The Drop Box

The Drop Box, directed by Brian Ivie, is a 2015 South Korean-American documentary that communicates a poignant story of sacrifice, unconditional love, and humanitarian spirit against difficult odds. The film showcases Pastor Lee Jong-rak's life-changing initiative to combat child abandonment in Seoul, South Korea.

The film's title refers to an actual physical box installed in Pastor Lee's home that serves a profound purpose. It's a hatch on the side of Pastor Lee's house, cushioned and heated, where parents can safely leave their children they cannot care for, no matter what the reason. Once a child is placed in this box, an alarm rings inside the pastor's house, alerting them to the presence of a child. This drop box is always open, brilliantly mirroring the open hearts of Pastor Lee and his family, assuring that every child left in the drop box is warmed, welcomed, and cared for.

The Drop Box is centered around the genuine love Pastor Lee has for these abandoned children, many of whom have severe physical and mental disabilities. This compassionate man, his heroic enterprise, and the children who find love and care under his roof become the addictive focus of the documentary.

Brian Ivie's in-depth portrayal of Pastor Lee, his family, and their tireless work at the Jusarang (God's Love) Community Church allows the audience to better understand the roots of the issue at hand. Instead of portraying the children as victims or the parents as villains, the director opts for a humanistic portrayal of this complex issue, shedding light on the socio-economic factors driving parents to leave their children in the drop box.

Embracing what can be a deeply sad subject with sensitivity and grace, Ivie uses impactful storytelling to share the extraordinary efforts of Pastor Lee with the world. Ivie blends interviews with Pastor Lee, his wife, church members, and a host of supporters who praise the initiative, with heart-tugging scenes of the daily life, laughter, and even the troubles inside Pastor Lee's loving sanctuary.

In one unforgettable scene, we watch as Pastor Lee tenderly feeds, washes, and cares for toddlers alongside teens with a stunning amount of gentleness. At times, he stays awake all night to ensure a child's wellbeing. Despite the challenges, Pastor Lee remains relentless and shines with a great amount of determination and faith against ongoing adversity.

Throughout this sobering exploration, the filmmaker skillfully captures the dichotomy of joy and heartache, life and loss, abandonment and acceptance. The seamless interlacing of these opposites establishes both cultural context and an emotional depth that culminate into a powerful cinematic experience.

The film uses these elements to push past the boundaries of a conventional documentary and seamlessly turns into a stimulation of the human spirit. It underscores the idea that every child, no matter their physical or mental condition, deserves love, care, and a chance at life.

The Drop Box also delves into the subject of the societal stigma attached to having a child with disabilities in South Korea, which contributes significantly to the parents' decision of abandoning their babies. It subtly challenges the prejudices and discrimination still prevalent in many societies today and leaves the audience to ponder about change.

The film is visually striking, capturing the heart of Seoul city in beautiful cinematography. Yet, it effortlessly contrasts the bustling cityscape with the humble environment of the children's home nurtured by Pastor Lee and his team.

In essence, The Drop Box offers an inspiring depiction of a man who became a beacon of hope for hundreds of unwanted children and turned his home into a sanctuary where love and acceptance reign. It is a real-life tale of selflessness that challenges the audience to think about love, life, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a family. While the film explores societal wounds and hardships, its ultimate message is one of hope, inspiring change, and the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.