Korean romantic films are sweet and short video treats if TV series feels exhausting at some point
This list, I originally posted in May 2009. Thereafter, I constantly update it as soon as I get to watch a new romantic film. However, the romance genre saw less numbers in the recent years. Ergo, you would also find not so romantic movie to watch or to skip recommendations here.
My old entries saw my mid-20s to early 30s years. Hence, the writings do not abide my current mantra of not reviewing badly executed or written content. Struggling if I will mark “skip it” or just remove it from the list, I decided to just tweak it with a more friendly version.
P.S. I will constantly update this list.
My Sassy Girl (2001)
This quintessential romantic comedy is tagged as a perfect date movie for a reason. A must-watch spectacle for anyone exploring the beauty of Korean romance films.
A girl who has some past love issues is saved by a cheerful young man when she almost got caught by a moving train. Fate constantly plays with them and the young man slowly became fond of her and decides that he would heal whatever that pain she has.
CAST: Jun Ji Hyun | Cha Tae Hyun
RATING: 
Il Mare (2000)
Hollywood made a remake of this movie (The Lake House), but I still prefer how Koreans did it. A man and a woman engaged in a romance as they exchanged love letters, leaving it inside a mail box. Time element executed perfectly. Addicting with a lingering melodramatic flair.
RATING: 
Daddy Long Legs (2005)
Ha Ji Won portrays the role of a radio scriptwriter who always dreams of meeting the man who helped her pay her tuition in college. She accidentally bumps into emails that tells about a girl’s long time admiration over a guy. She finally had a chance to meet her daddy-long-legs and she learned that it was his younger brother who asked him to do all the things for her.
She also learned that it was her daddy-long -legs who wrote those emails she stumbled on. However, he switched his gender when he was writing the emails. Daddy-long-legs lost all his memories including that of the girl’s because he was dying and he asked his brother to make the girl happy once he lost his memory.
This flick is amazingly sweet and mesmerizing.
RATING:
My Little Bride (2004)
An ordinary high school girl who worries about her school grades and is forced to marry a guy to appease her grandfather’s wish.
My Little Bride is a sweet tale of young love. It reminds us that sometimes we may become blinded or too pre-occupied to notice a “love” that has been there all along.
RATING:
Daisy (2006)
Set in Netherlands, Ji Hyun played the role of a street painter that will become the love interest of a secret service agent and a professional assassin. Thrilling, lingering, and romantic elements were put in splendidly fine.
Narrated gorgeously in a three-way view point, there’s not a single kiss scene, but for some reason Daisy overflows with love. Most movies that utilized time flashbacks are really good, but in Daisy it was extra special.
It is unconditional secret one sided love at its best, and although the ever-after was not achieved, it still gives a happy movie memory.
RATING:
Humming (2008)
Relatable to those currently in a long-running relationship, Humming depicts the story of a man quite tired with the relationship. He is about to leave for Alaska to avoid her, but she met an accident and fell into a coma.
He starts remembering the relationship he had with her while nursing her back to health. Will he discover the love he has never realized? Passionate, a bit tear-jerker with a twist that you may or may not like.
RATING: 
The Classic (2003)
Deeply captivating and immersing, The Classic makes you think about flowers, summer walks and pure love. True to its title, it is an epic love movie that you can tell your grandchildren and feel giddy-ish nostalgically narrating its story.
A young woman accidentally stumbles on her mother’s love story through a diary and she gets deeply engaged with it as her very own love tale moves to connect her mom’s bittersweet first love in the past.
RATING:
My Boyfriend is Type B (2005)
Nice girl meets a temperamental guy and it is sure not the perfect recipe for love, but the attraction can’t be denied. Girls falls for bad guys and it’s always been a mystery why. Lively and smart, this film is a sweet love tale that turns sweeter at every scene.
RATING:
Heartbreak Library (2008)
Not really a romance movie for the lead actors. It is more of feeling the pain of someone who lost his one great love. An unconventional love story that focus on the healing process after a breakup. Still, strikingly fresh and charming at the same time.
RATING:
My Wife Got Married (2008)
Mischievous yet engaging, this film is a gratifying watch albeit some carnal insinuations. Starring Son Ye Jin, she portrays a woman who hates marriage until she met a guy who showed her that it’s possible to enjoy being committed.
Liking the idea of being married, she asks her husband if she can have a marriage spree. Her submissive husband agrees and off they engage to a kind of marriage you won’t think would happen in real life.
RATING:
A Millionaire’s First Love (2006)
Hyun Bin plays the role of a millionaire’s heir. In order for him to claim his inheritance, his dead granny forced him to finish high school in the suburb.
There he discovered the past that he erased in his mind, and the truth that money can’t save the life of the girl he loves. Bewitchingly passionate and might leave some tears in your eyes.
RATING:
Windstruck (2004)
They said it was a sort of like the prequel to My Sassy Girl, but I say otherwise. It is a sad film about a woman who was given help to move on by the man she loved even when he is already in the after life. Kwak Jae Young’s open-ended fantasy element made the movie an inspiring spectacle even with the movie’s grieving premise.
RATING:
My Tutor Friend (2003)
A lazy school boy (Kwon Sang Woo) meets the tutor (Kim Ha Neul) he does not dream to have. The sweet bickering and a proof that people can accidentally be in love is what made this sweet flick captivating to watch.
RATING:
My Tutor Friend 2 (2006)
A touching story of two completely different students from two completely different worlds who fell in love with each other. Donning the original “tutor friend” plot, An exchanged student from Japan goes to Seoul and stays in a guest house.
There she meets her Korean language class tutor and eventually falls in love with him. A lot of jinks and some slapstick comedy from the supporting cast here and there. Even with the cliches, it is still charming.
RATING:
100 Days with Mr. Arrogant (2004)
After dumping her boyfriend just before their 100 day anniversary, Ha Young (Ha Ji Won) meets a college guy (Kim Jae Won) when she accidentally kicked a can that hit him on the face and causing a scratch on his pricey Lexus car. He demands she paid him $3000 on the spot and wrote up an “Enslavement Agreement” binding her to pay for the damage made on his car.
She gets into a nightmarish slave life for 100 days, cleaning his house, running his errands, doing his homework and cleaning his car. Ooops.. I almost told the whole story. *chuckles Upbeat, enchanting and can easily slip to one of your favorites.
RATING:
He was Cool (2004)
A cheerful high school student clumsily left a message on the school website in response to the school bully’s post. She gets stalked by the school bully since then. While she tries to evade him she accidentally kissed him after she jumped in the school’s back wall.
It is an adorable are-we-in-love-mutually love game that bounce gorgeously when the couple realized that they were meant to be together.
RATING:
Romance of Their Own/Temptation of Wolves (2004)
Two hot guys fight over the attention of a sweet naive, girl. It’s your proverbial teenage story torn between two lovers romance with a heartbreaking twist that will make you cry.
The story takes time to explain fully the narrative and even with a trite conflict, it was concluded neatly in the end. Tender and love-affirming, it is the the perfect romance movie you can watch along with a blanket and hot chocolate drink on a cold rainy day.
RATING:
My Girl and I (2005)
A heartwarming story about true love and happiness. A man returns to his hometown after ten years to attend a reunion with his high school friends.
In his return, he also remembered the sad story of his one great first love. Nostalgic and crawls in your emotional veins as it triggers those furtive bittersweet recollections we had with our own failed first love.
RATING:
Unstoppable Marriage (2007)
Sweet and easy-going girl who grew up in a normal middle-class household with a strict and traditional father meets a willful plastic surgeon who was born into a wealthy family, and has the ego to match his income.
Their two worlds collide quite literally when they met through a paragliding accident. It’s a classic case of opposites attract as they fight, falter, and fall in love, but their incompatible families are determined to break them apart.
RATING:
Seducing Mr. Perfect (2006)
A believer in true love, the female lead has always been dedicated to her current boyfriend. However, men always break up with her. Distracted by the latest break-up, she bumps into a car and a man steps out of it who turned out to be her new boss.
Her new boss has clear ideas about relationship and love. He believes that relationship is a game of power and she seeks advice from him, as she doesn’t want to get dumped again. But the lessons turned to adoration and they had to survive their preconceived love notions and reluctance to commit in a relationship.
RATING:
Jenny and Juno (2005)
The plot centers on the relationship of a 15-year-old couple, Jenny and Juno who met in school, fell in love and ended up in a teenage pregnancy. When Jenny discovered that she is pregnant, she and Juno decide against having an abortion, and opt for parenthood instead.
They try to conceal the pregnancy from their families for as long as possible, but the truth was revealed eventually, and their parents did not approve of it initially. But their love for the unborn child make them stronger even with the weight of the problem they had to tackle at their very young age.
RATING:
She’s On Duty (2005)
Gong Yoo and Kim Sun Ah were secret agents who played high school students for their police duties. Funny and never a dull moment with the lead characters. Although romance is slightly felt, the crime chasing premise makes up for its engaging story. A balanced action and romance flick.
RATING:
My Girlfriend is An Agent (2007)
Unaware of their secret agent identities, a couple get entangled to stop an organized crime group in releasing a bio-chemical weapon. With trust issues and career responsibilities between them, the couple journey to how far their love can sustain their attachment.
RATING:
Someone Special (2004)
A feel good rom-com perfect for your weekend movie binge. Extraordinarily sweet and appealing. This flick has one of the wittiest and funniest screenplay I’ve seen. Not complexly written and keeps teasing your heart in its entire duration. It’s a movie were all pieces complement each element well.
From the story premise to how the characters play their roles effectively, the amusing conflict and how the secret love was returned back would surely leave a smile on your face.
RATING:
Doremifasolasido (2008)
An engaging, nostalgic and heart-tugging teen movie about a girl who fell in love with the guy who was initially mean to her. The love is returned, but a person from the girl’s past who was also connected to her boyfriend will force them to choose between love and friendship.
RATING:
A Moment To Remember (2004)
A couple striving to keep up their relationship against the struggle with the wife’s Alzheimer’s disease. It is a love story of a devoted husband who stayed with her wife even when she was slowly forgetting that he happened in her life.
This movie can send anyone to tear-land when you see it. A remarkably woven love tale you’d love to share with your friend who has currently having inhibitions about love.
Considering the premise involved “sickness” as a conflict, the memorable portrayals of the love pairing make it so worth it. One of the few movies, that you would surely keep in your heart.
RATING:
The Beast and the Beauty (2005)
Enticing and pleasing, with a lead actor you can’t help but be fond of. A not so handsome guy creates a different picture of him for her blind GF. When the girl regains her vision, he struggles to fight for his one true love.
RATING:
Almost Love (2006)
A typical love story of two people who overlook how they felt toward each other because of the fear that it may just complicate their friendship. The bubbly couple will make you laugh with their constant bickering.
RATING:
The Perfect Couple (2007)
Set behind the police force curtains and an eccentric phobia, this love story although messy features Lee Dong Wook. The quirky characters suffice the dragging points so prepare to struggle finishing the story.
RATING: 
Changing Partners (2007)
A quadrangle romance of misplaced love. Running a provocative tone, it lacks substance in the story.
RUNNING:
Marrying a School Girl (2004)
The weird storyline confused me if enjoyed it or not. But I can remember the story so at least so the recall made an impact. When a haunted school girl was brought by her mom to a psychic, she was pronounced to marry on her 16th birthday. S
oon enough, a transfer student bearing the name of her supposed savior appears. But is is not easy to convince him to marry her.
RATING:
Too Beautiful To Lie (2004)
One of Kim Ha Neul’s adorable portrayals. She plays the role of a woman with an excellent deceiving ability. She is imprisoned but is able to get a parole to attend to her sister’s wedding.
Cupid plays with her heart and she meets a country bumpkin with whom she settles to a false relationship arrangement. Comic cast and fetching love progression, Too Beautiful To Lie is buoyant story to feed your romcom movie night.
RATING:
Ride Away (2008)
Slow moving in the beginning but I was affected in the end. It narrates the story of freshman college student (Han Hyo Joo) who harbors interest to a boy working at a nearby bookstore in her school. A relationship surrounded by dreams, being hopeful, and always not failing to trust in love and how it can lead you to happily live.
RATING:
My Mighty Princess (2008)
Aside from her iconic gumiho role, Shin Min Ah scored a role of a genius martial artist. But her prowess caused her love chance so she decides not to commit in the field anymore. An entertaining love story that will capture you in so many ways.
RATING:
Art of Seduction (2005)
Amusing and refreshing, a mischievous tale of a womanizer and a seductress who get a dose of their own medicines when they found themselves falling in love with each other.
RATING:
A Frozen Flower (2008)
I didn’t know what it was before I watched it I promise, but because I’m midway on the movie when I realized that the explicit scenes were pouring, I just ended up finishing and charged it to experience as my unexpected first dose of erotic period film. Nevertheless, less the sex scenes, if you’ll look at the love story itself, it is realistic and saddening.
The King’s royal guard and lover is forced to sleep with the Queen to bear an heir to the throne and protect the Goryeo empire. The royal guard’s heart slowly gets swayed leading to an illicit consensual affair with the Queen. This period film is thought-provoking and broke my heart after the agonizing betrayal culmination.
RATING:
Lover’s Concerto (2002)
Stellar acting and beautifully written script. Tied with friendship, secret adoration and almost love, Love Concerto keeps an engaging cadence all throughout. Two sickly best friends fall in love with the same guy. The girls eventually become friends with him. One day, the two friends disappear leaving the guy to confront a sad truth and a fated love but an unfortunate chance to claim it.
RATING:
Love so Divine (2004)
A sprightly gem work from Kwon Sang Woo. He takes the role of a seminarian who meets a charming girl who will let him choose between God and love. Love SO Divine is like eating your comfort food after being stranded in a heavy traffic.
RATING:
Hello Schoolgirl (2008)
Threading on a May-December love affair, the arresting love tales try to defy age and differences to be with each other. The film stars Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Yeon Hee, Kang In and Chae Jung An.
RATING:
The Naked Kitchen (2009)
A dangerous love triangle powered by addictive attachment and stolen bliss. The Naked Kitchen presents a married woman confronted with staying faithful to her husband or daring to stir up her monotonous life with a dangerous flame.
RATING:
Two Faces of My Girlfriend (2007)
Falling in love with a person with an on-off character, this stunningly funny movie is nicely done and lets you feel good. The dorky dorky lead man (Bong Tae Gyu) finally gets the chance to be with his dream girl – only to find out that there is another girl inside her.
RATINGS:
Love Impossible (2003)
A love story that blossomed between a North Korean and South Korean… will it work out? It’s not really a movie that leaves an impression, but it’s not boring either. Take it because it was one of Jo In Sung’s earliest films, but don’t expect a lot.
