The Rainfall Market

Yeoung-Gwang’s sweet but uneventful debut introduces schoolgirl Serin, who wins a “Golden Ticket” to a marketplace of dreams by writing an essay describing her misfortunes. There’s no need for her to embellish; Serin’s father died when she was too young to remember him, her house burned down, she lives with her mother in a dank “semi-basement” apartment, and, last year, her little sister ran away and has not returned. In response to her essay, she’s invited to the market at the start of the next rainy season, where she can trade her misfortunes for “a happier story in our stock.” The market is run by Dokkaebi, goblin-like creatures from Korean folklore, among them Toriya, a gentle giant who loves to pick flowers despite a phobia of insects, and Mata, who owns a bookstore. Serin’s quasi-adventures include getting a haircut and visiting the shops and food stalls accompanied by Issha, a cat with a ravenous appetite and a keen sense of where to find the best bargain. The tale meanders with little sense of forward momentum as Serin considers her options for a better life. The result is a cute but predictable fairy tale that feels better suited for a younger audience. (Jan.)