Move to Heaven Review: A Heartfelt Journey Through Life and Death
Move to Heaven, a South Korean drama released in 2021, is one of the most touching and unique K-dramas to hit Netflix. Unlike many Korean dramas that focus on romance, fantasy, or action, Move to Heaven takes a more grounded approach, exploring deep emotions tied to life, death, and human connection. Directed by Kim Sung-ho and written by Yoon Ji-ryeon, this 10-episode series strikes a delicate balance between heartbreaking moments and uplifting messages, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking, emotional storytelling.
Plot Overview
Move to Heaven centers around Geu-ru (Tang Joon-sang), a 20-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, and his uncle, Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon). Geu-ru works for his family's business, “Move to Heaven,” a trauma cleaning service. The company's primary job is to clean the homes of those who have passed away and, more importantly, to organize their belongings to convey their final, unspoken messages to their loved ones. After Geu-ru’s father dies unexpectedly, Sang-gu, who has just been released from prison, is appointed as his guardian.
The core of the series revolves around Geu-ru and Sang-gu's growing relationship, as well as their work in trauma cleaning. Each episode presents a new story of someone who has passed away, giving viewers a glimpse into their lives, regrets, and the impact their deaths have on those left behind. Through these stories, Move to Heaven delves into themes of grief, healing, and the importance of memory.
Characters and Performances
One of the biggest strengths of Move to Heaven is its characters, particularly the performances of Tang Joon-sang and Lee Je-hoon.
Geu-ru is a character that could easily have been portrayed in a way that leaned on stereotypes, but Tang Joon-sang’s portrayal is sensitive, authentic, and powerful. He brings a quiet strength to the role, making Geu-ru an incredibly endearing protagonist. His portrayal of Asperger's syndrome is nuanced, showing how Geu-ru’s unique way of seeing the world helps him uncover hidden truths about the deceased.
Sang-gu, on the other hand, is a man burdened by a troubled past. At the beginning of the series, he is rough around the edges, indifferent, and angry. Lee Je-hoon’s portrayal of Sang-gu's transformation—from a bitter ex-convict to a compassionate, responsible guardian—feels genuine and earned. His growth is one of the emotional high points of the series. The chemistry between Sang-gu and Geu-ru evolves naturally, and their relationship is the beating heart of the show.
Other standout performances include Hong Seung-hee as Yoon Na-mu, Geu-ru’s loyal friend, who acts as a bridge between Geu-ru’s sheltered world and the outside. Her character adds a layer of warmth to the series, providing support to Geu-ru and occasionally challenging Sang-gu’s behavior. The recurring side characters—such as the people affected by the trauma clean-up jobs—are all portrayed with great care, and even though they appear for a short time, they leave a lasting impact.
Themes of Grief, Loss, and Healing
One of the most profound aspects of Move to Heaven is how it handles the themes of grief and loss. Death is often treated as a taboo subject, but this drama dives straight into it, examining it from multiple angles. The trauma cleaning jobs that Geu-ru and Sang-gu take on provide the structure for each episode, and each story is different. Some are about people who died lonely deaths, while others focus on unresolved family issues or unspoken regrets.
Despite the sadness that comes with each death, Move to Heaven is not a depressing show. Instead, it’s a celebration of life, memories, and the importance of understanding one another. Every person leaves behind a story, and the series emphasizes that even in death, we can learn from and honor those who have passed. It offers a gentle reminder that every life, no matter how seemingly ordinary, is valuable and deserves to be remembered.
The show also takes a closer look at how different people cope with grief. For Geu-ru, trauma cleaning is a way to process his own emotions and deal with the loss of his father. For Sang-gu, it becomes a journey toward redemption and reconciling with his past. The show doesn’t shy away from showing the raw, painful side of grief, but it also highlights the healing power of empathy and understanding.
Representation of Autism
Move to Heaven deserves praise for its representation of autism, particularly in the character of Geu-ru. Many shows and films that feature characters with autism often portray them as one-dimensional, defined solely by their condition. However, in Move to Heaven, Geu-ru is a fully developed character with his own strengths, weaknesses, and personality. His autism is part of who he is, but it doesn’t define him entirely. The show does a great job of showing how Geu-ru's attention to detail and his methodical nature—traits associated with Asperger's syndrome—are assets in his trauma cleaning work.
Moreover, the series doesn’t portray autism as something that needs to be "fixed." Instead, it emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding. Sang-gu’s initial frustration with Geu-ru's behavior slowly turns into admiration as he begins to see the world through Geu-ru’s eyes. This evolution in their relationship is both heartwarming and important in terms of fostering awareness and inclusivity.
Cinematography and Production
Visually, Move to Heaven is beautifully shot, with a muted color palette that matches the somber yet hopeful tone of the show. The cinematography does an excellent job of capturing the small, intimate moments that make the series so special. From the detailed shots of the trauma cleaning process to the quiet moments of reflection between characters, the visual storytelling is just as powerful as the dialogue.
The soundtrack also complements the emotional depth of the series, with soft, melancholic melodies that enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming the scenes. The careful balance between the visual and auditory elements helps to create a deeply immersive viewing experience.
Conclusion: Why You Should Watch Move to Heaven
*Move to Heaven* is more than just a K-drama; it’s a meditation on life, death, and the connections that bind us. The series masterfully blends poignant storytelling with well-drawn characters, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. Its focus on trauma cleaning as a means of preserving memories adds a unique twist to the genre, while its sensitive portrayal of autism offers much-needed representation.
If you're looking for a series that will make you think, cry, and ultimately appreciate the beauty of human relationships, Move to Heaven should be at the top of your list. It’s a show that stays with you long after the credits roll, reminding us all of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the stories we leave behind.
