[Interview] 'Sejamae' Moon So-ri "Glad and Grateful for Many Female Narrative Films and Diverse Characters" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actress Moon So-ri attributed the meaning of the film Sejame (Three Sisters) as "a story about women living in this era."

Moon So-ri shared various stories about the film Sejame (director Lee Seung-won) during a video interview held on the 19th.

Sejame is a film depicting the explosive story of three sisters?one a bundle of hypocrisy, another timid, and the third a troublemaker?who unravel the knots of memories they could not speak about. Actresses Moon So-ri, Kim Sun-young, and Jang Yoon-ju played the sisters.

The film was selected for the 'Jeonju Cinema Project 2020' at the Jeonju International Film Festival and invited to the 'Korean Cinema Today - Panorama' section at the 25th Busan International Film Festival. It was directed by Lee Seung-won, who gained attention at film festivals with Happy Birthday and Communication and Lies.

On this day, Moon said, "I watched the film multiple times during post-production, including rough cuts, so I was worried whether I could immerse myself in the film from the audience's perspective. But when I saw it at the Busan International Film Festival, I shed many tears. I felt a bit embarrassed thinking, 'I’m watching my own film and crying.' I was relieved that the film stayed true to the direction of what it wanted to convey until the end."

Moon plays Mi-yeon, the second sister and choir conductor. She said, "I saw it as a story about many women living in this era, as well as the story of all daughters and sons raised in a patriarchal culture."

"I cried because I felt the pain of each generation?from the three sisters, the younger brother, the mother, to the father. It’s not a story with big incidents, twists, or secrets revealed. It talks about how what some might consider trivial matters remain in one’s heart and affect life. I think such stories are rare, which makes the film more precious."

Moon prepared to become Mi-yeon by attending the same church as the devout Christians Kim Sun-young and Jang Yoon-ju. On set, she received detailed advice, including corrections to prayers from Kim Sun-young, to complete a sincere portrayal.

She recalled, "I learned how to conduct a choir and practiced hymns, playing the piano every day. The four-part harmony gave a great sense of security. Although I am a Buddhist, playing hymns brought me peace of mind."

She added, "The pipe organ in a large church was very impressive. The early morning service at a small newly established church in a funeral hall had a different atmosphere. The young pastors’ sermons were also different. There were many verses from the Psalms that resonated with me. I felt that people who have not received family love or feel anxious could find great comfort in the church, just like Mi-yeon did."

The government recently announced an extension of social distancing measures for two weeks until the 31st to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19, with level 2.5 in the metropolitan area and level 2 in non-metropolitan areas. Accordingly, movie theaters classified as multi-use facilities are prohibited from operating after 9 p.m.

Regarding the release of Sejame on the 27th amid this atmosphere, Moon said, "I didn’t expect the film to be released at this time, so it’s awkward and regrettable. Although the number of screenings may be limited due to theater operating hours, I hope audiences can watch good films."

She added, "I hope audiences wear masks properly and theaters thoroughly implement quarantine measures so we can meet safely. Once distancing is eased, I hope to meet more viewers."

Sejame completed filming in the first half of last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Moon recalled, "When the COVID situation started, filming was difficult. Some shoots were canceled, and we had to look for new locations until the end. It was hard to borrow a school, so we struggled a lot. Since it was the first time facing such a situation, we were initially confused, but we asked for understanding and learned the quarantine rules as we filmed."

Moon acted as sisters alongside Kim Sun-young and Jang Yoon-ju. She expressed special support and expectations for Jang Yoon-ju, who played the youngest sister, regarding her future acting career. She said, "After the film Veteran (2015), Jang Yoon-ju refused roles similar to the Miss Bong character. She had a gap in her career, but I think her thoughts on acting became firmer while working on Sejame."

She continued, "I wonder if there is another atmosphere as good as this. The actors relied on each other a lot and became close. I think that atmosphere is reflected in the film," showing special affection.

Moon participated not only as an actress but also as a co-producer of Sejame. She said, "Film is my workplace. It feels like I transferred departments within it. It’s not painful but all fun. I don’t feel that participating in production or other forms is a big change," showing a relaxed attitude.

She added, "Foreign filmmakers also buy rights to good works and produce them. Many actors do such activities, so I felt I could do it too. Sometimes while folding laundry at home, I think, 'Wouldn’t it be nice to make this?' I’m having fun thinking about various things," she laughed.

Moon married director Jang Joon-hwan in 2006 and gave birth to a daughter in 2011. When asked about the meaning of family, she answered, "They are like air, always with me." She continued, "I couldn’t have continued working without my family’s help. My family sacrificed a lot for me. I want to say sorry. My husband and daughter are always my refuge. Eight-tenths of who Moon So-ri is comes from my family," showing special affection.

What is she like in real life? She said, "I’m not as strict with my child as Mi-yeon is. There is a scene in the film where the daughter is scolded, and I acted harshly during filming and thought about it. But after watching the finished film, it wasn’t that severe. I have never raised my voice or hit my daughter in real life."

About her husband, director Jang Joon-hwan, she said, "He feels like a colleague in the film industry. It’s been a long time since I saw him. He’s in Jeju Island for work, so if I see him, I’d be glad," she said with a smile.

Moon said, "I might be a wife who doesn’t show her face often. I’m a wife who doesn’t ask in detail about what work was done today," she said.

Sejame shines a spotlight on three women. Recently, despite COVID-19, several films led by women have been meeting audiences like wildfire in theaters. She began, "Recently, I was glad as an audience member to see many films depicting women’s narratives, like The Day I Died and Samjin Company English TOEIC Class."

She said, "Not all women’s narrative films are necessarily good. They might not suit my taste or might not be well-made," but added, "Generally, films dealing with women’s stories tell more diverse stories, which I like. Also, it’s rare to meet such diverse female characters as in Sejame, so it’s refreshing and precious. It’s a film perfect for enjoying a feast of female characters," showing confidence.

Moon said, "I hope people feel that their older and younger sisters might have felt the same. After watching the film, I hope families can ask each other, ‘Does that incident still linger in your heart?’ and share conversations like ‘I’m sorry for missing the chance.’"

She also shared her unique thoughts as a filmmaker facing COVID-19. She said, "There are only a few films playing in theaters, and it’s sad to think we might have to watch films separately at home. I’m reaffirming my love for films as if they are disappearing into memories."

Moon said, "I like the moment when the lights go out in the theater just before the screening. When the film starts, we sob and laugh together, and when the end credits roll, it feels like something big is embracing us. I hope those emotions continue to the next generation."

Photo = C-JeS Entertainment, Little Big Pictures