I've been searching long for a movie like Wanee & Junah.
A romantic drama that doesn't have the usual cliches of the genre. You know, the theatrics, the philandering spouses and what have you. Wanee & Junah deviates from this formula, and I think this is the film’s #1 strength.
There’s nothing imaginative or noteworthy about the plot, per se. You might even say the movie takes its time getting to the point, but it's nevertheless a worthwhile watch because it dares to breath fresh air into a genre that generally has its cliches on repeat (watch as much romantic drama as I do & you can pretty much guess, frame by frame, how the story's gonna play out).
I get really tired of all the negative, explosive drama you find in most Asian movies about love and relationships. If someone isn't cheating on their spouse, then they’re plotting their spouse’s death. It makes you wonder … aren't there any satisfied Asian couples just living & loving without all the contention?
Yes, there are. In Wanee & Junah.
It’s the love story of two young people who live together in peaceful countryside. Their union is unconventional given the fact that they’re not married, but their relationship is characterised by love and support. The conflict is external to the relationship rather than internal so they don’t bicker over foolishness. They don’t spite and backbite each other. In general they're just a happy couple who are devoted to each other.
When conflict is introduced to stir the pot, Wanee & Junah maintains its quiet introspection of the things that shape us into the people we are rather than veer into exaggerated melodrama. And while they grapple with this new challenge to their relationship, there’s never any deep antagonism between the characters. Just a deep understanding and acceptance of each other's limitations.
What I noticed in Wanee & Junah is what I notice in every relationship ... those of my friends & my own. Sometimes our partner has to deal with stuff you don’t know how to help them with. You have the deepest wish … but there’s nothing you can do. You just have to step back and let the person figure things out on their own.
This is what I loved about Wanee & Junah.
The relationship is mature, it feels real, the ending puts a smile on your face. The male lead is total eye candy. I’d recommend it.
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