RATING:
Romantic Island (2008)
Shot overseas, there’s nothing romantic and nothing much to watch in this film.
RATING: 
White Valentine (1999)
I almost got engrossed with it, but it left me wondering if it was really the end or if the concept of open-ended closure has evolved to a different meaning. Prepare to be on a limbo, absorbing what happened and convince yourself that if there is any consolation, it is a Jun Ji Hyun movie.
RATING:
Madeleine (2002)
The prudent lets-date storyline between old friends who met again in the age when they are supposed to be dating is strangely touching as the couple played their characters well. Nothing fancy just pure display of how twenties date kind of movie.
RATING:
Spy Girl (2004)
Predictable and gives you mixed emotion. Rely on the oppa power that is Gong Yoo to stay afloat. A North Korean spy gets involved in a romance she can’t afford to have.
RATING:
200 Pounds Beauty (2006)
Brave, sunny and worth watching with your friends. A voice talent, who has weight problems, works hard to emerge sexy and fit. She becomes prettier to avenge her broken heart.
This hell-hath-no-fury-when-a-used-to-be-fat-girl-turned-sexy-now chick flick is an encouraging film for women trying to cope up with their self esteem. Flashes of romance here and there, the love fulfillment is sweetly achieved even with the intentional revenge.
RATING:
26 Years Diary (2006)
Sad and fetching with memorable music sound track. Nothing spectacular, but worth your time. The film is based on a true story recounting the life of Lee Su Hyun (Lee Tae Sung), a Korean student who moves to Japan and built connection with a Japanese student.
RATING:
Virgin Snow (2007)
Detailing the concept of “love at first sight”, the chemistry between the love pairing is apparent. A Korean boy falls for a Japanese girl regardless of their language barrier. The blossoming love is cut short though because of misunderstandings. They meet again and proved that when love is true it will find its way no matter what.
RATING:
..ing (2003)
A young woman secluded herself to a world that is entirely her own because of her frail body and deformed hand. But she meets a photographer who helped her step outside of her protective bubble. Tear-jerker, but worth your time… simply narrated, but not dragging… ^_^
RATING:
Crazy First Love (2003)
Endearing, nostalgic, and a classic I’ll-be-what-you-want-me-to-be-to-prove-how-much-I-love-you love story. It reminds us of the foolishness we all did when we first fell in love.
RATING
Now and Forever (2006)
Trite and at times romantic and sweet. A rich young man who can easily lure girls with his smooth ways fell in love for the first time with a cheerful but dying woman. Yes sir, another sad romantic movie. ^_^
RATING
Finding Mr. Destiny (2010)
Worth your rest day if you are going to watch it. It gives that first-love-why-can’t-i-forget-you and maybe-it’s-time-to-move-on vibe. A quote from the film that says, “The first love doesn’t necessarily mean the first person” sums up the feel of the story.
RATING
Summer Whispers (2007)
It won’t linger, feel good when you are watching it, but you’ll forget it when you sleep. Your typical love-is-just-beside-you-all-along movie.
RATING
I’m A Cyborg But That’s Okay (2006)
How do I put what I felt for this eccentric little munchkin? Adorably cute is not a big enough word. For a change, it’s something new for me to have watched a unique love story of intellectually challenged couple. Nonetheless, it crept in my heart slowly and surely.
RATING
S-Diary (2004)
I was not familiar with Kim Sun Ah yet when I first saw this movie. I re-watched it in my early 30’s, and I was able to relate. Contemplative, sassy and engaging… a charmer that will poke your heart if you are single at this moment and wanting to break free from it.
RATING
The Recipe (2010)
It was a pretty and engaging story telling. Splendid and impressive shifting of the storyline and I was also intrigued by how that stew tasted after the movie.
RATING
Petty Romance (2010)
Lee Sun Gyun has endowed me a few gifts as a fan, but I was really stoic the whole time I was watching this flick. I just felt that the romantic elements were not properly placed.
There are some playful memories while watching. You see the premise there’s just a nudge missing. Its plot tells the story of a man and a woman who made an agreement to help each other out in competing for an adult manhwa contest. They didn’t hit it well initially but they got entangled to the mutual fondness growing exponentially.
RATING
Love Phobia (2006)
When I finally got the chance to watch this movie without interruptions, I made a quick apology to Korean film gods for not prioritizing it. Who wouldn’t fall for this pretty? I was so fond of the lead couple when they were children and loved them even more when they grew up.
So sweet and worth remembering. Watched it with my mom, and she loved it. It’s a charmingly sketched love story. Although, it will make you cry in the end, I’m pretty sure it will be one of those love movies you will highly recommend.
RATING
Dasepo Naughty Girls (2006)
I got curious to see it because of Kim Ok Bin. It’s a novelty because it’s the first K-musical movie I saw, I don’t know if there are any other out there produced though. Fresh, fun and flirty, but it did not leave an after-effect to me.
RATING
Love me Not (2006)
Tamper the concept of love for a never-been-into-romance-blind-heiress, and feel the pain even more after doing that. I like that it presented the dark facet of love for a change because we normally get the ever-after kind. It depicts misplaced trust and love that is also willing to understand.
RATING
Closer to Heaven (2009)
An agonizing yet love-affirming romance between a dying man who wants to live, and a woman who makes a living when a person dies. Ji-soo is twice divorced because of her job as a she-undertaker. The love that was deprived of her, she fully realized when she meets Jong-woo who is dying because of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
This is a love story that makes you realize how blessed you are in a relationship because there are those who really want to love one another all the days of their lives, but they have to battle death for it.
A perfectly portrayed and a moving story of understanding the pain that comes when loving someone and loving someone when you are in pain. With solid acting from Kim Myung Min and Ha Ji Won, this will touch your heart and will make you cry. Quintessential yet saddening, poignant and affecting.
RATING
Maundy Thursday (2006)
A brave and agonizingly sweet love film in a “suppressed setting”. It is a romance of a convicted murderer with an emotionally disturbed woman at a wrong place and time with the right intentions and love. How love affirming this can be?
RATING
Cyrano Agency (2010)
I really love the casting for this movie, but the plot entirety is mediocre. Heaven knows I tried to connect with it but it really failed to engage me. The only thing I will remember would be the bubble gum scenes. But as a whole, it is not plain, but it’s far from amazing.
RATING
Postman to Heaven 2009
A stunning and serene love story of moving on from the pain of a broken heart. This is a breather from the recent k-movies I got a copy of and I tried to watch.
It has a very simple storytelling but with completeness that will touch the side of your heart that was once broken, and that was able to bounce again because of not giving up to the idea of finding love. It’s one of my favorites from the movies of 2009.
An angel postman delivers love letters to those needing comforting words from their beloved departed ones.
RATING:
White Night (2009)
Thrilling and gets you involved at every scene, although I have slight issues with the pacing. Your multi-tasking skills will come in handy because shifting time elements are happening throughout the story. In this film, you learn how dark and twisted a person can be all because of an emotional trauma and love.
Yo-han and Mi-ho/Lee Jia are victims of a dark past. When Yo-han’s father was murdered, it left them intertwined with police investigations, murders, deceit and a hope of brighter future for them.
A film realizing how sad you can be by being consumed over a sin you have to do at that right moment, but will not justify the evil act you took.
RATING
Lovers Vanished (The Day Before) (2009)
I was watching it for 20 minutes and I still didn’t know what was happening. The subtitles aren’t doing any cartwheel act so I was wondering if it will lead me somewhere. There was a glimmer of magic tricks, sex and infidelity. Then, someone killed someone, someone surrendered, someone got imprisoned, someone got sick, and someone escaped prison. Go figure!
Thereafter, a faint ray of light emerged, and the story suddenly happened. However, after another 10 minutes it became pitch black so I gave up. I have a soft spot for Kim Nam Gil, but the movie is dull, messy and boring. It has such a feeble story line and an exhausting acting but still not sufficient enough for you to hate it.
It is a love story between a fugitive and a woman with a haunting past who started having a connection amidst their emotional baggage and damaged existence.
RATING
Secret Love (2010)
After coming out of “The Day Before” I took this movie and I was thinking what I’ve done wrong lately that’s why life is giving me confusing Korean movie pills.
But it was short-lived like 10 minutes to be exact because the story picked up its bearing, and with the hot actor I was left uncomplaining and drooling.
A woman has to deal with the hardship of taking care of his husband who is in vegetative state. Her husband’s brother helped her cope up, and eventually they engage in an affair. But her husband woke up and the three got entangled to the “who-deserved-to-be-together-game”.
Bold, brave and beautiful.
RATING
Maybe aka Rabbit and Lizard (2010)
Slow paced, not so good and you don’t know what’s really going on. If not for Jang Hyuk, I wouldn’t have finished it. The right intention to capture the watcher Is there, but the execution Is lost somewhere. I can’t remember any lingering scene. The portrayal struggles to make something out of the nothingness of the story. Disappointing.
A man with a rare heart condition meets a woman who is searching for her past and they sort of fall in love.
RATING
April Snow (2005)
I’ll make this simple but firm. The film is sad, languid and your proverbial melodrama, but it did not make me cry. The premise of the story should make your mind and heart stir undeniable pain if it happens to you, but I remained unaffected when I even watched it in the dead of the night. It lacks emotion it should have.
A man and a woman meet in a hospital and discover their spouses are together in a car accident. They soon learn that their spouses are having an illicit affair but they still decide to take care of them. They get entangled in a relationship as well while they nurse the angst and disappointment they felt after realizing their spouses’ betrayals.
It is a relationship that will never work out given the circumstances of what brought them closer together but they gamble on it anyway. The man’s wife woke up, but the woman’s husband died. In the end the woman opts to leave and start a new life, as the man ends his marriage to commence a new life too.
The conclusion is not a happy ending, but I like how it ended. Although their love for each other can suffice for them to choose to be together, if that love was never good enough for them to begin with, settling to keep that love close in their hearts while giving up on it was an act of really knowing how to love.
RATING
Meet the In-laws aka Clash of the Families (2011)
A usual rom-com but not enough adoring moments. The dorky male lead is adorable and he’s what make the movie zesty. Sweet, light and at times hilarious.
The main conflict lies from modern-day Romeo&Juliet whose families came from the opposing regions thus their romance will not be permissible. The man tries to win the girl’s family’s approval particularly her dad who despises anything with Seoul molecular content.
They struggle to fight for their eventual marriage amidst their opposing families. Worth your afternoon break, but I doubt if it will be listed as one of your favorites.
RATING
Oh My God 2 (2009)
It is your typical rom-com drama with a dying girl conflict. Surprisingly even if there’s nothing spectacular, I found it sweet maybe because the death conflict was revealed at the latter part of the film. ooops sorry for the spoiler
The conflict is placed safe, but the quirky and defined characters filled up everything that’s missing in the story. I would have wanted a happy ending for them but I took how the movie parted with me. It gives a good while it last kind of feel. I was taken by the guy’s own way of trying to make lady happy, and d taxi convertible scene will be what I will remember most about the movie.
Im Jung-hwan is a taxi company heir whose expertise is to splurge money on branded items. Her mother tried teaching him a lesson so he ends up driving one if their taxis. One of his passenger is a quirky woman named Eun-ji. She forces him to an orchestrated trip of Eun-ji’s preference, That is after he lost her ring which he forced to take from her when she cant pay for the taxi fare.
Eun-ji gets him do things he didn’t normally engage with as they slowly connect to each other. But Eun-ji is dying so she snaps back to reality and accepts that the miracle she’s waiting was not another chance of her living again, but the precious memories with Jung-hwan in her last days.
RATING
Surprise Party (2002)
Nothing surprising but it is funny with a cute twist. It takes a few minutes to be hooked but you sure will. When a woman’s father disapproved her boyfriend who was set to arrive in the country, she asks her best friend to delay her boyfriend’s visit.
The best friend goes to comic spectacles to buy time for her bestie, but ends up feeling confused on realizing that she is liking her best friend’s boyfriend.
RATING
My Scary Girl (2006)
Park Yong-woo is a 30-year old man who has yet to experience first love, and when he did – the bliss, the kiss, the romance and a secret are all there.
I love how Choi Kang-hee acted her role in Protect the Boss. However, so far I was not won by her movie portrayals. But, I do like the geeky lead man since anyone geek is appealing to me.
The conflict for me is just crazy – your first love is a sweet murderer. Had they taken a different route like showing love still remains stronger albeit differences, I would be able to relate. There’s just no depth and even nothing worth achieving in the story.
RATING
You’re My Pet (2011)
Full of wacky and endearing moments, I will give up all my wealth if they will auction a pet like that on ebay.
It’s your typical love film, you know where the story is heading, but it was not complicated that’s why you will stay with it anyway. Light and adorable, Jang Geun Suk is a sure gift in this movie. However, expect predictability.
At the very least, it’s a nice watch perfect for when you just want to laze around.
RATING
Cyborg She (2008)
This is gonna be hard for me because most of Kwak Jae-yong’s movie I really like, but there’s always an exception. Not that I didn’t find this flick appealing, but it did not leave a strong impact on me compared with his previous films.
I’m coming to terms that Director Kwak Jae-yong, either has had his fair share of heartaches or he’s still waiting for his first love to come because his film pattern always involve ever-after future or present time element story inserts. In this film, the time element is presented intricately and will give you a very pretty climax.
A cyborg girl from the future travels to the present time to spend time with Jiro – the man in the future destined to create her. This is a beautiful story equally enchanting like that of ET and Elliot, with literally a twist of time and fate.
I feel that the lead girl really stood out in the entirety of the movie. The main lead is adorable but our robot princess is just fabulous. It starts with the poignant meeting of two people from different time, crawls steadily through the middle of the film and kicks a sharp nice climax at the end.
I like that the story focuses on how the character’s emotions grow (well technically, that of the girl revealed super late in the future) and how they evolve in the story as the story moves around them too. What I find missing is the spike of a typical rom-com movie.
That limbo-like feeling of being in between the character’s love while devouring the duration of the movie. While the characters connect strongly with each other, they aren’t able to touch my romantic nerves, and the last time I checked, I no longer have faulty romantic veins.
Sweet and satisfying, although I didn’t like it that much, I still recommend that you watch this movie because in its own right, it’s a real beauty.
RATING
Please Teach Me English (2003)
When government public officials weren’t able to address a foreigner’s electric bill concern, they decide to spin a bottle to determine who will study English to avoid being tested under the same situation again. The lucky girl who was picked is Young-ju.
