Somehow, I managed to miss last year’s fantasy blockbuster Along with the Gods. I didn’t spot that it got a brief UK release until it was too late, and the movie didn’t make to any of the UK festivals to my knowledge. I didn’t even read any reviews. But it registered in my brain as … [Read More]
People: Cha Tae-hyun
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (신과함께, 2017) review: a spectacular odyssey of post-mortem trials
Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds is a star-studded tale of actions and consequences, guilt and forgiveness wrapped up within a visually stunning journey through the seven Hell trials of the Afterlife. Like it or not, it’s one of the biggest box office smashes in Korean film history. [Read More]
Sad Movie (새드무비, 2005) review: when heartbreak becomes overkill
Interweaving four relationships with richly drawn characters and strong performances that invite empathy, Sad Movie initially succeeds as an engaging romantic drama with genuinely funny comedic elements, but ultimately pushes too many heartbreaks too far. [Read More]
My Sassy Girl (엽기적인 그녀, 2001) review: the rom-com that started it all
Slapstick and melodrama combine in this romance between an aggressive, wounded heroine and her devoted partner. With engaging characters, witty dialogue and some truly laugh out loud moments My Sassy Girl makes watching a sociopath beat up her boyfriend more fun than you could ever imagine. [Read More]
Lovers’ Concerto (연애소설, 2002) review: love remembered, hearts broken
Framed through memory and regret, Lovers’ Concerto follows a young man reflecting on a formative relationship with two women. Openly melodramatic and often contrived, it nonetheless builds deep empathy through measured direction, strong performances, and emotional unpredictability, culminating in an unrelenting portrait of love, loss, and heartbreak. [Read More]
Crazy First Love (첫사랑 사수 궐기대회, 2003) review: loud and illogical, unfunny and unromantic
In other hands, Crazy First Love could, perhaps, have been an engaging romantic comedy with some poignant moments but, sadly, what we end up with here is simply a collection of borrowed ideas from other superior movies, nailed together by annoying characters and illogical character motivations. [Read More]