Jesa

About This Movie

Jesa (2019) is an intriguing exploration into a Korean ancestral tradition, blending animation with real-life documentary style. The filmmaker's choice to interview her parents adds a personal touch, but the film takes some unexpected turns that challenge the viewer’s assumptions about ritual and memory. The pacing is thoughtful, allowing the atmosphere to build, making each revelation feel weighty. What stands out is the blend of animation that visually represents the intangible feelings connected to these traditions—it’s not just about the ritual itself but also the family dynamics at play. The performances, especially from the filmmaker's parents, are candid and raw, giving it an authenticity that feels rare in this genre. It’s distinctive for how it portrays such a deeply personal subject through a broader cultural lens.

Combines animation with documentary elementsExplores themes of family and memoryUnexpected narrative twists