From there, her goal to learn English language coincides with feeling her first ever love who turns out to be the playboy salesman whose drive to study English came from his dream to meet his sister who was adopted abroad. The conflict rises when Young-ju feels that her first romance is just one-sided, but then Mun-su realizes her worth in the end.
This film is cheerful and dandy and one of those mushy train scene endings which will pull a sweet sigh from you no matter how much you hold it in. I now officially like Lee Na Young as most of the movies I’ve watched of her are prettily done. She’s like the female version of Cha Tae Hyun for me.
RATING
Sex is Zero (2002)
Delving in the exploits and adventures of college life, this has interesting characters, sporadic acts and memory reminder of the good ole days of adult learning.
This for me is the saddest yet sweetest fall back person love story. I think cupid’s arrows are really unfair. It only shoots to people with mutual feelings to each other. If it has special features of making a one-sided love be two-sided, the world will be a better place.
Hilariously presenting the yin and yang of college life, the film tackles those bad choices, the sticky friendship, the thrilling relationships, the dead ends and the coming out of it. Eun-hyo (Ha Ji Won) played the character of a college girl who engages in a relationship with a man not worthy of it. She’s also adored by another man she doesn’t love.
I have mixed feelings on this movie, it was fun to watch, even engaging at the time you are watching it. But now, when I look back, it didn’t form an attachment to me considering it is a Ha Ji Won movie. It is good while it last, but there’s no after taste from it.
RATING
My Wife is a Gangster (2001)
In order to please her dying long lost sister, lady-boss gangster Eun-jin embarkS in a husband hunting adventure, and settles with kind Soo-il who is not aware of her kick-ass identity.
I won’t say I didn’t like the movie, the premise is interesting. A compassionate man marrying a strong mafia-ish woman, but it will just give you a satisfactory feel. The fight scenes are neutral and it fit the presentation of the story. If the action sequences are beyond the threshold for romance themed story, it could have totally wiped out the emotion of the film.
Mediocre, sometimes messy, it is mischievously enjoyable with a few comic acts that will put a grin in your face.
RATING
Lost and Found (2008)
If you are looking for an endearing and vibrant rom-com movie night with your boyfriend, this darling will delight you. It’s ever moving and no dull moment. From the feisty female lead, the sweet lead man and the overwhelmingly hot second male lead, this is a kind of Christmas gift you’d promise you’ll open on Christmas day, but when no one is looking out, you’ll sneak to see what it is.
Ji-ho has liked Min-woo since high school. As her luck ran out with her current job, she bumps with her crush again when she was hit by his car while chasing the snatcher who took her bag. She takes that chance to pretend that she can’t remember anything to fulfill her 10-year dream of spending time with her crush.
But her neighbor-friend-who-secretly-loves-her, Dong-shik spoiled her staying at Min-woo’s house and brought her home while she still firmly held on her supposed amnesia.
She finally got Min-woo’s attention but Dong-shik was also determined to win the girl he has loved all her life.
This is about realizing the right love for you and chasing the romance no matter how long it will take.
RATING
Sad Movie (2005)
Due to my excessively diverted nature, I like it more if there are fewer characters, but I don’t think it harmed the movie by having a lot of people moving in it. But the stories of the characters, I believe could have stood alone, if it were made to individual flicks. I think Hollywood had been doing those 4-in-one-intertwining-life-and-love-movies, and I’m not really a fan.
At any rate, this is a movie full of love, and I’m planning to put up a separation agency too, but I’ll be princess cupid, I’ll handle not just break ups but love second chances too.
Going back to the movie, the four stories feature the following: a motherly love and a little boy’s affection to his dying mom; a man’s love to a woman, but is hindered because he can’t seem to find a stable life; a Snowhite mascot and theme park painter’s extraordinary sweet romance; and a love tale between a fireman and a woman.
I think they titled it “sad movie” because of the sad endings. Regardless, you’ll stick to the film’s conclusion as you will be engrossed by it. It’s not that spectacular considering the powerhouse cast, but I did like the no complications, flowing narration of the film. It’s best watched in the afternoon while the wind plays with the foliage behind your windows. Saddening but worth your weekend movie experience
RATING
Shotgun Love (2011)
Mr. Nice Guy, Sang yeol, has been loving pretty woman, So-yeon, from his work place. They pose as a couple for a food advertisement TV program. So-yeon is in a relationship with the PD of the show, and when he got her pregnant, she refuses to give up the child.
They break up and one night, she asks Sang-yeol to see her. She leaves him drunk afterwards, but he caught up on her and sees her standing sadly on a side walk facing Han river. The next day he wakes up naked in a motel room and thought that something happened between them.
So-yeon’s friend suggests to use Sang-yeol’s impression that they slept together. Thus, they end up in an instant wacky marriage. But the fun is cut off when the vile ex-lover of So-yeon revealed to Sang-yeol the truth about her pregnancy. Realizing he was fooled, he parts ways with her.
The main lead is such an adorable dork here. He pulled off the character so well, and although nothing much is happening in the story and you know right away where it will be heading, it was still a fun and entertaining watch. A comic relief that’s abundantly amusing.
RATING
A Season of Good Rain (2009)
Yes, of course Jung Woo Sung is the basis why I saw this film. As always, he sent me to dreamy land, but my presence of mind snapped me back to reality. It is a beautiful love story, the solid portrayal is there, but the connection of the lead couple was missing.
Dong-ha and May first met when they were studying abroad. While Dong-ha is on a business trip in May’s hometown, he chances upon her again as they reminisce the old days. The love they hid and kept for one another gets resurrected, but they are both restricted by their personal emotions.
It’s not that bad love movie, but it threads on part-boring-quarter-nothing-much-happening-kind-of-film. The love story evolves in like two or three days, but how it slowly moved felt years for me.
RATING
Come Rain Come Shine (2011)
The break up theme, the sad tone and the slow pacing are evident throughout the story. It is such an emotion driven film that if the actors won’t portray their ends well, you won’t feel it. But they did a great job touching my heart.
When you have to share your last day with someone you used to love, and probably someone you still love, how would you react on it? How would you throw the memories and accept the fact that the love is not really meant to go on? These questions sum up what this painfully break up movie is about.
RATING
Miss Gold digger (2007)
Min-soo cultivates love. I remember that All About Anna movie when I saw this perky flick. The female lead playfully flirts with three men: a smart-potential-prosecutor; a rich-romantic-business man; and a young-talented-rapper. But her search for the perfect lover gave her a dose of her own medicine and she soon realizesa that love is something you do not plan, but you just let happen.
After her brat moment in Myungwol the Spy, I really enjoyed Han Ye-seul’s performance in this love searching/waiting/affirming movie.
Charming, playful and feisty, it will give you a Carrie Bradshaw vibe, a bit tamer though – enjoyable and a nice watch with your girlfriends or even your boyfriend.
RATING
Fly High (2006)
This is yet another dying girl movie… Yeah, I’m already spoiling it on my first sentence.
Min-hyuk meets his first love in the most awkward place where love can spring – the rest room, and when he confirmed the first surge of romance in his body, he did all he can to win the girl’s heart. But since the girl is dying, she has no choice but not to reciprocate. She leaves for further treatment abroad and comes back after two years, not successful and just waiting for the expected death.
Min-hyuk stays with her loving girlfriend until her inevitable departing. He’s so teddy-bear-ish and that man you’d hope to have as your first romance.
I did find the male lead’s performance heartfelt, but I have some issues with the female lead because there were some emotions that were not captured at the most poignant moments. It’s supposed to be a sad movie, but my heart was not moved, nor did I cry.
A few heart flutters here and there, but if you have watched the classic love films, you will find it mediocre.
RATING
The Housemaid (2010)
A tale of dark and twisted romance where character motivations are clearly defined. A sexy thriller worth your Saturday night.
Eun-yi works as a house helper in a rich household. Her primary concern is taking care of the daughter of the eccentric couple. She engages in an illicit affair with the father of the household, and when she got pregnant, she was forced to give up the baby.
The chandelier hanging bursting in fire ending scene, and the amazing pairing of Lee Jung Jae and Jeon Do Yeon makes this melodrama sizzling and strangely likeable regardless of its gloomy tone.
RATING
Frivolous Wife (2008)
Frivolous Wife spurs high and low notes, but it’s fun and the baseball hottie from My Little Bride grew up to what I expected him of – a fine handsome man.
Yeon-soo is god’s gift to men, she’s rich, pretty and an only daughter of a land development magnate. When she finally meets her match, she defies her life and moves to live with Jeon-do, a descendant of a traditional family. She learns to adapt her role as a granddaughter in law the best way she can, and ends up claiming the ever after she so wanted.
I laughed for a minute in the scene when she is already comfortable with the housework and volunteered on cleaning the soy sauce jars, she chants happily and then when she saw the hundreds of jars, my laughter erupts big time.
Considering I don’t know much of the actors, I did enjoy the movie, I’m partly blaming my fondness over sageuk dramas, but it’s really a nice movie to watch.
RATING
Natalie (2010)
Whoa! The movie kicks off and it’s all steamy sex right there and then. It threads on yet another misplaced love story. I don’t know why we girls have at some point in our life has to fall for the wrong guy, if not entirely wrong, it’s a man who will realize too late our worth.
Either enjoy or don’t mind the sizzling sex scenes and delve to the nature of the story. The eccentric passion of the lead actor, the woman who fell for the wrong man, and the man who loved a girl who can’t love him back is nevertheless engaging.
RATING
Loveholic (2009)
A bored housewife is seduced by her husband’s friend – the husband engages in an affair with his wife’s friend. There’s nothing much going except the infidelity stories. The excuses they all have for being unfaithful are their own struggles on how they can’t be happy.
It leaves an incomplete closure and it feels that the cheating motivations are poorly depicted. The love scenes are not that much steamy, (maybe because I watched Natalie first). Watch at your own risk – tutututut – watch it when you’re about to sleep.
RATING
Once In A Summer (2006)
It is one of the sweetest “summer love” movie I’ve seen. Unfortunately though, the love pairing didn’t get their ever after. Lee Byung Hun translates to the man you won’t regret committing infidelity if you are currently in a relationship. He’s just so manly in an I-want-to-throw-myself-in-your-arms-kind-of-way.
Soo Ae has such an expressive eyes and her blithe nature in this romance flick complements the endearing character of the male lead. Lee Byung Hun mostly does action films so it is a breather when he suits up to the role for this rom-com delight.
A felicity filled tale that will leave you engrossed and at the same time agonizing. It is a sweet melancholic movie of finding love and holding on to it even if it has long been gone.
RATING
Spellbound aka Chilling Romance (2011)
I bet they are just counting on Son Ye Jin and Lee Min Ki’s star power to pull this off. Nothing much special about it, typical, and the movie just passes by. The chemistry is there, but the story is not.
Kang Yu-ri has literally an emotional scary baggage. She sees dead people. Her sixth sense ability has saddled her to be accustomed in living alone and avoiding human contact. But things change when a street magician Ma Jo Goo entered her life. Soon enough, they both are aware of the budding romance between them, but they have to defy a grumpy ghost who is Yu-ri’s former best friend Joo-hee who died in an accident they were both together.
I say talents were wasted in this film. If not for the screen presence of the lead couple, the viewer won’t stay afloat. It feels like a series of denouement all the time. The problem is there, but there is no “what now”?
I’m sure you’ll grab another movie after – and when you doze off, there’s no trace in your memory that the movie happened. Enchanting on the light notes, but the conflict and the plot didn’t justify what could have been a “something new” romance. Nevertheless, it’s still a must to watch if you’re a fan of both the lead actors, like me.
RATING
Innocent Steps (2005)
This sweet dancing-themed movie is an emotion pond. It makes you feel warm, giddy, frustrated, disappointed, annoyed, sad, appeased and then eventually blissful.
The fake marriage, dance scenes and the simple yet sure love tale draws myriad of love sighs.
P.S I love the footprints practice dance floor.
RATING
The Relation of Face, Mind and Love (2009)
One of those charge-to-experience-bad-film-experiences of mine, it has strong beginning but fails to sustain a story worth keeping.
Kang Tae Pung is a famous architect who had a car accident but his car life-saving bag was able to save him causing minor injury that is “temporary visual impairment”. So he sort of sees ugly things beautiful and beautiful things ugly.
He then meets Wang So Jung, a cheerful-not-so-pretty lady, but because of his eye problems she appears to be his long lost dream girl. So they then engage to a whirlwind romance and when his vision went back to reality, her fairy tale dream also ends.
There’s not much love spell and I wondered how the lead couple must have felt after they finished filming. It is not ugly but it is just free flowing to somewhere you wouldn’t want to follow. *yawn
RATING
Pained (2011)
Falling in love not feeling the bliss but knowing you are happy; and falling in love but scared to feel it for fear that it is always short lived are the driving moments of this movie. Realistic and emotion-filled, “Pained” will not give you the romantic vibes, but will question your belief on how far would you stake yourself for love.
Nam-soon has an inability to feel anything and it comes handy to his job as a debt collector where he occasionally engage in fist fights. He gets the condition after losing his family, the trauma left him numb as he exists. In one of his collection job, he encounters Nam-hyun, a struggling street vendor of accessories. He caused her being homeless but in their next encounters they inevitably reach out and understand each other’s pain leading him to offer a room to where he lives.
He learns of her hemophilia illness, as she discovers his pain tolerance abnormality. They soon find themselves in love and Nam-soon decides to give a shot to a different job. But when Nam-hyun is admitted to the hospital, he gambles with life again to help her with the expenses. Even if she made clear and decided that they have to go separate ways and asked him to be with a healthy person.
This is the first time I saw Kwon Sang Woo as an actor, he felt so human to me that I stayed in the duration of the movie. Told with no frills attached and in its all natural beauty that I found it sad and yet bracing.
RATING
Never Ending Story (2012)
In the tradition of the death bound conflict on Korean love stories, this charming movie surprisingly balance the premise and have it set to both the lead couple’s having after life bargains.
Oh Song Kyung works at a bank and has lived her life planned into the smallest details, but what she did not prepare for is a sickness that came instantly in her life. She meets Kang Dong Joo who is her exact opposite. He lives a spontaneous life and never failing to lose hope that he’ll win the lottery someday. The two met because both of them were diagnosed at the same hospital and soon they embark on a bucket list fulfillment that involves funeral preparations for Song Kyung and lottery station hunts for Dong Joo.
What this movie achieved is setting a sad note to a brighter perception. It is a film about death but the lively scenes and characters have pulled a different take on life’s passing. The love couple are adorable and swing an Edward-Bella pull worthy of your smile and sigh. I love that it was so natural and that they first slept together inside a coffin and never ending to a traditional bed.
