The film centers on an aging poet who, sensing the end of his days, calls his estranged sons to his side at a secluded riverside hotel. There, amid the quietude of winter and the weight of unresolved emotions, he crosses paths with two women—each carrying her own emotional burdens. Hong's signature minimalist style and wry dialogue weave a tapestry of introspection, where chance encounters and quiet exchanges reveal more about the characters than grand gestures ever could.
The atmosphere is one of serene melancholy, as the hotel's stark beauty mirrors the inner landscapes of its inhabitants. Ki Joo-bong delivers a quietly commanding performance as the poet, while Kim Min-hee and Song Sun-mi bring depth to the enigmatic women whose presence disrupts and enriches the narrative. With its blend of existential reflection and understated humor, *Hotel by the River* is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting viewers to ponder the fragility of life and the connections that outlast us all.