Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 5, 2020

Keeping up with his interest in the strangeness of relationships, writer/director Hong Sang-soo delves into slightly darker emotional territory with “Hotel by the River.” It’s more of an exploration of family issues and friendships, but, in keeping with the helmer’s creative ways, it remains largely meditative, with stretches of poeticism and tourism breaking up the potential for heated encounters. Hong creates very specific movies for a specific audience, and “Hotel by the River” is no different, only this time he’s ready to probe a little deeper into the disappointments of life, coming up with a denser feature than what he’s typically interested in creating.

“Hotel by the River” examines a restless day for an older poet who believes he’s about to die. Living out his final hours inside a hotel, the writer hopes to connect with his grown children, who remain bitter and confused about their relationship. In another room, a young woman arrives to get over a bad breakup, joined by her friend as she reflects on her sadness. The two sides of “Hotel by the River” essentially inspect the different scales of heartbreak, doing so with Hong-style detachment, offering little narrative movement to remain focused on his actors, who contribute emotive performances, keeping the endeavor away from stillness.

Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.90:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Hotel by the River" remains modest, dealing with a black and white world of snow and bare interiors. Detail is strong, delivering precise looks at skin surfaces (including wiry facial hair) and cold weather wear. Hotel rooms and restaurants retain their spare appearance, while exterior trips are dimensional, taking in rural expanse and city decoration. Delineation is sharp throughout, while the bright whites of snowfall remain natural.

Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix also remains in line with the mild events of the feature, focused most intently on dialogue exchanges, which remain fresh and appealing. Emotionality is strong and hushed exchanges aren't lost. Rare offerings of score are sharp, with distinct piano-based efforts supporting the mood of the endeavor. Surrounds aren't lively, but atmospherics are appreciable. Low-end isn't challenged.

Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (four pages) contains an essay by Kristen Yoonsoo Kim.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:41, HD) is included.

Hotel by the River Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Hotel by the River" doesn't build to a boiling point, electing to remain conversational as personal histories and resentments are pulled out for inspection. There's even time set aside for naps. Hong is no hurry with the dramatics, but he's focused on communication without turning to his own life for direct inspiration. "Hotel by the River" isn't a radical departure for the director, but it does have a certain power when it comes to family, friends, and health issues, using screentime to detail emotional exploration.