A carefree movie I would definitely recommend. This is a romance charmer that raises mirth one moment and then tug your heart at another. Watching it made me not expect outcomes or predict what will happen because the conflict surged up when it commenced. But I was left watching them as they have a good time alongside the struggle with their inevitable death. Simply done but happily narrated, and it hit home in me. Radiant and resonating, this is a must watch darling.
RATING
Always (2011)
I received lots of raves about this movie and I must agree to the warm response Always has received. It made me miss the feeling of being in love, and I was left smiling and inspired as I immersed myself in a love story between two people who found love in their vulnerabilities.
Im Jung Hwa is saddled with temporary blindness after surviving from a car accident that killed her parents. She works as a customer service representative over the phone and has lived her life in full swing optimism despite of her disability.
Jang Chul-min is a former boxer who quits the profession and settles to being a merciless bounty hunter. But in one of his bounty missions, he finds motivation to start his life in good faith again.
Little by little fondness grow between them, with a life he was never proud of and nothing much to offer, Chul-min musters whatever he has and took responsibility of a blind woman’s heart. Always breaks the romantic dry spell I’ve been having for a while now. It plays with the cutesy, the sweetness, the laid back and the contentment feel of a love movie.
On a distracting note, and I mean it to be really utmost distracting – So Ji Sub in his rough, untidy look is a sight to behold, and the short showcase of his abs is a manna from heaven. Playing a sweet, optimist blind Han Hyo-joo connected to her lead man so well that the blue ray screen emanating love swept the romantic side of me.
Seeing the love grow, get saddled, get lost and be fulfilled is I think the reason why it achieved huge admiration. It is an ever after story not of a prince and a princess – but by two people whose hearts can love each other genuinely.
RATING
Penny Pinchers (2011)
Hong-sil has an addiction to save money after bankruptcy hit her family causing her mother’s death and her father losing himself to gambling. If I get to adapt her saving strategy, I bet I will save a lot of money. So, she lives a lonely life until she meets Ji-woong who struggles in getting himself a regular job. She teaches him the trick of her trade and we get kmovieland’s first ever penny pincher couple.
It is not a movie full of awesome love vibes but I was able to finish it without complaint. I like it because the treatment of how their love was realized springs from how they trust each other – and they are both willing to sacrifice and appreciate each other’s worth.
You will find that “the boy did the impossible to make the girl happy” will now be always a resident element in a Korean romantic movie as reflected in this movie.
A mixture of fun, friendship, forced cohabitation, saving money crash course, some cute no money involved dating ideas and a lead couple that are both fitting in their roles. Penny pincher is a stress reliever after a week’s work.
RATING
Love Fiction (2011)
A fiction writer falls in love with a bizarre girl and has to flounder with her infamous history with boys, hairy armpit and heedless actions.
While I enjoyed most part of this film, I felt detached after watching it. It has an interesting lead couple who is able to justify the characters and the love conflict they are playing. However, it doesn’t have the romantic appeal that will make you reminisce it when you sleep at night.
Interestingly done but mediocre. Feel good and funny but forgettable.
RATING
Dancing Queen (2012)
Honestly, I didn’t enjoy watching this dream-finding-dream-realization movie. It did well though in the box office that’s why I got curious, and curiosity killed me badly.
The lead couple are childhood neighbors and meet again in college. They get married and has been living a simple life but when opportunity to pick up their forgotten dreams opened, they seize it. But then eventually they both hinder their dream decisions. Uhm Jung-hwa hides her joining a girl group while her husband is campaigning for the city mayor office – and when it was revealed it damages her husband’s dream.
So the movie wants to impart that not all opportunities knock once, and if they knock again, we have to claim it. It reflects on the giving-up-dreams-because-of-marriage issues which the society normally overlook especially on the woman’s side. It is inspiring and easily narrated. From women’s perspective, it sheds light on how much you can give to stand beside your man when you have your own dreams he doesn’t realize.
RATING
Architecture 101 (2012)
Architecture 101 is another first-love movie… cute, sweet and nostalgic, but suffers on momentum building.
A woman traces her first love to make him fulfill his promise of making her dream house. They first met in college when the woman took an architecture introductory class. Because they live in the same town, they do activities together relating to their class. They are both unaware of each other’s love feeling, and they are able to confess their love when it was too late because the lost love cannot salvage the present they have now.
It was another sad first-love film, and I liked seeing the 2012 kdrama actors in a sort of reunion in this production.
The flashback scenes keep me afloat as it is driven with love and melancholy. So what do you do when you have another chance you have kept for a long while? That’s the question this movie asked.
RATING
Wonderful Radio (2012)
Although it’s a nice and refreshing film, it could have been nicer if saccharine scenes are abundant. The kiss scene at the end does not justify that it is a romance movie. It is so character driven and much as I want to relate with her, there were some critical scenes I found lacking.
A radio dj hosts a program “Wonderful Radio” which has a segment where civilians can impart their message to someone and sing a song after. She used to be a member of a famous girl group and is wanting to get back to the music scene. She clashes with the program director at first but they eventually hit the right note and became closer.
The conflict supporting the conflict I didn’t like. I didn’t like what their problem was at all. If it was a love movie then they should have sprinkled it with a couple romance, and no, a kiss scene at the end doesn’t qualify for it to be called a romantic movie. The villains didn’t annoy me and the story was there but the characters were disconnected. This movie somehow looked like big love drama but in radio world setting. It was a fair watch but I was not amused by it.
RATING
M (2008)
The crisp and avant-garde cinematography is jaw dropping and I’m all praises to the editing.
A fiction writer Min-woo flounders with his job and a girl who keeps visiting his reverie. It brings him to leave his sanity and causes rift to his real life marriage. In between the reality and his mentally indisposed self, it is revealed that the girl is his first love.
The story is not in a hurried pace, and yet I really mustered all the focus I can get to be immersed on it. It’s the kind of movie a film professor should have his students watch because of how superb it was done technically complementing an unconventional plot.
It’s a sad first love movie that incorporates subconscious yearnings and realms of the imagination that kept our deepest longings.
What I love about it is how the conflict done in modern vibe and mind boggling way, but never leaving the sweet and painful narrative of losing your first love – thinking you are over the memories – and finding yourself haunted and affected by it because you haven’t truly given up on it.
RATING
The Restless (2006)
A supernatural fest that reminded me of Sword of Truth and Lord of the Rings. Superior visual effects, rolling action scenes throughout and Joong Woo Sung are the reasons why I liked the movie. There’s not much of a plot really and even gasping, gripping or jaw-dropping moment. They rely on their flamboyant visuals at the very least.
Set in Midheaven, a place where people who died stay to wait for their reincarnation to happen, a demon slayer who was formerly the chief of an elite ghost slayer was transported to the place. He chances upon So Hwa, a member of the governing circle of the midlands. So Hwa looks exactly like Yi Gwak’s lover (Yonhwa) who was burned by the townspeople because of the belief that she has supernatural abilities.
Yi Gwak has to stand in between the woman he loved and lost and his fellow soldiers who all died on earth after pursuing a rebellion. He further learns that their deaths are intentional as they seek to defy the heavens and change the world. So Hwa possesses a powerful stone that they need to claim their victory, so Yi Gwak trades his life to protect her and hope that he will meet her again.
If you are up for supernatural adventure then you can try this one, but don’t expect much chimeric after effect when you are done watching.
RATING
More Than Blue (2009)
More than Blue less the falling in love and dying part made me yearn to have a male best friend. A film so tender and heartfelt, it gives you that sweet regret feeling as you sleep. The dearest melancholic I-secretly-love-my-bestfriend-movie I have ever seen.
K and Cream are both orphans who decide to live together and become besties, but fate will eventually take K because he has leukemia. As he secretly love his best friend he wishes that someone will take care of her when he’s gone. Unbeknownst to him Cream accidentally learned of his condition and in an effort to make him happy she fulfilled his dream of her getting married.
Kwon Sang Woo has given me two lovely films so far. What I love about this movie is the transparency of the characters, it’s as if I’m staring at my neighbor’s life because they act so natural embracing the painful moments in the film.
The sad ending is really sadder than sadness but its conclusion is gratifying.
RATING
All About my Wife (2012)
Brimming with comic tones, this movie about a man with an utterly outspoken wife is a trove of zest. The man hires a Casanova, in the hopes of making her leave him because he doesn’t know how to tell her that he’s wanting his freedom back. This flick had a great potential in the idea it is trying to drive, but it fails giving a strong ending punch. It feels good and a few quirky scenes here and there but it lacks after taste.
If you are a fan of Im Soo Jung, she is an amusing entertainment while redefining the word “nagger wife” in a whole new level. Her two lead men are able to support her, but there aren’t much depth plot wise. The rom-com spirit is half-heartedly baked.
RATING
Ditto (2000)
A story of a woman who has to throw away her love because she and her best friend fell in love with the same man.
So-eun has been loving Dong-hee for a while. When she stalks him outside of their classroom, she uses an old radio to be her alibi to cover up what she has been doing. The old radio has some mojo though and from there she meets Ji In who was a man from the future.
They become talking diaries to each other separated by time. When they realized that they were in fact living in different eras, So-eun learns that the man she’s talking to will be the future son of Sun-mi, her best friend and Dong-hee. Ji In visits his parents’ country house and from there he knew of So-eun and his father’s interrupted love. He is able to track So-eun in the present time, and learns the truth that she gave way for her parent’s love.
This movie felt Il Mare-ish but using a radio this time for the time element. Steady and okay for me, this is sweet, sad and nostalgic.
RATING
Venus and Mars (2007)
Incessant love quarrels, relationship non-sense, and totally weird couple. This is a dark love story I struggled to finish the ending. The A-list actors aren’t able to salvage the twisted love movie at all maybe because they are busy fighting all the time, and the mellow-romantic surge came up probably late at the same time.
Divorced because of indifference, the short-lived marriage turned into a nightmare after the couple’s temper wont concede to one another. A case of love gone crazy… hmmp! Thanks to that pendulum-sweet-scene, it made me forget the many pout-worthy scenes from the movie.
RATING
My Love (2007)
I call it “waiting for love” movie as the characters involved in a web of liking someone hopelessly even if it was hurting them in the process. It’s a good thing that two of the couples in this quadruple romance story were able to get their happy ending. It is a nice watch but not that momentous.
The main love story starts strong and adorable and disappointment erupts when their love becomes tragedy. The supporting love couples are not plain but something you have seen if you have been watching kdramaland for a long time. Even if Jung Il Woo is there, it didn’t salvage my wondering on what the film is trying to achieve. The romance stories involve a man with his “hug me”campaign who returned to Korea after five years. He hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend who promised to wait for him and to call him on the day of solar eclipse. She called, but she failed to wait any longer and delivered him the news that she got married.
Then there’s a girl who has been liking someone who liked another girl. She eventually gets her chance to be closer to him, and soon he eventually likes her back. Working in an ad agency, a woman loves a man who is imprisoned by the memory of his dead wife. She eventually finds a way to his heart.
Lastly, a train operator recounts his memories of the woman he met in a subway. It could have been a romance overload but humor spikes and funny moments are added to balance the saddening notes in this love movie.
RATING
A Werewolf Boy (2012)
I initially feared that this movie could go overrated considering the familiar plot and stellar main leads but I’m so happy to have chanced upon an exquisite, unconventional, and heartwarming first love movie. The last time I felt it was with the film “The Classic” and I couldn’t be any happier witnessing a young love that’s not bound to happen but feels so right.
The fantasy element surprisingly blended to the heartfelt connection of the main couple as the simplicity of the narrative and the conflict failed to stripped the amazing progression of this moving love tale that will surely tug your heart.
Song Joong-ki remarkably played his role. Mind you he only said a few words all throughout the movie and his chemistry with Park Bo Young is just impeccable. I strongly recommend this movie for first time korean movie watcher. I promise you, sweet sighing moments and bliss. I promise you those young love memories you miss.
RATING
Couples (2011)
A good man trying to please his gold digger friend, a gold digger who’s true love Is a thug, a thug who wants to change his ways for the love of his gold digger girlfriend, a woman who meets the man in the wrong situation and intention, a sort of detective who fell in love with his best friend’s gold digger fiancée – Oh yes! Prepare for a labyrinth!
Snail moving at first, but how the situations unfold and connected were done nicely. Forgettable but pleasing when you are watching it, but I love the happy ending.
This is a love tale told from flashbacks and cute side stories. Regardless of not having that prolonged feeling, it yields gladdening film experience.
RATING
Love 911 (2012)
Most love stories tell an evident 100% love from its onset, that being said I liked how the adoration builds up in this movie. It is not “impossible instant”, but “I know where you’ve been” kind of love. I like that the man is wounded this time, and the woman did the chasing to make the man fall for her and heal his broken heart. It was a reversal of romantic roles that exuded understanding and maturity in handling love replies.
When Go Mi-soo misdiagnosed a patient, her doctor’s license is in danger of being revoked. Only if she can convince a fireman, Kang-il, who was assaulted by the patient’s husband’s victim to side with her, can she be reprieved of the situation and improve her chance on her medical suspension.
She tries ways to persuade Kang-il by using faith, seduction and even attempting to jump on a bridge to catch his attention but his distant self stays firm.
Then Mi-soo volunteers for community service and joins the rescue team to inch herself closer to Kang-il. In one of their rescue operations, they eventually get closer.
A comforting movie to witness, and not much Korean movie cliches too. It is a balanced rom-com that presented a picture of how love begins when we intend it to happen. It was filled with humor, funny supporting cast, and a couple you will really root for to be together.
RATING
How To Use Guys With Secret Tips (2013)
Sleek directing and editing, that’s what you will really notice about this film. Considering the plot is not a novelty, the director executes the storytelling so appealing.
I love the idea of how the lead couple “fell in love”, against their personality differences and going beyond their comfort zones. But, I hate that they act senseless in the course of falling in love. I would give a fair rating on this film because I really found the editing cute and appetizing, but don’t account on a lingering effect, because you won’t find it.
A woman stumbles on a video citing tips on how she can improve herself so that the male populace get to notice her.
This is the usual love movie, where viewers would already know what will happen in the story, and yet stay watching in the hope of drawing some funk at least, but nothing happened. I hate it when there’s a love misunderstanding and the people involved won’t give a chance to explain their sides. In this modern time, where communication can be reached online and offline, if a relationship will be misunderstood, then there is no connection at all between the people claiming they are into each other.
RATING
Five Senses of Eros (2009)
Five short love stories make up this film. I enjoyed two out of the five films, but the other three could appeal to its target audience.
