6.9
Where can I stream Return to Seoul legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Return to Seoul
2022·Movie
Return to Seoul fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline4
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor3
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, the mind, and growing up
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Ambiguity8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Return to Seoul is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighEveryday modern life, the mind, and growing up
Its world is built around everyday modern life, the mind, and growing up. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
After an impulsive travel decision to visit friends, Freddie, 25, returns to South Korea for the first time, where she was born before being adopted and raised in France. Freddie suddenly finds herself embarking on an unexpected journey in a country she knows so little about, taking her life in new and unexpected directions.
Cultural IdentityEmotional JourneyExpatriate ExperienceSelf-DiscoveryContemporary DramaCharacter-DrivenSubtle StorytellingAmbiguous Ending
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Return to Seoul
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Return to Seoul worth watching?
82
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, and Metacritic 87). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Return to Seoul rated?
R
It's rated R in the United States.
How long is Return to Seoul?
1 h 59 min
Return to Seoul runs 1 h 59 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Return to Seoul?
Critics92
Audiences78
Not quite. Critics rate Return to Seoul higher (92) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is Return to Seoul in?
KoreanFrenchPortugueseSpanishEnglish
It was made in Korean, with some French, Portuguese, Spanish, English. Produced in Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Romania, South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch Return to Seoul?
82
+68
+68GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Return to Seoul in 82 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Return to Seoul use?
Gift of SongInterracial Adoption StrugglesLikes Older MenTime SkipUnpleasant Parent Reveal"Rediscovering Roots" TripUnnamed Parent
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for Return to Seoul, including Gift of Song, Interracial Adoption Struggles, Likes Older Men.