BROKEN ROOTS is the story of a Korean adoptee lost between two cultures and desperately struggling to belong. David is no ordinary adoptee. Raised by Caucasian parents and burdened with severe medical problems, he embarks on an unforgettable journey to Korea -- an exotic land he had long forgotten. It is a compelling and emotional story of hope, family and self-discovery as David uncovers his mysterious past and finds his Korean roots.

Two-year old Jong Hoon left Korea to join his new Canadian family in Ottawa as David Ricketts. Teresa and Ray had such high hopes for their beautiful and bright adopted Korean son. When he turned 8, David was diagnosed with Tourettes. A few years later, the doctors said he also had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Bi-Polar Disorder.

David's parents watched in horror as their happy, energetic child became depressed, angry, and self-destructive. Struggling with her third bout of cancer, Teresa had to send David away to a group home. There he got into even more trouble - getting kicked out of several homes, ending up on the streets and in trouble with the law.  Desperate for answers, Ray and Teresa tracked down David's birth father in the hope that reconnecting with his Korean roots might take away some of David's anger.

In 2002, David returns to Korea to meet the birth father that placed him for adoption fifteen years ago. Although the two cannot communicate, the bond is instant and obvious. The reunion is a resounding success and a glowing David vows to change his life around so that the next time he returns to Korea, he'll have something to show for.

But the effects of the reunion are short-lived and David falls back into his old routine of self-destruction. Both David and his parents are convinced that he belongs in Korea. A year later, David jumps at the opportunity to return to Korea and stay with his birth father for a year.

But the reunion that started so perfectly -- soon falls apart. David discovers some disturbing secrets surrounding his adoption and his medical and behavioural problems exacerbate tensions brought on by a language barrier and cultural differences. Soon the cultural gulf between David and his Korean family become impossible to bridge.

BROKEN ROOTS is cinema verite at its best - capturing the hopes, the fears, the joys and tears of one family on a very personal mission. This documentary will take the viewer on a roller coaster of emotions on an unforgettable journey into the meaning of family and the importance of roots.


Written and Directed by Susan Chang. Produced by Susan Chang and Andrea Nemtin