“His Concern” is in a Before Sunrise movie vibe, and I enjoyed the screenplay. “Me, I’m Here” is a sad love tale of a devoted husband who has to deal with the passing of his wife. “The 33rd Man” tells about a newbie actress who got acting lessons from a veteran actress who turned out to be a vampire. They ate the film director afterwards – and that’s why I didn’t liked it.
“In the end is my beginning” narrates how a woman discovered her husband is sleeping with her high school friend after they got involved in a car accident and the man died. The friend in guilt promises her life to atone for her sins. This started out well, but concluded weak. I would have wanted a clean ending.
“Believe in the Moment” is about three college pairs who changed partners for 24 hours. It is cute and reckoning.
This is not an inter-connected characters flick, so you’ll get like Bertie Botts different love beans. The entire movie experience is good and this is for one time watching only.
RATING
My PS Partner (What ‘Cha Wearing?) (2012)
My PS partner is an example of another vibrant love movie I would strongly recommend to watch. It has a subtle indie appeal with smart screenplay. It goes to a love trap cliche but the upbeat development of the romance plus the organic feel of witnessing what relationship in late-20’s-early-30’s is about are strongly depicted amusingly, realistically and candidly.
I give full marks and a space on my kmovie favorites because of how it has minimal mature content yet able to balance and even heightened the romantic essence, the seamless humor and the responsive chemistry between the main leads in the movie.
Sweetly impudent, it made me feel so wanting to be in love after watching it, and not the knight-in-the-shining-armour-cinderella-rose-petals kind of way but the wearing-his-oversized-shirt-singing-while-he-plays-the-guitar kind of love.
RATING
Christmas in August (1998)
Highly praised for its earnest characters and endearing yet bound to fade love, Christmas in August made me really want to consider the idea of really reciprocating love out of all the romantic and single life movies I’ve seen so far. I have prepared myself that it could be a dragging narrative since it is already a 15-year old movie, but the fetching capturing of the scenes showing vibrant emotions is a must watch for film majors and critics.
Jung-woon is a middle-aged photographer who lives with his father, while he is trying to prepare himself to his eventual death, he meets a woman who will be giving him the best moments and smiles of his routine life.
It is a sad film, but it won’t make you cry. It does have though a lingering effect to reflect and ponder about things, life, romance and and your relationship to people you cared for. It may not appeal to people who prefers a fast paced, idealistic or dream-like love stories and it may not be as stunning as the recent korean romance films, but it is one of the most sincere pictures I have ever seen in my life.
RATING
Late Autumn (2011)
Flaunting a strong performance from Tang Wei and an amusing rendition by Hyun Bin, this film is a keeper. Imprisoned after killing her husband, a woman is given a reprieve to attend to her mother’s funeral. She meets a runaway gigolo in a bus and their unexpected connection would be an eventual momentous memory in their not so meaningful life so far.
As a self-confessed sucker for accidental and impossible love, the saddening thought of an is-this-person-worth-it-kind-of-love transcends in this movie. Between two damaged people, the ease on how they converge and the pain of their love situation push a contemplative moment in my life.
This won’t appeal straight to the emotions but after a while when you ponder on what the movie is about, you would appreciate it. An imperfect couple and imperfect romance but a perfectly realistic movie for me.
RATING
Very Ordinary Couple (2013)
A workplace relationship movie gone bad with hints of crazy Venus and Mars flick. It culminates in we-are-meant-to-be-happy-together note, but the path going there and how it was narrated is just emotionally draining. It felt like the movie is confused on highlighting the emotions or focusing on the conflict.
It ends without me being immersed on it. Not ugly, not plain but the chemistry, biology, physics and all the sciences needed to conspire a romance based film are out of focus and most of the time missing in action.
I took a deep breath after I was done watching the movie, but I really wasn’t able to connect. There was a couple who fell in love, broke up and then got back together. It aims to ask the question “Will you get back with your ex-lover if he slept with another person?”. The love couple answers it in the end by staying together but it felt like they just covered it with the lead man throwing a fit when he remembers his girl slept with another man and on cue, the man will be in the scene to accept his beatings.
It’s not appealing for me but if you really like Lee Min Ki, maybe you can just focus on his face when it becomes boring.
RATING
Try To Remember (2009)
When he was cut from his job due to business needs, Eun-kyong is invited to do a teaching stint in the suburb where he stayed in the house of Kim family whose daughter, In-woo, is his fellow employee.
Both of them have recurring dreams dating from Joseon period. They soon become comfortable with each other but an urgent business in Seoul had Eun-kyong leave Andong. He finally rests his case on his ex-girlfriend who will be getting married and gives his consent as his mother’s guardian for organ donation when she dies.
He returns to Andong but In-woo, who has been sick since the day she was born, was brought to the hospital. He soon discovers her scrapbook diary narrating her secret adoration towards him. He rushes to visit her but got into an accident that took his life.
It was revealed that they were lovers 400 years ago. They were reincarnated in the present time reversing their roles from the past. In-woo is the man who protected the daughter of a traitor, but died because of sickness. Meanwhile, Eun-kyong is the woman who grieved over her husband’s death and left a love letter that is excavated in the present time.
There’s really nothing much to brag, my synopsis from above says it all about this movie. For a deja vu or reincarnation plot themed movie, it lacks connecting scenes of the present and the past. The flashes from the past are explained in the end but I already know what has been going except for the reversed reincarnation trick. It’s not ugly but it’s not worth your time.
RATING
Steal My Heart (2013)
Steal My Heart is a case of rom-com imbalance where the comical moments sprinted a lot that it left the romance somehow behind. Nonetheless, it’s still sweet and engrossing as the overload of quirky police officer hiding his con artist first love under the nose of the Police Department he belonged to is filled with hilarious events and cotton candy flashbacks.
Famed for his profiling ability, a police officer is on a quest to get a promotion, only if he gets the hit-and-run driver who bumped the infamous serial killer their police department has been stalking for a long while. When he cornered the culprit, he discovers it to be her long lost ex-girlfriend who disappeared just when he was about to propose marriage.
Blinded by love he swallowed the reality that she is a skilled pincher, who has stolen quite impressive hard to steal items. and is on the police chase list. He has to deal with her quaint one-woman heist ability and possibly compromising his career for being an accomplice to her crimes.
Steal My Heart is not a boring watch because the comic kicks were ever present, but it was not a romcom you will take another serving for when u don’t have something to watch in the future. It was a good romantic treat while it lasted. Feel good, fun and frolicsome.
RATING
Plan Man (2014)
Suffering from obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, a neat freak man who works in a library meets a messy indie artist who changed his life 180 degrees. Not being able to lead a normal life because of his excessive drive to follow rules he set for himself, he resorts to connive with an aspiring singer who is a friend of his crush to give a shot in his new found feeling of romance.
She has made him do things he doesn’t normally do and when their duo tried out for a reality singing competition, both their pasts were revealed which lead to both of them understanding more fully each other and eventually falling in love as well.
Although the romance kicked in at the latter part of the story, this is an enjoyable flick perfect for lazy afternoons. Jung Jae Young played his role in an amusing way as an adorable nerd.
This says a lot about how you can fall for someone who is your exact opposite and how much you are willing to change so you can adapt in a world where you and your loved one can compromise. I also like how you feel positive and smiling after watching it.
RATING
C’est si Bon (2015)
There’s just something sincerely sweet when turning screen pages of love stories that are set when romance was not digitally induced and when couples actually talk and share kisses because they reached that loving point through shared memories of being together all the time.
C’est si Bon tells the story of a famous acoustic music hall in 1970’s Seoul, South Korea where free spirited singers were applauded by its vibrant 20’s audience. Two already famous singers Song Chang Sik and Yoon Hyung Joo were joined by Oh Geun Tae and together formed C’est si Bon trio which became a favorite act of the music lounge patrons.
I love the guitar-based music and songs in this period love and friendship film. It was calming and inducing of ardent memories we tend to recall in bittersweet bliss. It made me exhaust what online resources can give me to listen to Twin Folio’s music. It moved me to a realization that I dig love movies with a lead man who does everything stupid he can all for his first love. *wink
I don’t know if being in my 30’s have caused me to be fond of period stories these days, but staged in 70’s era the costume and production design were done superbly solidifying my dream wedding in 60’s and 70’s theme. Haha With enough humor and wit and uncomplicated narration, I enjoyed the cheerful vibe of the movie all throughout and felt sad on the heart-wrenching scenes.
For some lucky ones they would end up with a happy-ever-after, but for some loving the person with all their heart is the closest they can get to be with their one great love. I give you C’est si Bon if you want a solitary and quiet movie me time filled with love.
RATING
The Beauty Inside (2015)
Love they say is felt from our hearts and nurtured by memories. In this heartfelt and innovative romance movie, you would feel good on how a sincere adoration can know no boundaries and believe a seemingly impossible love.
Skilled in woodwork and furniture making, Kim Woo Jin has been living in shadows because of his rare situation. He wakes up to a different body each time he sleeps. He has managed to live through his strange misfortune until he fell in love with Yi Soo. And in his earnest heart, he braves the love odds, and in time wins the understanding heart of Yi Soo who loves the beauty she sees inside him. She has courageously loved the changing face of Woo Jin regardless if he’s a man or a woman, young or old, local or foreign.
But the uncertainty of their relationship emerges and Woo Jin is left no choice but to go away in order for Yi Soo not to hurt herself because of her strange love affair with him. In time, both came to terms how their lives don’t go anywhere and has been despondent since they fell apart. Recognizing the artistic value of a foreign furniture maker Yi Soo goes to chase the hermit-ing love of her life and promised her future to him even if he keeps pushing her away.
Great editing and amazing love story. The chronicling of the bizarre love for Woo Jin and Yi Soo will be encouraging to those who have doubts in their current relationships. It teaches the value of faith that everything will work out for as long as both hearts dance to the same rhythm of love. It is a reminder that it is not a person’s physical attributes that would sustain a couple’s love but the memories and the quiet moments when we feel in our hearts that we are loved.
RATING
Be With You (2018)
A good reason to watch this romance film is because of the love pairing of So Ji Sub and Son Ye Jin. While it parades notable moments, the closure failed to provide a lingering imprint.
Promising to return to her family, a woman who already crossed the after life fulfills her promise but lost her memories when she gets reunited with her husband and son.
RATING
On Your Wedding Day (2018)
On Your Wedding Day subtly layers the narrative conflicts through its sentimental approach of how timing can shatter a fated love. At the same time it gives a contemplative nudge of how a relationship may end but the love lingers, not because you hope for another chance, but because you can’t just give it to another person.
Embracing the lessons you learned through loving someone is the ultimate message that is imparted through the love story of Seung Hee and Woo Yeon. It teaches how the amount of love spent and memories shared are always outweighed when you emotionally hurt your partner. It also gives a pensive mood how we can never tell whether a relationship will last long when we enter it, and the happy and sad moments always go along with it.
On Your Wedding Day will make you smile and cry as it takes you to reminisce your very own fond memories about your first love. Neat, simple and sweet, it does not make you overthink owing to how it has been clear to express its goal from the start – the highs and lows of chasing love.
A refreshing movie date you can definitely share with your friends, lover and family.
RATING
Other Korean Films Worth Checking (and Some Worth Skipping)
Scandal Makers (2008)
An upbeat, delightful family movie that lingers owing to its endearing story. The adorable family chemistry effortlessly finds the viewer’s heart.
Ham Hyun Soo (Cha Tae Hyun) works as a local radio celebrity and is known to be a serial player on the side. His world changes upside down when a young woman (Park Bo Young) approached him and claimed to be her long lost daughter along with her son. An instant-father-and-a-young-grandfather, the hilarious family work to adjust living together while invading their personal spaces in the most adorable way.
Even when I’m writing these thoughts now, I can’t help but smile remembering the quirky family setup in this flick. Go grab some popcorn and chips and wallow on the cuteness of this family movie.
RATING:
Baby and Me (2008)
Jang Geun Suk plays the role of a young high school student from a well-off family who loves to brawl and a typical mischief maker.
His easy-go-lucky life stops when he got a surprise basket of a baby with a note suggesting that he’s the father. From there he starts his young father adventure trying to give the best life he can provide for his instant son.
RATING:
Antique (2008)
The lively characters sprawl a stimulating run of this film which will hook you unknowingly. Ju Ji Hoon plays the role of a bakery owner who was once abducted when he was a child, Because of that trauma, he vows to capture his abductor through his baking skills.The cheery interaction of the cast and their therapeutic handsome visuals cushion the thrilling conflict in this sweet and suspense flick that is worth missing your weekend sleep binge.
RATING:
Babo (2008)
Classic Cha Tae Hyun in a heartwarming film story. Ha Ji Won joins her and is at her usual best. A story of a mentally challenged man whose optimism in life will move you to tears. Full of love and heartening, prepare some tissue if you will embark on it.
RATING:
Insadong Scandal (2009)
Top-billed by Kim Rae Won, the film explores the world of Korean art forgery and treachery. Insightful and well-portrayed, as expected from the lauded actor.
RATING:
The Warriors Way (2010)
I’m guilty that I watched it because Jang Dong Gun is hot and because the producers were those who produced LOTR, but it didn’t give me the beat nor the depth. The fight scenes Are okay, but at the end of it, I should have picked a different movie to burn my film time.
RATING
Grand Prix (2010)
I watched it because of Kim Tae Hee, but I should have not. It gives me a glimpse of the horse-racing world, but still I didn’t like how they wove the story. It’s just all over and plain and nothing much to ponder about.
RATING
The Man From Nowhere “Ajussi” (2010)
South Korea’s top grossing film of 2010 gifted me a mind-blowing movie experience. Witnessing a different kind of love took my breath away. It is the kind of love that springs from almost losing hope that you can find love again. Won Bin and the girl’s performance stir up something inside you.
I’m very picky when it comes to action films, and I get the best treat ever when I took time to munch this high octane beauty. Excuse me City Hunter, I think I equally like you and ajussi.
RATING
Jeonwoochi (2009)
Superb visual effects. A nice watch with your little niece or nephew. Action-packed in a Jumper-meets-inception-meets Harry Potter kind of way. Undeniably worth killing your time.
RATING
Sunflower (2006)
I was browsing on my Korean movie DVD’s when I saw this movie, it is Kim Rae Won starring in the role that’s why I settled for a watch. It is definitely not in my priority list because it is an action film. So, I’m glad the “for-the-love-of-oppa” decision happened.
A deeply immersing story of a man struggling to start a new life after being imprisoned for a while. His love for the family who embraced and accepted him despite of his dark past is overwhelming. But, the past he is so wanting to depart from keeps coming back. No matter how he tries to keep his ground and not go back to his vile ways, his mettle is challenged unfairly by fate.
