Hotel by the River

2019 • 95 minutes
4.1
11 reviews
95%
Tomatometer
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

About this movie

An aging poet, Younghwan, summons his two estranged sons to a solitary hotel beside the Han River because he feels his death is near. While waiting for them to arrive, he meets two out walking in the new-fallen snow and is struck by their angelic beauty. But the women have come to the hotel to do some healing of their own. As Younghwan moves between the women and his bickering sons, he also moves between his two minds: one that walks on the street and the other that communes with the eternal.

Ratings and reviews

4.1
11 reviews
ROTRAMEL KANDICE
September 2, 2024
As Younghwan awaits his sons' arrival, he encounters two women strolling through the fresh snowfall. Their ethereal presence and angelic beauty leave a lasting impression on him, creating a striking contrast between the purity of their appearance and the emotional turbulence of his own life. These women, however, are not merely incidental characters; they come to the hotel with their own purposes of healing and transformation, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Did you find this helpful?
Madeline Perez
September 26, 2024
Hong Sang-soo's 'Hotel by the River' is a visually stunning film that paints a melancholic portrait of aging and loneliness. The film's long takes and static camera work create a sense of stillness and contemplation, perfectly capturing the quiet desperation of its characters. The film's minimalist aesthetic and beautiful cinematography create a truly immersive viewing experience
Did you find this helpful?
ROXANA CARDENAS
August 29, 2024
In this poignant and introspective film, aging poet Younghwan summons his two estranged sons to a remote hotel by the Han River, sensing that his end is near. As he awaits their arrival, he encounters two women walking through the fresh snow, their ethereal beauty captivating him. These women, however, have their own reasons for being at the hotel, seeking their own form of healing. As Younghwan navigates the tensions between his bickering sons and his encounters with the women, he finds himself
Did you find this helpful?

Rate this movie

Tell us what you think.