Netflix’s New Fantasy Movie is Officially a Streaming Hit With 1 Million Views

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A new fantasy film from Korea is quickly becoming a hit on Netflix, currently ranking as the 6th most-watched international title. Its unusual mix of magic, heartfelt emotion, and family relationships has already attracted over a million viewers in just a few days.

The film Number One, adapted from Sora Uwano’s novella The Number of Times You Can Eat Your Mother’s Cooking is 328, tells the story of Ha-min (Choi Woo-shik) who begins to see numbers appear over his mother’s (Jang Hye-jin) head each time he eats her cooking. He soon discovers, through a dream about his deceased father, that these numbers count down to the day his mother will pass away. Determined to save her, Ha-min starts avoiding her meals, making excuses and even moving to a different city. Director Kim Tae-yong explains he was drawn to the story because, amidst many intense narratives, it highlights the preciousness of life.

Number One Proves That Quieter Movies Bring A Lot to the Table

Though it hasn’t received widespread praise from critics yet, Number One is a beautiful film to watch. The food and the city of Busan are particularly striking. It’s a subtle movie that relies on emotional impact, but manages to stay surprisingly upbeat. As critic Magdalena Nieświec notes, the film evokes a range of reactions – some may feel hungry, others homesick, some amused, and others annoyed by moments that feel overly silly.

Ultimately, Number One is a heartwarming film despite its generally lighthearted feel. The acting is strong, as you’d expect from the talented cast who previously worked together on Parasite, and the story resonates with many viewers. It’s a straightforward movie that prioritizes its message about family and human connection, focusing on substance rather than flashy effects.

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2026-05-31 20:39