I watched this movie ages ago when I first got into Korean dramas and movies, so I had no frame of reference for what Korean media was like back then, and I remember being immediately hooked on the story (much like I was with many other movies and dramas from that time) despite how outlandish and stereotypical and just Odd it was. I rewatched it last night to refresh my memory on the story so that I could write up a review for it, and I have to admit, my feelings have not changed all that much. Of course, now that I've been a Korean media druggie for awhile, I can see all the typical hallmarks of old school Kdramas/movies as well as all of the flaws I totally ignored on my first viewing. This is one of those classic K movies that if it came out today exactly as is, I doubt it would be all that popular. (Although I bet someone could do a successful modernized remake.) But even still, there's something about this movie that makes you love it. The actors really sell their characters. (I had no idea Ha Ji Won played the female lead until re-watching. I was That new to dramas the first time I watched it, lol. Considering the types of roles she's gone on to do, it was fun seeing her doing something so incredibly different.) The story is something we've all seen a thousand times before at this point, and yet it doesn't feel bland or overdone. It just feels like a lot of fun.

Because this movie came out when it did, it was perfectly poised for future cult classic status. And honestly, it deserves that status. I don't expect that I'll watch it again, unless it's in another ten years from now to be like 'Oh yeah. That movie.' But I mean it when I say it's a fun movie and required viewing for any Korean drama/movie fan.

(Just so you know, the finale scene is confusing and I don't really know what the purpose of it is, so I just ignore it and recommend you do the same.)

Also, WARNING: There is gross-out, toilet, not really sure what to call it, humor sprinkled throughout this movie. Things involving boogers and other bodily fluids, one particularly gross bit in the later half that I won't even type up because then I might vomit. It's not pervasive throughout the movie. Most of it occurs towards the beginning/the first half of the film, and it is spaced pretty evenly. But if you don't like that sort of thing or need a warning beforehand, well here's your warning.