I cried buckets of tears here and I really liked how the director orchestrated the story from the small sweet details to the heavy scenes. The cast deserves applause for their decorative portrayals. I don’t normally go for tear-jerker-slice-of-life, but I was so drawn in Tae-sik’s life.
RATING
Wedding Dress (2010)
A touching movie about love between a mother and her daughter. A mother’s love has always been there when the first sign of life happened to us. Sometimes, we tend to forget it and get annoyed over things mothers normally do to us because it’s their nature.
Deeply moving, the story and will make you hug your mom after, I did (omma was beside me when I was watching it), I don’t know if you will, I hope you will.
This is quite a weep fest as you can feel the mother-daughter connection of the lead characters. Best served if you’ll watch it with your mom.
RATING
Champ (2011)
This is my second horse-racing-themed movie, and I kept my fingers crossed that I will not be disappointed. It starts slowly but won me over at the end. I have loved Cha Tae Hyun in all his movies, and this might not have been a solid performance from him compared to his previous works, but I liked it nonetheless.
A famous horse jockey hits a slump after he met an accident and lost his wife. He finds his way again when he meets a sort of hard to rein horse. Their connection brought him back to the horse racing world and gives another hope in his life, but it gets interrupted when he became blind.
There are a few points in the movie that were nailed perfectly. The water scene when the horse jockey and the horse first created their connection is full of warmth. The competition scenes are shot splendidly, and the tear-jerker scenes of the daughter deserves a decent applause.
So aside from the heavy and well portrayed scenes, the story itself is a typical human interest movie. Character driven, it will touch your heart, make you cry and make you laugh. It feels like a sticky sweet kiss from your favorite niece or nephew, not the kind of kiss which you would want something more.
RATING
Hello Ghost (2010)
Cha Tae Hyun again showed his exceptional acting ability in this comical-sixth-sense movie. His shifting from different characters is one of the reasons why he’s one of my favorite actors. I was close to going to Hogwarts Forbidden Forest to attempt to retrieve the Resurrection Stone for the perky family to live through.
Sang-man has been living all alone, and because he has no reason to live, he has been resorting to suicide, but he was rescued from his multiple attempts. After another unsuccessful trying, his fate will change. For the first time in his life, he will not be alone as he meets up new friends imported from the after-world. The quest of fulfilling his dead friends’ bucket wishes will be the only guarantee that they will leave him, so off they set to do those wishes as they teach him how to enjoy and value life.
An amazingly done family movie with that you will enjoy watching with your family. The twist won me over willingly. It was just the perfect icing on the cake.
The cast did their respective job in keeping up with the sunny vibe and upbeat tone throughout the movie.
RATING
My Black Mini Dress (2011)
A friendship tale of four ladies and their challenges as they face the real world. It is a story of the frustrations of not being able to conjure in reality what you have dreamt, and getting by with a little help from your friends and yourself.
It made me miss my girlfriends, I sent them “iluvu” messages after watching it. *wink
Most girls can relate to the story of these ladies. I did, maybe because I was also stuck with a job I was not expecting to have, and maybe because when I and my girls grew apart, our priorities changed as our problems became harder. What I got from this movie was a “friendship check” – a reminder to find some time and catch up with them and see how they have been.
A simply sketched movie with minimal light tones. Not all the characters were strongly portrayed though, that’s I guess what I can fail in this movie. They present the struggles of each character and had it solved because of their friendship. Their own personal struggles are not dealt with accordingly. At some point it’s really plain and dragging, but you have to finish it to realize that there’s an after-effect.
It is not a perfect friendship movie, but it’s laid back with few perky notes that is more than enough to consider hanging out with these women.
RATING
The Client (2011)
A courtroom thriller that probes on a case of a husband who allegedly murdered his wife.
The battle of wits and evidences and the suspense filled investigation inevitably causes you to stick your attention to the end of the movie. Just when I accepted the closure and bought the defense’ argument, the end revelation put a cunning smile on my face.
Well done, well played and well ended.
RATING
The Chaser (2008)
I’ll call it a Criminal Minds episode set in the big screen. It has successfully laid the requirements for a thrilling serial killer movie. My only issue though is that I was not left anticipating with the whole psychopath interrogating, tracking and killing.
I felt that the male lead tracing the killer’s steps can stand alone, and that the whole police questioning is a useless sequence. Not that I like it with more bloodbath, but it’s one of those things where you wished the police will only come after the big event.
Nevertheless, I will still recommend for you to watch this movie.
RATING
Where The Truth Lies (The Case of Itaewon Homicide) (2009)
A young college student unfortunately was murdered by someone he hasn’t met for the first time. The prosecutor office embarks on an investigation to prove the suspects guilty, but they have to deal with contradicting testimonies and law technicalities. In the end though justice was not served rightly.
This movie is based on a true story. I found the portrayals lacking except for Prosecutor Park. I was pulling the yarn for the film credits to appear because it is undeniably trite and predictable.
RATING
The Good The Bad The Weird (2008)
A Korean bandit, an assassin and a bounty hunter in Western vibe set in Manchurian backdrop. This film is cool, amusing and engrossing. The ass kicking fight scenes, Song Kang Ho’s classic self, Lee Byung Hun’s quick abs showcase and my currently running adoration for Jung Woo Sung are some of the reasons why I enjoyed this beauty.
But more than that are the excellent fight visuals, the fluidity of the story and how the main leads live up to their existing hype and bear the best that they can to nail an amazing action picture that even a woman like me enjoyed so much.
RATING
The Uninvited (2003)
Seeing Jun Ji Hyun in a psychological thriller is something new, and come to think of it she has that distinct crying face. However, The Uninvited is just another plainly imagined suspense movie. Actually I didn’t feel any goose bumps at all.
The shamanic abilities, the little ghost girls and the court case presented appear to be not fitting perfectly. It’s supposed to incite scary thoughts but I did not.
A man is seeing the ghosts of two girls he encountered on a train one night and they always sit on a table bought by his fiancée. He can’t seem to dismiss them until he met a woman who can also see them. The woman helps him uncover the previous life he had as he gets entangled with the past he tried to forget and the woman’s frailties and secrets.
It’s not scintillating freaky so it’s a good warm up if you are on a Korean thriller spree. Not that bad, but it’s too easy to understand and will not leave you haunted and thinking.
RATING
Quick (2011)
I was not expecting much on this movie, hell I didn’t even do a background check which I normally do, but it held me drooling on it the whole time without any rest room break.
It is a biker movie – on that note I was really uttering ancient chants that it won’t bore me. So, when the action-packed motorbike scene begins, the stunts and the speed blow me away.
Gi Su (Lee Min Ki) is a legendary drift biker who works as the errand guy for his friend’s courier service. In one of his messenger job, he gets pop star Ah Rom as his customer and asked him to drive her for their scheduled performance.
Little did they know that someone plot a bomb on Gi Su’s helmet and Ah-rom insists on wearing the helmet so they get caught up following a bomber-slash-creepy-guy to bring packages intending to blow up the receivers. The catch is they can’t part beyond 10 meters or the helmet will explode so they set to follow “big brother’s orders”.
Here’s a movie you can enjoy with your boyfriend, not so much romance but definitely entrancing and exciting.
RATING
Welcome To Dongmakgol (2005)
It definitely lives up to my expectations and the critics’ rave. This is a warm action/war film narrated stunningly through the characters who buoyantly brought life the simple, yet arresting story line. All elements synchronize to create a masterpiece that thrived on human emotions.
In the middle of Korean war, soldiers from North and South end up in a remote village. A US navy captain is also stranded there and to retrieve him the US force has planned to release a bomb to Dongmakgol. In their stay to the village, they develop connection to the people and befriend one another.
I love how the movie was richly narrated, and although it has a sad ending, I felt that it didn’t make the movie less appealing. Heartening and stunningly narrated, the climactic ending is a sight to behold – and to be sad and be pondered about.
RATING
Punch (2011)
I am aware that women from poor countries sometimes have no choice but to marry for convenience, and I’m lucky I was able to get another option aside from that. Punch is a thought-provoking film about discrimination struggled by immigrants. It emphasizes on presenting to the viewers their strong mentality to live in a foreign land to survive.
To put up the essence of the movie without giving any aspersions is something the filmmaker should be proud of. The main actors Wan-deuk and Dong-jo set a new kind of bromance – the kind that bickers amusingly but brings out the best of one another.
A blithe tale of accepting who you are and what extent you can be by embracing the life you did not choose but fought hard to decide the best shot on it.
RATING
Harmony (2010)
Not since The Longest Yard did I enjoy a prison-set film. This movie warms heart and makes female watchers feel even prouder being a daughter, a sister and a woman.
Each woman in the story contributed to an emotion fest spectacle that lingers in thoughts. Expect tears to erupt as the film diligently worked on sketching the personal struggles and victories of the characters.
RATING
A Reason To Live (2011)
I had a hard time finding the reason to finish this flick. I don’t know what part in my sense of feeling it is trying to get through, but I totally just felt nothing while watching it.
Tackling the concept of forgiveness and escaping from the wounds of the past, Song Hye Kyo portrays the role of Da Hye, a former TV producer who lost her fiance. The tragedy lingers in her life as she confronts the sad reality that there are things we can’t just reprieve.
I can’t point out its strength nor discuss its weakness. If you are a Song Hye Gyo fan, you can watch it, and just remind yourself that she gave you Full House and Worlds Within, if not – pick something else.
RATING
Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow (2011)
Move over Sherlock Holmes – here comes Detective K!
Set in Joseon era, be amused with the clever detective and his side kick as they unfold the truth behind the King’s enemies.
With impeccable wit and comic timing, this comedy-mystery film entertains with its lively frames
RATING
Villain and Widow (2010)
Kim Hye Soo and Han Suk Kyu team up in this awkward sometimes funny cohabitation of a conman and a widow saddled with money issues.
Kim Hye Soo plays the role of a widow who rented the second floor of her house to help in their financial problem. Han Suk Kyu meanwhile takes advantage of the lease offer to find a famous tea cup of antique importance, sought after by a chaebol heir. The rich man is in the brink of losing his value to his family and the only thing that could salvage him to stay afloat is that china tea cup. So the villain is summoned to retrieve it and thus he embarks on an I-am-a-writer-scheme to try and look for the elusive teacup which the widow’s husband hid in the house.
A little cute romance here and there and scattered shower of humor every now and then were some of the reasons why I finished the movie. To be honest it was not really that much interesting, but the main leads interaction was fun to watch. It sort of bland most of the time but it has still managed not to go to the brink of boring-ness. The good times are mainly when the lead couple did their sort of sweet moments and adult bickering. Well anyway, it was still a comic watch regardless.
RATING
Sector 7 (2011)
I didn’t see it in 3D but graphics and visual effects wise, it marks the same level as other Hollywood “beat-the-monster” films. Your typical Anaconda vibe flick, the humans rely on their wits to survive and defeat the monster.
For a thriller, it lacks the expected fear factor that it should have yielded. As a rule, thrillers should never be predictable, the viewers should always be on an anticipating ride, and that is evidently lacking in this film.
RATING
Silenced (2011)
Silenced touches a delicate issue and I’m thankful that such eye opening film like this was produced.
An art teacher moves to another city to accept a post in a school for special children. What he was not prepared for is the reality that his visually and hearing impaired students who haven’t even had their families to take care of them are violated mercilessly by their own teachers and the headmaster.
It’s a rage inducing towards the evilness of the world kind of film. But whenever power is wrongfully used, hope and faith will always find its way to protect the weak.
A moving, inspiring and a reality biting spectacle not worth missing.
RATING
Sunny (2011)
This is one of the best friendship movies I’ve seen in my life. It made me dig back memories I’ve shared with my high school girlfriends.
A retrospective film that will make you stop and think for a while to wonder and reminisce one of the best days of your life. Its nostalgic vibe easily makes you cry and happy at the same time.
A dedicated mother and wife accidentally bumps with her dying high school friend and from there they relive the old times while looking for the rest of girls in their friendship circle. Narrated in shifting timelines, the film beautifully captures the depth of friendship built with trust and memories.
Paying homage to all those friendships we build, this film is a firm reminder of appreciating friendship that endures.
RATING
Blind (2011)
A fairly done thriller about a woman who becomes blind after a car accident. She lost her brother and also failed to go back to the police academy. In an unfortunate twist of event, she has been marked by a serial killer. She struggles to survive and free herself of the long running guilt she felt after losing her brother in the accident.
Any movie with an adorable dog wins my heart over, and Seul-ki, the guide dog here made me cry. A suspense filled movie that drew strength from the main character’s vulnerability.
RATING
Standing Sleeping Tree (2009)
The story of a dying firefighter as he takes on the road about his condition. Being a father, a husband and a friend, the film deals with the point of view of a person facing death as he settles his affair while feeling the pain of leaving his family and life.
There hasn’t been any manual invented to guide you when you are bound to leave someone and it’s against your will. That being said this movie evokes that feeling of hopelessness and being hopeful at the same time.
Although nothing spectacular is in store in this movie, it will not make you hit the stop button. It’s a sad and an easy watch. It’s actually like coming from a book and narrated as it is.
RATING
The Scent (2012)
Following a suspension because of an adultery claim, Detective Kang Sun-woo temporarily runs a secret investigation company specializing in adultery cases. One of her clients dragged him to a motel where she claimed to have her husband with another girl, but he wakes up and sees his client killed and his supposed husband is also murdered in the adjacent room.
The husband’s mistress is in shock, and because the situation will go bad against him who was at the wrong place and time, he drags the corpse and buries it. When he learned that the girl is the real wife of the murdered husband, the detective investigates a case in which he was unluckily framed up.
Park Si Yeon’s character stretches from the vulnerable wife to insufferable tease and nothing-fazes me persona. But, there’s not much substance, depth and retribution in her character. There are some thrilling chases, boggling concepts, but there’s no climax. Some racy scenes here and there as well.
Not a real good deal, but still worth watching with ample suspense spread evenly all throughout.
RATING
Bunt (2006)
I was beaming and amused while watching this endearing father-and-son movie. A heartwarming film full of a father’s love to his kindhearted but feeble-minded child; and a friendship so sweet, it makes you reminisce your childhood memories.
Bunt is certainly a gladdening and encouraging movie experience. Full of inspiring and beautiful lessons about parenthood, friendship and believing in yourself. Even the humor is edifying, and you will just find yourself immersed in the story, cheering for Dong-gu – cheering for everything that will make him happy
RATING
The Concubine (2012)
Not for minors – an obsessive kind of love set in Joseon era where a King’s besetting passion over his brother’s concubine caused him his death. While filled with erotic scenes, the emotions displayed by its characters are evident.
