CIFF 2025 – Before the Call
In South Korea, all able-bodied young men are required to serve in the military between the ages of 18 and 35, with service length ranging from 18 to 21 months. The conscription has been in place since 1957 and is considered a constitutional duty in part due to the ongoing threat from North Korea. I wasn’t aware of this information before watching “Before the Call (부름 전에),” but it inspired me to conduct a quick Google search afterward. The low-budget film was written, edited, and directed by Chicago-based James Choi, an Assistant Professor at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, who used a 4-person crew while on sabbatical in South Korea. The film will make its World Premiere this weekend at the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF).
The title of the film refers to the events that transpire in the days leading up to a young Korean man’s departure to serve in the military. Jinwoo (Andy Koh, making his acting debut) is a Korean American who recently returned to Seoul and is checking in with friends and family before his deployment day. Throughout the film, and at its start and conclusion, continuing news reports of an escalating global humanitarian crisis overseas can be heard, providing viewers with both a setting and context of current events. While Jinwoo is exempt from service, he’s nevertheless determined to enlist, in part to win the approval of his stern father (Gwang-rok Oh, known for “Oldboy” and “Lady Vengeance”), who also served in the past.
Jinwoo spends his time wandering the streets of Seoul and reconnecting with old friends, like his pal Changkyu (Seong-guk Ha) and Minji (Soyi Kang). He hasn’t summoned the courage to tell Minji how he truly feels about her, but it’s obvious they’ve both felt the same way for some time. As he spends this time with them, Jinwoo begins to wonder why he’s decided to enlist to serve a country he’s struggled to call his own. Is it simply a matter of reconnecting with his roots, or will this act of service provide a new sense of purpose?
There’s a heaviness throughout “Before the Call”, and much of it is due to what’s not being said by the characters, either in body language or unspoken truths. It’s the feeling of the looming deployment day, but Jinwoo also has an apparent underlying longing to connect and be seen by those he loves. Choi and his actors deftly convey the struggles of desire and longing, while also exploring themes such as duty and identity, and grappling with the uncertainties of knowing and doing what is right.
Making his impressive acting debut, Andy Koh exudes naturalness and comfort alongside his supporting actors. His scenes with Gwang-rok Oh and Soyi Kang offer a nuanced range of understated emotionality. Cinematographer Su Bin Kim quietly captures the actors in their environments, whether it’s the sparse interior of Jimwoo’s father’s apartment or the different exterior shots during a walk that Jinwoo and Minji take, and these decisions invite us to lean in a little closer.
“Before the Call” definitely feels like it comes from a personal place, yet it also explores universal themes that anyone can relate to, regardless of their background. Choi has made a heartfelt and tender film that offers a thoughtful and engaging viewing experience.
RATING: ***
“Before the Call” will screen on October 25 at the Gene Siskel Film Center (5:00 pm) and on October 26 at AMC Newcity (12:30 pm), featuring lead actor Andrew Koh, Producers Jeesoo Lee and Judi Krant, alongside writer/director James Choi, for post-screening Q&As. Click here for ticket info.
NOTE: Both Seong-guk Ha and Soyi Kang can also be seen in another CIFF film, “What Does that Nature Say to You,” which will screen on Saturday, October 25 at 8:30 pm.
