"If obsession isn't love, then I have never loved before"
The film stars Kim Go eun as Jaehee, a bold and free-spirited woman, and Noh Sang hyun as Heungsoo, a young gay man struggling to accept his identity in conservative Seoul, navigating their unusual and unique friendship.Jaehee, who often misunderstood and misjudged by others, finds comfort in Heung-soo's company, while Heungsoo learns to embrace himself with Jaehee's help. The film beautifully balances heavy themes with lighthearted moments, all thanks to the strong chemistry between the leads.
>>Comparing the movie to the series:
The series showcased ML's bold lifestyle in different stages of life and his journey towards love, heartbreak and acceptance, on the other hand the movie emphasized one of his important part of life i.e his friendship with the FL, we did see a bit part of her in the series. Both versions stayed true to the main storyline but differ in their execution.
Both Lee Soo Kyung/Nam Yoon Su and Kim Go Eun/Noh Sang Hyun are different genre of same kind. Please don't try differentiate between the series and movie as both has its own charm. I enjoyed both of them very much.
Overall, it is a touching tale of friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance, making it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt romances.
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Exceptional queer movie with realistic approach
Hi, I am late to the party, but I should write a review, because this is one of the exceptionell queer movies of 2024.If you do expect a BL you will be disappointed, it's a queer movie and the romance of a BL is not the focus of this movie.
It's a story of gay man who struggles with the society he lives in and a girl who also had go through some hardships. They both meet at university and the grow closer together, overcome hardships together and accept each other for what they are. Both discover who they are and what they want.
Cinematography, direction, acting are also exceptionell.
This is one of the best queer movies ever made which does not focus on the gay aspect per se. It's part of the story but the main part is the development of a deep friendship between a gay man and a straight woman. Regardless if you are straight, bi, gay or inbetween or nothing of that, regardless which gender identity you have, it's a powerful story and a wonderful movie and you should watch it!
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Don't Shy Away From Being Yourself ❤️
Life becomes a little easy - when you find people who accept and love you for who you truly are. This message is exceptionally narrated in this movie through the main leads who are deemed "different" by society but manage to hold on to each other and fight through prejudices/biases of society, friends, family and their own self to eventually loving and accepting themselves for who they truly are.From the moment we're born, society judges us for our looks, height, skin color, skills, sexual orientation, behavior, and more. Biases and prejudices are ingrained in people’s minds upon first meeting us, and while some may change with understanding, many remain. Despite progress, there’s still a long way to go to eliminate these judgments in today's world. "Love in the Big City (2024)" is a commendable step in the right direction, and I applaud the cast, crew, and original novel creators for this remarkable film.
The movie powerfully portrays the challenges of "being different" through a heartfelt narrative that evokes a range of emotions—smiles, tears, and everything in between. The female lead is someone I've admired for a long time, but this was my first time seeing Steven Noh in action. Known from "Pachinko," his portrayal, even within a limited emotional range as his character demanded, showcased his immense talent. The main leads bond together on the common ground of being labelled outcasts and the movie progresses from their 20s to early 30s showing us how they fight the societal prejudices, missed chances at love, inner fear of showing their true self, facing their family, overcoming failed relationships to ultimately accepting their own true self, and being proud of it.
The line "How can being yourself be a weakness?" resonates as the film’s strongest message. Personally, as someone who has faced various judgments from young age from strangers/close relations alike movies like this offer a solace of sorts - a feel-good factor that reinforces the importance of learning to love your true self, before seeking it elsewhere.
The film does not come across as preachy - but rather resonates with me (and am sure others) because it does not shy away from showing the good/bad and ugly side of journey towards self-acceptance. Profound, Powerful, Engaging - from start to finish, would highly recommend it as a must watch ❤️
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the power of friendship
Overall: some of us are lucky enough to have at least one friend who supports us, tells us like it is, who loves us and who we learn and grow with on our life's journey. This movie tackles several heavy issues that plague our world and yet it isn't depressing, because there is joy in the friendship between Jang Heung Su and Koo Jae Hui. Aired on Viki www.viki.com/movies/40843c-love-in-the-big-city Make sure to watch to the very end.Content Warnings: suicidal thoughts, unwanted outing, homophobia, sexism, cyberbullying, bullying, vomiting, voyeurism, beaten up, hate crime, drugging, rape off screen, past attempted suicide off screen, abortion off screen, blood, intimate partner violence
What I Liked
- acting (I cried several times which rarely happens)
- their friendship/bond thru the highs and lows
- tackled real world issues in a realistic way without feeling preachy
- production value
Room For Improvement
- the flash forward to start
- voice over towards the end
- wished there was more time to delve deeper into the issues brought up
Differences between the movie and the series (besides different actors)
- the movie has them as equal protagonists with shared screen time whereas Jang Heung Su is the protagonist in the series and it's about his life journey
- the movie centers on their friendship whereas it plays a role in the series, but is not the core of the series
Is it BL?
