Move to Heaven

In 2021, Netflix introduced audiences worldwide to an emotionally stirring and uniquely compelling South Korean drama series, titled Move to Heaven. Standing out for its moving portrayal of human empathy and shared experiences, the series stars Tang Jun-sang, Lee Je-hoon, Hong Seung-hee, Jung Yeon-joo, Yoo Sun, Jeongeon Park, and Lee Jae-wook.

Directed by Kim Sung-ho and Park So-yeon, Move to Heaven takes its audience through the touching narrative of a trauma cleaner and his nephew. The series takes its inspiration from the non-fiction essay “Things Left Behind," written by Kim Sae-byul, who is one of the few actual trauma cleaners in South Korea.

Tang Jun-sang stars as the show's main character, Geu-ru. Geu-ru is a 20-year-old young man with Asperger's syndrome. He inherits his late father's trauma cleaning business, Move to Heaven, which is dedicated to clearing out the belongings of the deceased and tidying up their spaces. Through these tasks, they often uncover the unexpected stories that the deceased have left behind, creating a sense of closure and understanding for the grieving families.

However, Geu-ru’s life takes a significant turn following his father's sudden demise. His estranged uncle, Sang-gu, who was previously a mixed martial arts fighter embroiled in personal issues, takes charge of him. Sang-gu, portrayed by drama veteran Lee Je-hoon, is initially reluctant, viewing this responsibility as a burden but is gradually moved by his late brother's kindhearted profession and his nephew's unmatched dedication to it.

Among the supporting cast, Hong Seung-hee stars as Geu-ru’s compassionate neighbor, Yoon Na-mu. Yoon Na-mu, whose profession is a social worker, often assists and supports Geu-ru and his uncle in unforeseen ways. Yoo Sun portrays Geu-ru’s late mother, Jung-woo. She frequently appears as flashbacks, providing context on Geu-ru's past and his unique perspective of the world. Jeongeon Park and Lee Jae-wook also bring gravitas to the show with their pertinent roles.

At its core, Move to Heaven delves deeper into the human experiences of loss, love, acceptance, and the need to understand and support those who may experience the world differently from us. Specifically, it provides a closer look at Asperger's syndrome, a type of pervasive developmental disorder which is a part of autism spectrum disorders. It paints a compassionate picture of the daily life and challenges of those with Asperger's syndrome, a life often misunderstood by the majority.

Throughout its narrative, Move to Heaven profoundly showcases how trauma cleaning isn't merely a process of physical tidying up but also a practice of emotional healing for the clients and for the trauma cleaners themselves. Every new case for 'Move to Heaven' brings out a different side of human life, exploring themes of family, friendship, sacrifice, redemption, and the intricate human emotions that bind us all, translating these complex themes into a universally digestible narrative.

Despite its sensitive subject matter, Move to Heaven has captivating storylines from episode to episode, leaving audiences touched, shocked, and enlightened in equal measure. By delving into the lives of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death, the series doesn't shy away from delivering emotional depth, teaching valuable lessons about life, death, and everything in between.

Visually, it is distinct in its cinematography and production. With vibrant color palettes that create moods, compelling camera angles that maintain visual interest, and a tranquil score that complements the narratives, Move to Heaven succeeds in transfixing the viewers into its world.

In a nutshell, Move to Heaven is a profound and emotionally explorative drama series that plays like a beautifully orchestrated symphony of human existence. While navigating the viewer through a vast emotional scope, it personifies grief and loss while also celebrating the various facets of life and love. Further enriched by convincing performances from a stellar cast, this Korean drama series leaves a lasting mark in the realm of cinema, offering an introspective journey into the human condition. Seldom do we come across a series that manages to uncover the extraordinary in the mundane with such aesthetic and emotional brilliance, making Move to Heaven an unmissable watch.