When Manuel turns 18, he returns home from the foster care facility where he stayed since his mother was sent to prison. As he wanders about the streets, he feels freedom is half bitter. He tries to prove that he is a grown-up who can take responsibility for himself, so that his mother can serve her time left at home. Manuel focuses on a protagonist on the verge of becoming an adult. It shows him taking care of children on the last day of his stay at the facility in the style of realism, with moving camera walks and long takes. It also delivers his sense of responsibility by frequently closing in on his agonized face. The director talks about the communication among the alienated, focusing on the innocent and good Manuel; he fills the film with warmth. Though when he stares at the world at the latter part of the film, we feel his worries about the uncertain future. The first-time director’s rhythmical story development is noticeable, and the performance of the cast is not to be missed. (RHEE Souewon)