Laurent Boileau and Jung Henin’s Approved for Adoption is an autobiographical tale based on Henin’s (referred to throughout simply as “Jung”) graphic novel and own experiences. It effectively weaves animation with documentary to reconstruct Jung’s journey from the streets of Seoul to adopted life in Belgium and back again.
Abandoned by is mother, five year old Jung finds himself taken in by an adoptive Belgian family with four kids of its own. He is a clever and mischievous child who struggles to reconcile the duality of his identity. While his adoptive siblings and father never question his right to belong he as an outsider, a feeling exacerbated by a disconnection from his new mother.
The film is undeniably charming and interactions between Jung and his siblings are humorous and sweet as they traverse the awkward path through adolescence. The careful animation expresses Jung’s unique style, which reflects his diverse range of influences. It is interspersed with the reflections of an adult Jung as he makes a belated return to South Korea, still trying to make sense of his origins. There is something very intimate about the way the story is told. It offers moving insights into questions of identity, culture, family and belonging, while also being a delight to watch.