- there is m/m romance in it but Jang Heung Su is not in a relationship at the end, it does end on a hopeful note though
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This review may contain spoilers
This movie left me with a hole in my heart because I don't have the kinda friendship they have.
StoryI personally felt that the plot was a little bit fast faced and we were rushing to complete it. I know there is a drama version of this and haven't watched that yet, but I wish we could have this cast in the series instead because man I really loved the relationship of jae hee and heung su.
I got to know that this movie only covered the first part of the novel 'Love In The Big City' by park sang young(there was a little foreshadowing in the movie lol). And that made sense because we kinda got very less back story of jae hee and I will like to know it. I also wished to see more of jae hee's love story rather than directly jumping into the marriage.
I really wish they complete the other three part of the novel too.
Other than all this, loved the story. It was wholesome. Them fighting and then switching to caring each other, man that was so wholesome. I cried like a baby in the scene when jae hee was being assaulted by jae seok (that bastard) and how instantly heung suu knew what happened. The way both of them helped each other be truly themselves, loved it. After jae hee broke up with ji seok, she started to feel more like herself and went back to her carefree self because heung suu said so. Heung suu coming out because jae hee pushed him a bit. Loved all these moments. It was a comforting watch to see wholesome friendship moments.
Judging purely on the basis that it was a movie and might not have other parts, I will give it a 7.
Acting/Cast
Do I even need to say anything? Ugh, another kim go eun banger perfomance. I have been meaning to watch her whole filmography and this just makes me want to binge watch her. Steve noh was so good too. The cast was perfect, no complaints.
10/10 rating, without a doubt.
Music
Nothing much to say but the french songs were good to hear. So I will not use it to rate the movie.
Rewatch Value
I will definitely rewatch this! This movie left me with a hole in my heart to find a friendship like theirs, so pure and supporting. I will rewatch this just to cry that I lack a friendship like theirs for sure.
Oh a definite 10/10.
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This review may contain spoilers
I cried.. I Laughed...Im Anxious
I'm watching this movie because of kim go eun (koo jae hui)... And Also i had waited for Noh Sang Hyun (jang heung su) other project after watching him at pachinko.... i didnt read the synopsis before watching it.. at first I thought that he felt for her... but he's A gay... then I thought I might stop watching .. but i kept on watching .. Noh sang hyun so attractive in this movie... their friendship made me envy so that I wish I had A Gay Friend like him... A complicated relationship of JH because of her personality so other took advantage of it... HS afraid to coming out because of society's view and his mother...they help and support each other.... they fight but always be there for each other problem.... I cried just watching their friendship value... I Cried JH dance with HS at the end... although this is not some sad movie.. I hoped that Noh Sang Hyun got other project after this....
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"Why is being you your weakness?"
~~Crazy bitch meets gay."REALISM AT ITS FINEST" ~as some1 here said. YES! TRULY!!! A MASTERPIECE WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!!!!
A breakdown to put SIMPLY why it's a 💎 ;
~ A FRIENDSHIP I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD NEED AND WOULD PUT ME INTO SO MUCH WITH DEEP ADMIRATION. *spoiler ahead* the scene where they were running (JaHeui to the police station, and Heung running amidst the traffic going to JaeHui captured with such an amazing scenery is both heartwarming and breathtaking) is one thing that really sticks to my mind and is only one among my favourite scenes.
~ REALITY AT ITS FINEST! telling this for the 2nd time. I'll let you discover the reason behind this through watching the movie🤭
~PERFECT CASTING!!! I MUST SAY! 🤘
KimGoEun, as always didn't fail to display a powerful emotions with her acting, proving how promising actress she is and could really be.
SteveNoh, for my very first-time discovery of him through this, also did a really really great great job on this movie that his acting click very well along with Kim Go Eun. He really did a great job for his role with his in-depth portrayal as a gay👏 (further detailed explanation awaits you on movie😉)
& LeeSangYi of course! even given with a short screentime for his role, I knew it! the moment he appeared on my screen. I have this gut feeling that he would able portray and put such enthusiasm on his character. *another spoiler* Those stares that's still clear in my mind, that he put towards Jae-Hui (kim go-eun) in the rooftop gave me assurance that he could gave justice to his role.