It’s supposed to be focusing on the concubine character but I say the King’s character left lingering impression on me owing to his well-portrayed obsession. I found the explicit scenes not that offending, but then again, minors can’t watch it.
RATING
The Thieves (2012)
The star-studded film is good for your usual heist film. Nothing much spectacular though based on the trademark con act of caper movies.
RATING
Miss Conspirator (2012)
A certified agoraphobic woman gets entangled between gangsters and police in their drugs and money deal. Because of the conflict she was accidentally put into, she decides to step up and throw away her old self and from then she transformed into an overnight female negotiator.
There’s nothing much to watch really. Skip it.
RATING
Codename Jackal (2012)
A Hallyu Star is supposed to be meeting his rich ajumma sugar mom but experiences a series of unfortunate events meaning to kill him in the hotel he was staying.
Sometimes cute, sometimes fun, sometimes dallying around. But because of Kim Jaejoong’s trimmed abs I’ll give it a higher notch. At least among the sort of action movie I saw lately, I liked its nicely done combat sequences.
RATING
Helpless (2012)
A couple is supposed to be meeting the man’s family for their incoming wedding’s blessing, but after a phone call the woman runs away and left her fiancé. Then it is revealed that the woman he was intending to marry actually used another person’s identity.
His friend helps him uncover even more about her past and revealed the sad and abusive past she had that made her a monster in killing a person and assuming their identity. In the end after a frustrating battle of the main actor to the reality that he actually loved someone he really doesn’t know well, he still let go as she meets her fated and dreadful closure.
Since I have been stalking Criminal Minds for quite some time now, the psychopath girl here and the chase to get her was predictable on my part. If truth be told they are withholding the essentials until the end when it’s very easy to infer what will happen next. Safe considering the promised suspense premise but great acting for the lead man in presenting the pain of not knowing what to do in something that you can’t understand.
RATING
Highway Star (2007)
If not for Cha Tae Hyun, I would have not stayed until the movie curtains closed.
Dreaming to become a rock star, Bong-pil is a back up for a trot singer, he gets invited for a solo album only to find out that he has to perform trot music as well. Story passing fleetingly, nothing much happening but not that disappointing.
RATING
The Way Home (2002)
Once in a while you get to sit with a simple story about love that doesn’t involve romantic feelings, and you will feel so happy and moved after spending time watching it.
Sang-woo (played by little boy Yoo Seung-ho) Is left by his mother in an old village to settle some financial problems they have. Raised in the city he Is not accustomed with the plain living in the old village and is a disrespectful brat with his old grandmother. Little by little though he becomes closer to her. When his mother returns for him it sent me to 60 weeping seconds as I grew attached of their relationship.
This is a perfect movie to watch with your grandmother if you have one. So touching and heart-stirring in its simplicity and yet the emotion surges you get while watching is compelling and family bond affirming. A story of a grandmother’s unconditional love to her grandson.
RATING
The Grand Heist (2012)
Set in the era with so many technological limitations, The Grand Heist mocks all those heist films you had already seen. Overflowing with humor while showcasing a smooth sailing story, this movie leaves a smile on your face after watching it.
Modern heist films normally brag about the tricks and the smarts they utilized to get their score, this production is no different but it is made with convincing impact. It’s not a precious diamond or a pricey antiquated work of art in spotlight to be pinched but ICE. Yes ICE. Why ICE? Because at that time it is an extremely indispensable commodity.
How a band of thieves execute their premeditated plan to procure a tantamount ice stock and transport it to another storage is for you to watch (or read on my blog). This fusion period movie is well mixed and well done, I promise cuteness and humor. I promised you it’s gonna be worth your time.
RATING
Hearty Paws (2006)
Another tear-jerker dog movie, Hearty Paws will promise a lot of smiles. The simple and quick to predict story line is overshadowed by the relationship of Hearty, the dog and his master.
Hearty Paws tells about the story of Chan, Soyi and Hearty. Chan and Soyi’s mother left them under their auntie’s care and went to the city to earn money, but she never came back. Since Soyi wants a dog for her birthday, Chan steals a pup for his sister’s birthday gift.
Chan loves his sister so much and has been living a simple life with her and their dog. He is willing to take all the hardships in life and was trying to be strong for his sister. However, his sister dies because of an accident. From there, life becomes extra hard for Chan, but Hearty gives him the strength to get by.
Another heartwarming movie you can share with your family, and if you are a dog lover like me, I can guarantee this as a nice watch.
RATING
Plum Blossom (2000)
This erotic film I watched only because of Kim Rae Won. One of his earliest films which tackles a man’s point of view when it comes to romance exploration and to how he separates love emotions to sexual connection. I give a fair rating because it managed to tell the story along with the intimate scenes. The racy scenes didn’t overpower the essence and narrative of the main character in the movie.
RATING
Confession of Murder (2012)
You’ll find yourself at the edge of your seat in the chase-the-killer-fight scenes of this movie. Until now, I still can’t accept that I wasn’t able to deduce the ending twist of this movie. I thought when the “who’s the real killer conflict” was raised there will be a showdown between them, but there wasn’t.
Years of watching Dexter and Criminal Minds, I thought I have all of it figured out when it comes to sociopaths and psychopaths. But this movie surprisingly amazed and amused me. Well hidden, director… Well Done! Nifty writing and cleanly executed. Such a riveting delight, and will be one of my favorites for the 2012 movies.
Confession of Murder tells the intertwining fate of a police officer, a serial killer, the family of the victims and a serial-killer-wanna-be.
RATING
The Neighbors (2012)
After a psychopath murdered a little girl in the neighborhood, he sees another girl who looks exactly like the girl he killed. He mark the young girl as his last target before he moved out from that apartment but his secret is realized by the people in the neighborhood who hesitate to reveal his identity.
A neatly drawn and simply explained to-catch-or-not-the-killer movie. I have nothing much to complain about but I won’t label it as superbly amazing.
RATING
The Taste of Money (2012)
Blunt on the intimate scenes but the characters and story are not in synchrony. This film depicts the frustrating life of the rich and powerful. I saw something like this in The Housemaid so it’s not really an inviting movie experience for me.
It centers to infidelity issues and forced relationship participated by members of an affluent family. It moves in that direction without hitting any viable lessons to provide to the audience. A waste of talented actors and might waste your time as well.
RATING
Masquerade (2012)
Living up to its box office success and powerhouse cast, Masquerade depicts an astonishing story filled with amusing characters. The perfectly inserted humor serves as an equalizer to the serious tone of a period movie.
Masquerade tells the story of an ordinary clown who sits on the King’s throne when the King fell unconscious due to political attacks to poison him. The clown in a freak coincidence looks exactly like the reigning monarch and conspires with the King’s right hand to pose as the nation’s leader to avoid a serious political conflict if the current King’s condition will be revealed.
In his short stint assuming the King’s identity, the poser is quick to uptake in dealing with the anomalies and unreasonable battles he has to go through as the father of the nation, and in doing so his rational thinking and good heart has affected the people around him who are unaware that they are not serving the real King.
What made this movie appealing to me is the exemplary portrayals of the cast and the funny Joseon monarchy customs. Yes, I really giggled at the idea of having the King’s servants watch him poop. Lee Byung Hun won me over in both his comic and serious personas, although the comedic side is more lingering to me.
The film nailed the poignant scenes seamlessly. Although not understanding at first the risk of acquiescing to be a King impostor, when he grasped the urgency and importance of the position he baby-sits, his simple-mindedness and his leaning to what’s best for his people decided most of pending concerns the unconscious King can’t even resolve.
If you want to see a Korean period film in binding mixture of quaint characters and superb storyline with delightful inflections, Gwanghae will be a perfect pick for you. This character-driven story albeit the sleek Joseon setting is narrated in an easy to understand fashion that first time watchers will not be lost following its conclusion.
RATING
Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
I promise you a heart-warming tale that will make you smile and cry. I promise you a movie experience that you will remember.
This daddy-daughter-love film was a heart-wrenching picture that sent me to tear-land. With its simple and yet meaningful theme of a father’s love to her daughter and a daughter’s appreciation to his loving father, I really thanked the stars for giving me such a captivating movie brimming with resonating filial love.
Wrongfully accused of kidnapping and murdering the daughter of the police bureau chief, a mentally-challenged father is imprisoned and gets separated to his 6-year old daughter.
When he saved the leader of the cell room he was assigned to from a fatal attack, he is granted a wish and he can only think of seeing his daughter again. The inmates who can sneak in almost anything was able to smuggle the daughter inside and they embark in a quest to uncover the truth before the final trial of the father’s case that could make or break him to execution.
The impeccable comic timing cushions the sensitive and sad realities of how people with authorities abuse the power given to them.
It is an emotional scene when the half-witted father who can barely grasp situations managed to understand the unfair and merciless warning he got from the villain will put his daughter in danger – and as a loving father who wants to protect his child, he is forced to take a death sentence for his daughter to live.
This prison-set film warms the hearts of viewers with the great on-screen performance by the father and daughter duo and the prison friends cast helping them.
RATING
For Horowitz (2006)
A piano teacher who struggles financially stumbles on a troublesome kid whom she discovered as a piano prodigy. She teaches the kid patiently but she has to let him go as financial constraints drowned her and to make a future for him in the world that she also used to dream of.
RATING
The Berlin File (2013)
Engaging my romantic self with its dark tones, espionage twists and turns and consistently intense CAPSLOCK fight scenes, this North Korean war hero turned fugitive flick, I hope would have a second serving.
It got me hooked from its first five-minute showing and I feasted on the superbly orchestrated skin-piercing-gun-ruckus in unconventional battle grounds.
The characters immersed themselves in their roles while moving swiftly to the pit stops and thrills brought about by the conflict thrown to the main lead. Easily narrated but not losing the gripping feel and the inner struggles of the fervid North Korean agent who was betrayed by the country he loved more than his wife, this movie had me reminisced the same feeling I had with Ajussi.
A polished action-spy film worthy of your weekend night. The Berlin File features resonating characters, continuous fiery scene shifting and the well-blended weaving of the story parading amazing combat scenes. Albeit packed with elements, it didn’t drown the organic essence of the film. It nails what I want for an action movie – brimming with skin rips, blood spatters and gun shots. It’s definitely a bonus I get a nice story and a resolved conflict.
RATING
Secretly, Greatly (2013)
Secretly, Greatly stormed Korean Box Office big time, and I can only agree why.
A covert elite team of North Korean spies were sent to South Korea for future orders from the Republic. Comrade Captain Won Ryu Hwan takes in the role of a village idiot Dong-gu while observing and waiting for the orders from the North. After two years, he gets reunited with fellow 5446 corps Captain Rhee Hae-rang who was ordered to become a Korean rock star as well as Rhee Hae-jin who hero-worship Ryu-hwan and is disguised as a high school student.
Narrated with no exhausting complications and ended splendidly in a heart-wrenching fashion. I would have wished for a happy ending but given the serious tone set, I accepted and got my closure even if it was painful.
It’s rare for an action movie to remember the heart of the characters more than the brawl scenes, but in this film, I was totally immersed on the story and yearnings of these soldier-brothers.
RATING
My Little Hero (2013)
I was moved to tears and felt happy after witnessing this engaging film of a man who has made his dream come true by making a young man reach his dreams too. Pragmatically approached with a story full of heart, this heartwarming movie is a surprise birthday gift for me when I saw it.
My Little Hero tackles issues concerning the position in the Korean society of children who has mixed parentage. An eye-opener for the existing unfair treatment, the film subtly expresses encouragement and awareness to the viewers in case they don’t know how mixed breed children’s life felt like.
Best watched with your children, this is a family drama with the right amount of tears, music dreams, humor, friendship and happiness that your heart will surely remember.
RATING
The Face Reader (2013)
It took me five days to finish watching this movie because there’s really nothing to watch. Overrated and most of the time boring. It tells about a used-to-be nobleman who can read people’s character and destiny by looking at their faces.
To provide a better future for his limping son who set foot on his journey to become a minister, he and his brother in law agreed to try their luck at a courtesan house and drew a contract to read people’s faces.
After his help in solving a murder case, he is summoned to help in reading which people have the positive faces who can work in the government. He eventually sides with Kim Jeong Seok by giving advices to the young King during the famous power struggle contest in Korean history against the evil Prince Suyang.
But in the end. they were outmaneuvered by the Prince’ cunning mind and end up having his son killed after Suyang eradicated his arch enemy and his men.
RATING
Commitment (2013)
A North Korean spy infiltrating South Korea is a pitch I consider done deal every time for me. When you have T.O.P and his snappy mixed fighter moves, not to mention his piercing gaze and dreamy voice, no questions asked, just bask on cold and gritty espionage stance all throughout.
Ri Myung-hoon and his younger sister tried crossing the border but was caught by North Korean soldiers. A North Korean official then offered him to become a spy in Seoul, and to protect his younger sister, he agreed doing so and become high school student Tae-woo.
After his last mission though, he was betrayed and the vile North Korean official uses his sister and his only friend as pawns to make him come out and deliver the diamonds he got from his last mission. In the ensuing fight, Myung-hoon got South Korean NIS helping him. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his promise to be with his sister.
Commitment has all the tried and tested elements of an action thriller. Even the North Korean spy who got betrayed by his country premise is not something new, but the deft balance of the emotional struggles of the character, the not so many characters revolving and confusing the story and the sleek action scenes contribute to its hook.
For me it is important for an action movie, to not tire the lead actor out with a lot of people he has to kill and to also present a satisfying and whoa-inducing brawls and gun fights because I’m mainly watching it for the problem, fist fight and payback time. So bless his steamy self T.O.P didn’t disappoint me. *chuckles
RATING
Blood and Ties (2013)
What if the loving and kind father you know is really not what he seems he is? Blood and Ties raises disturbing thoughts in me after watching it for the reason that the killer is sketched having a positive character. Such an effective characterization that really strengthened the depth of how the heroine resolved the conflict.
That is because it’s really a perplexing decision to cut ties with a person who has been good to you because he did something evil to another person. It has a spontaneous plot but unpredictable characters and that has made me so engaged in watching it. Provocative, bewildering and steady.
Jung Da Eun has been well taken care of and raised alone by his father who has done all the odd jobs in the world to support her. She is struggling to get a job as an announcer and in one movie night with her friends, the loving relationship she has with her father was shattered by a suspicion when after the closing scene of the film, she heard her father’s familiar voice – revealed as the voice of the murderer of a young boy.
Nearing the expiration of the statute of limitation on the murder and abduction, Da Eun tries seeking the truth and inadvertently leads the police in tracing her father. Confused on her filial duties and not being able to accept that her loving father could do such a horrible thing, the memories of her father’s kindness to her overpowered the guilt she felt, and she chose to remain on her father’s side.
