Waiting for Rain delivers comforting messages that miracles do come true for those who wait despite the test of time.
In the year 2011, Young-ho (Kang Ha Neul) waits for rain on the last day of the year even though he is aware of the low probability that it will happen. He recalls the year 2003 where he is on his third time taking classes for college preparation. That time, he meets Soo-jin (Kang So Ra) who also takes the same preparation classes as him. While looking at his reviewer, he remembers a girl when he was still in elementary school, Gong So-yeon.
Motivated to reconnect with So-yeon, he decides to find her contact details, and write letters to her. The letter is received by So-yeon’s sister, Gong So-hee (Chun Woo Hee), since So-yeon is bedridden. She excitedly tells So-yeon about the letter, but So-yeon does not remember Young-ho. In place of her bedridden sister, So-hee replies back to Young-ho’s letters, acting as So-yeon.
The two become pen pals, as Young-ho has agreed to the stated conditions of never asking to meet up nor asking questions. Exchanging letters with each other, their messages bring comfort and joy to each other’s situation. By the near end of the year, the doctor delivers saddening news that So-yeon has only a month to live.
Unexpected Meeting From the Past
Young-ho throws his book outside and decides to take the hanging money in front of the class for those who choose to give up on college preparation. On his way out, he receives a call from So-yeon, and he rushes to relay his letter to the mailman. Leaving college preparation, Young-ho plans to go to Japan to learn a craft, and he informs Soo-jin.
Young-ho soon discovers that So-yeon has died back in 2003, and remembers the letter about meeting when it rains. Back to the present, he decides to leave his last letter with an umbrella. However, it suddenly rains, and he runs back to the place he was waiting at. By the end of the movie, a flashback to their elementary days reveals that So-hee borrowed So-yeon’s track uniform on the day Young-ho met “So-yeon”.
Marcie Line watched Waiting for Rain on iQiyi
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Waiting for Rain movie Peak Points
Young-ho’s Innocence and Hopeful Outlook in Life
Young-ho has failed to enter college several times as we witness him taking the college preparation classes for the third time. Despite those, he remains warm and hopeful. He sticks with his father and despises his older brother for being arrogant with his sermons on living life in the real world.
His memory of one single act of kindness in his elementary days motivates him to contact Gong So-yeon again after a lot of years have passed by. Exchanging letters sparks joy and hope in his life with an uncertain future. Every December 31st, he waits for his pen pal, even though there are low chances of rain on that day. His outlook and persistence inspire viewers to possess the same passion in his heart.
Appreciation to Various Crafts and Hobbies
The movie has showcased various crafts and hobbies. Young-ho has an umbrella craft workshop, and his gifts to his older brother and Soo-jin highlight the sentimental value of a customized item that may seem ordinary. Moreover, old books, vinyl, and leather crafts are also included in the movie. Their values are brought to light despite being worn out and old.
Gift of Friendship and Companionship
In times where one feels lost and hopeless, companionship and friends can bring light to one’s uncertain life. We see how Soo-jin and So-hee have brought comfort to Young-ho’s life. Soo-jin likes Young-ho, but her feelings are never reciprocated. Even with that, Young-ho’s mere presence and companionship bring comfort to Soo-jin’s lonely life.
So-hee has never sent the letter that informs Young-ho about her writing to him instead of her sister, So-yeon. However, her messages still brought comfort and hope to Young-ho. Seeing Young-ho waiting for rain at every end of the year, her letters truly kept Young-ho motivated for the future that is unknown and uncertain.
Waiting for Rain movie Musings
Fulfilling its promise at the start, Waiting for Rain is truly a story about waiting and hope. Although it is tagged as romance, the friendship and companionship of the characters have caught more of my interest.
The movie has an open ending as it was never shown whether So-hee arrived at the meeting spot. However, it was certain that Young-ho had never reciprocated Soo-jin’s feelings.
Soo-jin is straightforward to what she feels, and in terms of proximity, she is nearer to Young-ho than So-hee. The ending and the whole plot are understandable and justifiable since the movie has already claimed from the beginning that it would revolve around waiting and hope.
Nonetheless, the two female characters have brought substantial influence in Young-ho’s life. Soo-jin is a character that shines bright, and she inspires viewers to become direct to how one feels. So-hee has pretended to be So-yeon in the letters, but the twist at the end somehow justifies her actions. Her kindness and patience to her sister can warm the hearts of the viewers.
Notable character growths can be observed at the end of the movie from characters like the “bookworm” played by Kang Young Seok, and Young-ho’s older brother portrayed by Im Joo Hwan. The bookworm who seems lost in his 20’s finally becomes established by the end of the movie as he owns a cafe with books.
Young-ho’s older brother realizes his own actions from the past and becomes warmer compared to his past self. Young-ho gives up college preparation, but he finds his way and success even without following the usual route in life.
All those can inspire viewers to remain hopeful, and inspire people that growth is possible even though everything appears to be uncertain. A lot of us may become impatient while waiting for something to happen for a long time, but this movie just reminds us that it can be somehow rewarding in the end when given the possibility of a miracle to happen.
Waiting for Rain is now available on iQiyi.
Photos: KOFIC | Sony Pictures Korea
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