A film that uses classic romantic comedy narrative ideas and combines them beautifully with humorous homages to, and parodies of, well know Asian horror movies, Chilling Romance, starring Son Ye-jin, may only be light-hearted entertainment at its core but entertaining it is, all the same. [Read More]
People: Son Ye-jin (page 2)
My Wife Got Married (아내가 결혼했다, 2008) review: monogamy, polygamy, and modern taboos
On the surface, a discussion of monogamy vs. polygamy, My Wife Got Married also serves as a critique, and subversion, of stereotypical male/female roles in relationships, all wrapped up within a gently humourous (albeit, erratically paced) romantic tale… [Read More]
Open City (무방비 도시, 2008) review: striking visuals, but predictable crime plot and thin characterisation
Despite its high-end cinematography and contemporary soundtrack, this crime thriller is undermined by an unimaginative plot and cartoon-like characterisations. While Son Ye-jin provides a nuanced performance as a sharp-witted gang leader, the film’s reliance on melodrama, unbelievable character motivations, and repetitive action tropes prevents it from achieving any genuine emotional or narrative depth. [Read More]
White night (백야행: 하얀 어둠 속을 걷다, 2009) review: beauty, darkness and moral ambiguity entwined
White Night is an utterly superlative film which repeatedly reminds fans of Korean films of the reasons they fell in love with South Korean cinema in the first place. Film of the year! [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]
April Snow (외출, 2005) review: betrayal, grief and mirrored desire
After discovering their comatose spouses were lovers, two strangers are drawn together by grief, jealousy and damaged self-worth. A melancholy tale of love and betrayal, April Snow may not be as instantly accessible as some of Hur Jin-ho’s other films, but is a worthy addition to his CV, nonetheless. [Read More]
A Moment to Remember (내 머리 속의 지우개, 2004) review: a manipulative melodrama rescued by the lead actress
While the plot of A Moment To Remember is contrived and manipulative, it still, somehow, manages to be affecting – with Son Ye-jin’s astounding performance selling every line – and as the credits roll, you’ll find yourself thinking that you should have known better, but a part of you will secretly be glad you didn’t listen. [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]
The Classic (클래식, 2003) review: parallel romances, social change and a star-making performance
The Classic, thanks in part to Son Ye-jin’s masterful dual performance, manages to be better than the sum of its component parts should allow, but it really is a pity that a film as gorgeous as this is prevented by the contrivances and problems present from being as truly memorable as it could so easily have been. [Read More]