Wikipedia

Keys to the Heart

Keys to the Heart (Korean: 그것만이 내 세상) is a 2018 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Choi Sung-hyun.[2] The film stars Lee Byung-hun, Youn Yuh-jung and Park Jeong-min.[3][4] The English translation of the original film title is That's my World.

Keys to the Heart
Theatrical release poster
Hangul
그것만이 내 세상
RRGeugeonmani nae sesang
MRKŭgŏnmani nae sesang
Directed byChoi Sung-hyun
Written byChoi Sung-hyun
Produced byJu Seoung-hwan
Yoon Je-kyoon
StarringLee Byung-hun
Youn Yuh-jung
Park Jeong-min
CinematographyHong Seung-hyuk
Kim Tae-sung
Edited byKim Sun-min
Music byHwang Sang-jun
Production
company
JK Film
Distributed byCJ E&M
Release date
  • January 17, 2018 (2018-01-17)
Running time
120 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
Box officeUS$25.8 million[1]

Plot

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The film follows the emotional journey of two estranged brothers as they reconnect and find healing through music and family.

The story centers on Jo-ha (played by Lee Byung-hun), a washed-up boxer who has spent most of his life on the fringes of society. Down on his luck and with nowhere to go, Jo-ha reconnects with his long-estranged mother In-sook (Youn Yuh-jung), whom he has not seen in over a decade. To his surprise, she is now caring for Jin-tae (Park Jung-min), his younger half-brother, who has savant syndrome and is a gifted pianist with an extraordinary musical talent but limited ability to navigate the world on his own.

Forced to live under the same roof, Jo-ha initially struggles to adapt to his new environment and feels awkward around his intellectually disabled brother. However, as time passes, he begins to soften and form a bond with Jin-tae, discovering both the pain and beauty of family connections he had long rejected. As Jo-ha confronts his own failures and lost dreams, he becomes inspired by Jin-tae’s innocence, resilience and musical passion.

Cast

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Production

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Principal photography began on June 6, 2017, and ended on August 27, 2017.[5][6]

Reception

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Critical reception

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The film explored themes of forgiveness, reconciliation and the power of family, using heartfelt performances and moments of humor to tell a moving story about second chances. With a strong emotional core and standout performances, especially from Park Jung-min as Jin-tae, the film was well received for its sincere portrayal of disability and familial love. It became a moderate box office success in South Korea and contributed to ongoing conversations about neurodiversity in mainstream cinema.

Yoon Min-sik of The Korea Herald called the characters and plot "generic and predictable" but praised the acting performance of the film.[7]

Shim Sun-ah of Yonhap News Agency praised Choi Seong-hyeon for handling family relationships with the utmost sensitivity and drawing good performances out of his actors.[4]

Box office

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According to figures provided by the Korean Film Council, just 3 weeks after its release, the film had surpassed 3 million viewers.[8]

Awards and nominations

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Awards Category Recipient Result Ref.
2nd The Seoul Awards Best Actor Lee Byung-hun Nominated [9]
Best Supporting Actress Kim Sung-ryung Nominated

Music pieces

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The following music pieces appeared in the film:

  • Mozart Piano Sonata No.11 in A major 'Rondo Alla Turca' K.331
  • Beethoven Piano sonata No.14 in C sharp minor 'Moonlight' Op.27-2 3rd Movement
  • Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor Op.11 3rd Movement
  • Brahms Hungarian Dance No.5 in G minor
  • Tchaikovsky : Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23

Remake

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Philippine adaptation of the film was released in October 2023, Netflix.[10][11]

References

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