Review: Working Class Pains and a Father’s Love Collide in the Tragic/Comic Short, ‘May This Day Be’

In Korean filmmaker Jaehyun Park’s short film “May This Day Be,” the focus is on a single day in the life of deliveryman Hyeon-soo. He’s working against the clock so he can complete his duties and pick his daughter up from school on time. However, after halting at a local spa to freshen up at the behest of his daughter (who turns her nose up at the stench of sweat emanating from her hardworking dad), things begin to go downhill for Hyeon-soo. Not only does this pitstop impact his punctuality, it also puts a strain on his friendship with a fellow deliveryman. Furthermore, the film tests his limits when an elevator stops working. Hyeon-soo must climb fifteen floors of an apartment building to deliver the last few parcels.

Park excels as a storyteller, with the unpredictability of his writing in this short film acting as its biggest strength. Watching Hyeon-soo’s predicament worsen with each scene feels very uneasy. It comes off as well as it does because the protagonist is written in a sympathetic manner. The film also strikes a fine balance between portraying Hyeon-soo’s struggles as father and a worker. We see his struggle to give in to her simple, innocent-minded requests, and as a wage worker on the verge of losing his job. Conjoined, these only further amplify his relatability as a character.

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It can be quite saddening to watch Hyeon-soo grow exhausted with each parcel that he delivers and/or ends up misplacing (failing which he must compensate the customer with money from his own pocket). However, ultimately viewers experience an ending that feels wholesome and satisfying to watch — albeit quite unexpected too. The performances are convincing. If you’re looking for a bittersweet, realistic take on working class life, don’t miss out on “May This Day Be.”

 

 

 

 

“May This Day Be” recently screened at the Bangalore International Film Festival. There are currently no streaming options available for this short film. 

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