After the police failed to match her father’s voice, she again confronts and brought him to the abduction place begging him to ask forgiveness for his sin. Her father remains firm in denying the evil deed, but as soon as the clock strikes 12, his devil self resurfaces and rejoices at his escape.
RATING
Cold Eyes (2013)
Trailing a smart robbery gang, a special police unit has to rely on their guts and wits to pin down the thieves who work clean without a trace and is always one step ahead of them in executing their crime. It is your usual cop drama, nothing much new that you haven’t seen from crime dramas, but worth your time to watch.
Jung Woo Sung as the villain made it all the more exciting. A mixture of cunning and quaint villain and a heroine equipped with photographic memory handy in chasing the lead of a notorious gang, this is a fast paced thriller that will engage you from start to its ending.
RATING
Thread of Lies (2013 )
Thread of Lies is a heartfelt film that talks about school bullying. Cheon-ji, a young lady in Middle school committed suicide because of depression from the unfair treatment she is getting from her classmates specifically from the only friend she has who talks behind her back. Just when she finally became closer to another classmate who shared happy moments with her in their secret away, her new friend who holds grudges towards her irresponsible father learns that her father is dating Cheon-ji’s mother which her teenager heart can’t handle.
So, she throws it at Cheon-ji’s already ripping heart. The latter can’t no longer bear the emotional stress she was getting while keeping it to herself. And in those times when she wants to reach out to her stoic sister and busy mother, her family failed to notice how she is failing to succumb in the depression. There was no visible suicide note left but Cheon-ji’s sister and her mother soon are able to piece out the reason of her suicide through notes they found attached to the end of Cheon-ji’s knitting yarns.
I can’t put myself on a parent’s shoes but this movie is a good wake up call to parents to start talking about their children about their friends at school. High school life is mostly spent with friends and it’s hard for teenagers to open up when they are having emotional torture because of peer pressure. The movie also touches how bullies have their own wounds that they can’t handle hence they are throwing it to people who accepts their evil doings.
What alarmed me after seeing this film is how people have difficulties understanding each other’s pain. Is it the bully’s fault that someone let himself to be bullied? Is it the family’s bully’s fault for not raising up their child well? I, myself, admittedly have bad thoughts about someone when someone really gets to my nerves, but I’m so far successful in just keeping it to myself and letting my memory forget that I ever have those thoughts.
But there are people who can’t handle it, and in the age of social networking, cyber bullying is a more pressing issue, because people tend to feed negative ideas from other people’s pathetic and nonsense rants over the world wide web. I think for parents trying to know their children’s closest friends is a good way to check if he is in a functioning circle of friendship. Making sure that having open communication with their fears, woes and things that make your children happy is a must too.
RATING
Hot Young Bloods (2014)
Unveiling the story about hot blooded youth set in the 80’s, it is literally steamy that half of the story just involved brawls and bullying. I like period movie productions because I get to be transported back to the time when I was not yet born or too young to remember. And in this movie the only feel good thing I remembered is how I was able to have that “they-were-like-that-in-those-times” thoughts.
It was not as affecting and enchanting as A Werewolf Boy, and most of the time it lacks engaging elements. It spikes up a little in the dying minutes, but overall it is not as engrossing as I hope it would be.
The potential of a nostalgic youth film is there but it fell short of comic inserts and spotlight scenes that would make the viewers relate to the characters, or just even reminisce those reckless days they also had when they were young. Fairly done, but a movie you will just easily forget.
RATING
Innocent Thing (2014)
A film in the premise of “to-sir-with-love” gone crazy obsession between a high school girl with her PE teacher which failed miserably in establishing solid threading of the narrative to its climax. If truth be told, all I can remember is how pitiful the character is and how it is a waste of Jang Hyuk’s talent since there are not much venue in the duration of the movie to showcase his emotions.
When the film hit the supposed to be thrilling part of the love struck student who started killing people around her obsession, I gave up and hated that I wasted my time with it.
Intending for a subtle progression from the onset, I say the direction should have incorporated her evil ways all throughout and make him subdue it strongly too. If you have enjoyed Jang Hyuk in his Lee Gun persona, it would be a waste if you follow up with this movie.
RATING
The Pirates (2014)
Failing to notch a polished recipe for an action-adventure film, I would give The Pirates a mediocre rating because of its shallow story line. It could be easily overlooked given the riveting fight scenes and the amusing characters that have played their roles to the fullest, but I really felt something inadequate when the movie ended.
Sailing to a dallying pace when it begins, it laid down the pirate members and mountain marauders who are in the quest to claim the bounty offered after Joseon envoys lost the Imperial Seal bequeathed by the Chinese Ming Dynasty to a big whale which swallowed it.
Halfway through the movie, the alliances, the old grudges and the conflicts are set into motion pushing the film to a moderately swift movement while throwing bordering-slapstick-funny-anyway comical reliefs.
On the bright side, far from her usual crying or love struck face, I was so happy seeing Son Ye Jin in her smoky-eyes and her no-nonsense swagger while wielding her sword, shooting arrows and drawing stunts against wily pirates who want to take down her crew and ship.
That has made her in equal footing with Kim Nam Gil in his portrayal of a skilled Jack Sparrow-ish brawling hero, yet ironically poor in scheming combat strategies, hence relying on his underlings to plan their attacks. Their on-screen chemistry did not blossom with hugs and kisses but with fights and locked arms, nevertheless it was endearing just the same.
RATING
The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
I didn’t expect I would feel good after my movie experience with Admiral Lee Soon Shin and his men. I think the film director impeccably established his character as a great strategist and commander but still able to show his frailties as a human.
The challenge for me when I watch a war film is that I get overwhelmed with a big cast and its long and brimming sequences of fight scenes. So I really like that Roaring Currents all throughout doesn’t deviate with the focal person of the film. At the same time, it doesn’t overshadow the value of the pertinent side characters who even with their minimal screen exposure were able to make their roles meaningful. The combat scenes are deftly placed and not overly done to balance the story narration and the message it was trying to impart.
It is a kind of film where bravery and patriotism were able to outweigh the shown violence and evilness in the movie. Thus, giving a life-affirming moment. Definitely living up to its hype, I found myself succumbing to the movie’s electrifying current and enjoying every moment of it.
RATING
Miss Granny (2014)
Just like when she thought she has lived her life to the fullest by raising his son to become a well-known educator, granny Oh Mal Soon faces a sad reality that all her efforts to become a loving mother and grandmother will be eventually overlooked. That is after her strained relationship to her daughter-in-law causes her to get sick due to mom-in-law-stress-related-issue.
The doctor advises a time away from granny and she inadvertently heard the family meeting between her son and his children. Sad about the impending decision for her to be brought to a retirement home, she ends up at a mysterious photo studio which magically transformed her back to when she was 20 years old.
She takes advantage of the fountain of youth given to her to rediscover herself and do the things she has been longing to do, but wasn’t able to because life didn’t give it to her the first time. Quirky and fun this is a movie that will ask you what you might have done differently in your life if you were given a chance.
Although filled with funny moments, this movie gave me a nostalgic feel of wanting to just relive some of the best memories in my 20’s and yes I feel like I’m already 50 when I’m just 30-ish. Easy to follow and light to digest, Miss Granny is best watched with family and friends.
RATING
Obsessed (2014)
It is your typical cheating husband to a naive, unhappy married wife movie… not much story, a lot of sex. The end.
RATING
My Brilliant Life (2014)
This is by far the only Song Hye Kyo Korean movie that I enjoyed immensely. A heartwarming and engrossing story that makes the viewers root for the family to be together forever. Although leaning on a sad tone, the narrative is neat and most of the time thought-provoking.
A young couple raising their child with a rare disease have to confront the sad reality that the child who changed their fate is bound to leave them permanently. It talks about the importance of family and the magical bond that every parents and their child have. Engaging, no complications just pure narration of a loving family story.
RATING
Cart (2014)
Cart is a movie I won’t show to omma because it will induce a long story-telling with bits of labor law lessons she gained from being a Union officer and a National Women’s Rights organization member. I have a vague memory of going to those labor strikes they did when I was young but it was not as oppressing as what was depicted in the movie.
The films tells about the painstaking battle of a supermarket laborers’ union who were illegally dismissed by the company they have worked hard to serve with while the main characters dealt with their own family problems. It is a movie that encourages social awareness to the rights that we have as employees that we sometimes overlook because big companies have a way of bending rules and most of the time would always choose profit over people.
It is not a weekend movie you can enjoy after a week-long stress filled work. Emotionally written, I think it will be more appropriate for students to watch this film to get a glimpse of the real world.
RATING
The Chronicle of a Blood Merchant (2015)
I have watched a lot of what-i-did-for-love movies, but nothing has prepared me to the hero willing to sell his blood just so he can marry the girl of his dreams. *chuckles
Crafted in a traditional post Korean war background, the family featured in the film endows with affirming realizations on love, family and life. I guarantee you will love the hero of the story in his bold ways, idiot times and fatally sweet acts.
The humble and cheerful narration from the onset of the film piqued my interest as the smooth flowing momentum when the main story conflict was inserted convinced me that it is a nice film that followed diligently the essentials of a great family movie.
RATING
The Throne (2015)
From the moment the film opened to the poignant scene of the king who ordered his son to death by imprisoning him inside a rice crate, I was rendered confused on what I will learn and who I will blame on the ill-fated life of Crown Prince Sado. The director achieved a well-executed storytelling even when he started on a climactic point while traversing the past life of the main characters.
It was the brilliant switching of character thoughts and development while unraveling the conflicts and the plot of the film. It was an exchange of point of views that were equally battled out making the protagonist turn to being an antagonist and vice versa.
Albeit the despondent tone, for me it did not mar the ruminative effect of the film. It definitely means to present the inconsolable truth about the depth of a parental and filial love. In the case of the main characters in the narrative, it is an unfortunate conflict that was not resolved both in real life and the film.
RATING
Assassination (2015)
Maybe because I like history that’s why I have patience with period and war films. Plus the fact that the plot covers espionage and and it is top billed by acclaimed South Korean actors – these are enough reasons why I enjoy the swift moving and easy to follow historical movie based on the happenings of Korean Independent movement in the Japanese occupation period.
The story and screenplay were not complicatedly conceived which is good because the film was mostly filled with gun fights and action scenes. But even with the brawling binge, the conversations of the cast flowed naturally in the story explaining what was happening and where it was going. That’s what I first notice, the narration was neat and straight to the point without diminishing the thrill of the plot.
The conclusion was half-sad and half-resolved as the conflict culminated to the freedom army completing their task although losing the hired assassins who helped out in the spur of the moment for that cause. It’s not typical to get happy endings with all your main characters intact on the closing curtains in action films, but at least the closure satisfied the decently written story.
RATING
The Last Princess (2016)
Based on the story of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of Korea, the film painfully traces her struggle in giving hope for her people while being held hostage by the Imperial Japanese government.
I felt like a hundred dementors attacked me after watching this movie. It was so poignant and sad that it halted my korean movie binge watch plan. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of historical drama, you would appreciate the melancholic narrative of the fate of the last Joseon princess.
RATING
Train to Busan (2016)
Undoubtedly a superb zombie apocalypse thriller movie. Train to Busan lives up to its South Korean box office hype as it propelled a simple zombies-chasing-people-on-board-a-train premise, to a gripping thrill and excitement from start to finish. While the protagonists were fighting to survive, the movie experience were putting me and my friends on a rollercoaster ride of uphill emotions and omg screams.
I was all cheering for the heroes in escaping the brutal attack of the walking corpses while hating the villain dying in a manner he did not deserve. I refrain from watching suspense films because I hate senseless fictional characters, but kudos to the main cast they hold the cliff-hanging scenes of the story efficiently.
If there is one wish I would have wanted, it is for the main hero to have survived because it’s really sad that after what they went through, he still did not live. But as it is an armageddon movie type, tragedy is expected and at any rate it is a fulfilling narrative that I was happy to see in the big screen.
Though the zombies were not scary looking for me, the placement of the conflict in the story all throughout has had me at the brink of my seat every time obstacles were thrown to the main characters. The zombies are so quick in their movements complementing the fast pace trajectory of the story which in turn made the narrative so addictingly enthralling.
If you are up for a thriller then you should not miss this wickedly conceived spectacle. I promise you heart raising moments and varying emotions that would keep your interest on erratic movements as you feel like racing along with the characters in steering clear of the attacking zombies.
RATING
Time Renegades (2016)
Sans the fluid narrative and witty humor, Time Renegades evokes Back to the Future mood. However, it does not feel good after. While I applaud the strong portrayals of the main leads, it is kind of expected of them to deliver.
Actually it took me three days to finally be done watching this movie. Not that bad, but not that enthralling either. The switches from past and present timelines as well as the clues incorporated, struggled because the connecting links are easy to predict.
Given that it plays on alternating timetables, the pushes and surprises should have been done furtively and distinctly like how the drama Nine Times Travel was done. Nevertheless, I still recommend the movie if you are up for a supernatural and time defying romance. It did not hit my love movie palate, but who knows you might like the ride?
RATING
Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
Along with the Gods takes the premise of the laws of Afterlife – that all deceased must go through seven trials over 49 days, divided into seven sin categories: betrayal, violence, filial piety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice. Once the deceased clears all seven trials, he can be reincarnated and start a new life.
The film takes on a visually animated adventure, incorporating the heartwarming message of the joys and sorrow of human life. It bravely proves how the seamless yarning of the story is able to draw its strength from the creatively conceived narrative, solidified by the amazing portrayal of the cast.
Viewers can feast on the vivid and spectacular production design of Along With The Gods. At the same time, the dynamic relationship between the main cast as they go together on each thrilling trial is another strength of the movie. The lively cast brings out the humorous highs and heartrending emotional frames of the story in a way that you cannot single out a character that stands out. The collective efforts are manifested with the impressive outcomes of the film.
On the culminating part, the heartbreaking revelation will surely tug movie watchers as the perfectly captured poignant scene reverberates sentiments that are worth the tears.
Parasite (2019)
After sweeping awards, the internationally-acclaimed film inevitably sets a mark for its sound depiction of the social disparity in South Korea. A financially broke family manages to enter a rich household ending giving light to their deplorable situation. However, greed succumbs the family leading to unexpected tragedy.
While Parasite gives insightful views about the sad truth between the rich and the poor in Korea, it is not the kind of film that I will rave about my family and friends to watch. Employing dark humor and the seamless narrative catapult to a relatable story. Given its decorated feats, you can indulge and add it on your watch list.
RATING
[wpedon id=”2271″ align=”center”]