~~~to be continued <📽️>
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1Love Wins All
I really never expected. The producers of this film made this movie sharply. South Korea is now one step ahead of others. They are not only making BLs but also making so many unique dramas/ movies about LGBTQ+ society.Firstly the actors just nailed their characters. As I already read the novel so I was worried at first but now all the thoughts of mine are gone .
The actor who played the male character expressed the emotions of his character completely. The sufferings, happiness, sadness everything will attack your heart directly. This drama tells us love has no boundaries.
Talking about the female lead , she is mature, strong and also supportive. She understands his emotions with her heart .
The story is funny and emotional at the same time . When the ml and fl fought with each other ( cat fight) , I really can't hold my laugh. Sometimes I felf they are lovers or besties . There is nothing which they couldn't do like throwing slang words to each other , kicking etc etc .
If you want to watch a good movie with your family members then don't hold yourself back . Definitely worth watching.
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A bitter sweet story
Finally watched the movie with these two really good actors. The movies centers on the relationship between a gay man and a girl. The story follows them from their 20s through their mid 30s. They navigate mainly live relationship and try their luck at having a career as well. I loved how their friendship and their love for each other is so unconditional, defying stereotypes and the society in general. As she finds happiness in the end she never sever her ties with her best friend who will remain part of her life no matter what.Was this review helpful to you?
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Love in the Big City – A Journey of Growth and Acceptance
While Love in the Big City revolves around both leads, my attention was drawn more toward the female lead (FL) and her personal journey. She is an optimistic, easy-going person who falls in love easily but also gets hurt multiple times throughout the movie. Her biggest flaw is her poor taste in men—she tends to attract and fall for the wrong people. Yet, step by step, she learns and improves, becoming more honest with herself and her emotions.In her first relationship, she liked a man simply because he liked her, showing how easily flattered and naïve she was. She isn’t calculative, which makes her an easy target for men who take advantage of her innocent nature. However, the film beautifully portrays how love isn’t about adjusting to others but about being accepted for who you truly are.
By her third attempt at love, she starts dating a co-worker who genuinely understands and accepts her. Unlike her second boyfriend, the lawyer, who was possessive and obsessive, her new partner trusted her and her friendship with the male lead (ML). The lawyer’s reaction, while aggressive and wrong, was somewhat understandable—he discovered his girlfriend was living with another man and was only later told that ML was gay. His trust issues were expected, though his violent behavior was inexcusable.
Her first boyfriend, however, was truly awful—someone who used her due to the image she had in college. The film highlights how both leads struggle to fit into societal norms—ML hiding his sexuality and FL being judged for her free-spirited, carefree attitude. Their unconventional living arrangement only fuels the judgment they face.
What makes Love in the Big City brilliant is its realistic portrayal of relationships, personal growth, and societal expectations. KIM GO EUN delivers an exceptional performance, bringing depth and authenticity to her character. She makes FL’s journey of self-discovery and emotional maturity incredibly compelling to watch.
A must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven storytelling and heartfelt performances!
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A Different Perspective
This is exactly that, a different perspective but with the same ingredients. They meet in college. Weather the rumors as they move in together. Classed as a romance, this is definitely a drama with a very serious take on the prejudices of being different. In contrast with the later released 'in your feelings' series, this is the thinking version. With equal screen time, both sides of the relationship is revealed between a gay man and a fearless woman who refuses to cower to her male counterparts.In both their relationships, at one time or another, they both deal with the consequences of not using a condom. In the pursuit of love and happiness, they both act unwisely. Their fierce bond tested from the fallout, they separate. One beaten by her jealous abusive lover, the other waking up too late to recognize what he had. They can only call each other. No one knows them as intimately as they know the other. Life has it's way, maturity comes and permanent choices are made.
This deserves the same level of awareness as the later released version. The acting is superb. On a smaller budget, the story is engaging, entertaining and very intense. His admission of losing an important love and the ensuing breakdown is felt. Had this been released much earlier, my belief is that this adaptation would have garnered more praise for the different perspective.
Good watch.
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A Heartfelt Exploration of Romance and Connection in the Urban Jungle
"Love in the Big City" isn't just about romance—it's about understanding the complexities of human connection in the context of a fast-moving, sometimes alienating world. It’s the kind of film that’ll leave you reflecting on your own experiences with love and the city you call home. If you're in the mood for a heartfelt, introspective journey through the ups and downs of love, this movie will undoubtedly resonate with you.Was this review helpful to you?
