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Will Sharpe to helm film adaptation of bestselling book ‘Crying in H Mart’

by Pushpanjali Nayak

March 25, 2023 6

Michelle Zauner’s memoir, Crying in H Mart, is a poignant coming-of-age story about a half-Korean daughter who returns to small-town Oregon to care for her Korean mother. The book explores Zauner’s complex relationship with her Korean heritage and her mother, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2014. Now, the book is being adapted for the screen by actor-filmmaker Will Sharpe, who will direct the project.

According to reports, Zauner will be adapting her own book for the screen. The memoir centers around the relationship between Zauner and her mother, Chong-mi. The two women struggle to understand each other across a cultural fault line, with Chong-mi being critical and smothering while Michelle is creative and independent. However, they eventually learn to see and accept each other through the formative power of music and the vibrant flavors of Korean cooking.

The project is being backed by MGM, and Sharpe will be directing the film adaptation. Sharpe is known for his work on the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, as well as his previous directing credits for The Electrical Life of Louis Wain and the indie Black Pond.

Zauner’s memoir has received critical acclaim since its release in 2021, with many praising its honesty and emotional depth. The book has also been lauded for its exploration of cultural identity and the challenges faced by second-generation immigrants.

The memoir’s title, Crying in H Mart, refers to a grocery store chain that specializes in Korean foods. Zauner writes about her experiences visiting the store with her mother, and how the store’s sights and smells remind her of her childhood and her Korean heritage. The title also references a poignant moment in the book when Zauner breaks down crying in the H Mart parking lot after her mother’s death.

The decision to adapt Crying in H Mart for the screen is a natural one. The memoir’s powerful story and themes are sure to resonate with audiences, particularly those who have struggled with issues of cultural identity and loss. The project also represents an opportunity to showcase the talents of up-and-coming director Will Sharpe.

Michelle Zauner’s memoir, Crying in H Mart, is a powerful and emotional story about a half-Korean daughter’s struggle to understand her mother and her cultural heritage. The memoir’s adaptation for the screen, backed by MGM and directed by Will Sharpe, is sure to captivate audiences and bring Zauner’s story to an even wider audience. With its themes of cultural identity, family, and loss, Crying in H Mart is a must-read book and soon-to-be must-watch film.