Family in the Bubble

About This Movie

Family in the Bubble feels very personal, almost like a home video turned documentary. Ma Min-ji digs into her parents' lives as real estate developers in the 80s, capturing that peculiar mix of ambition and fragility. The pacing is reflective, allowing you to soak in the nostalgia and the stark contrasts of success and downfall when the Asian financial crisis hits. The interviews feel honest and raw; you can sense the emotional weight behind each story. It’s not just a tale of economic collapse but a deep dive into familial bonds and the illusions of stability. Those practical effects, like old photographs and home recordings, really ground it in reality. It’s distinctive for its intimate approach and the way it weaves personal history with broader economic themes.

Released in 2018, runs 80 minutes.Filmed in South Korea, features home video elements.Director Ma Min-ji's debut feature-length documentary.Explores the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.