The poet is played by veteran Korean actor Ki Joo-bong, who delivers a stirring performance as a man coming to terms with his mortality. His two sons, played by Kwon Hae-hyo and Yu Jun-sang, have very different personalities and are estranged from their father. Yet, they reluctantly agree to come and spend some time with him.
Meanwhile, the young woman, played by newcomer Kim Min-hee, is clearly in distress and seeking some sort of refuge. Although she doesn't directly interact with the poet, their paths cross throughout the film, and their stories become intertwined.
As the characters grapple with their own demons, the hotel becomes a sort of purgatory, a place where they are forced to confront their past, present, and future. The desolate winter landscape only adds to the sense of isolation and introspection.
Director Hong Sang Soo, known for his introspective, dialogue-heavy films, once again creates a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. The stunning black-and-white cinematography and the spare, haunting score only add to the film's melancholic tone.
Overall, Hotel by the River is a powerful meditation on life, death, and the complexities of human relationships.
