I gave this movie a 10 and I don’t usually do that. I’m actually quite stingy when it comes to giving out 10s. But I asked myself what would I change about this movie and I could not come up with a single reason. Since this review system includes rating the music, maybe I could ding a half point for not having a scintillating OST but that would be nit picky.
Breathtaking. The one adjective I would use to describe this movie. Why don’t they make romantic movies like this anymore? This was produced in 2011 and here I am in 2016 and it doesn’t feel old or outdated. Because emotion is timeless.
The entire production evokes all kinds of emotions from me: anguish, pain, sense of loss, despair, wonder, regret, hope, trepidation, and ultimate joy.
The story, the pace, the acting, the direction, the set up, the chemistry… I could go on and on. It simply works. What can I say about So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo? I cannot picture any other actors as Chul Min and Jung Hwa. Their acting brilliance made this love story so believable. It is all about the little things, the effortless portrayal of every nuance of emotional range without having to over-act or being over-dramatic.
I was invested in their love story from the moment she walked into his small parking lot booth. Two souls with a sad past. The beginning of something special. Yes, the story is not original, but then what is? If the quest for originality loses sight of the overarching goal of making us care, then it defeats the reason for making this story. I would rather have a story that makes me care about the characters, touch at the core of my emotions, pull at my heartstrings and ultimately bring tears to my eyes than one that is original but leaves me emotionless and with apathy.
This is a romantic movie with a touch of melo for those that cherish a well done heart-wrenching love story.
And it is a definite re-watch. It is one of those treasured love stories that I will be coming back to for years to come.
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