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Princess Story
One sided Love of a Princess is a Korean version of the princess fairy tale that we all remember from childhood. The story is set in the Joseon Dynasty, where tradition and respect mean everything, but our main "hero," the princess, rebels against all the rules of the court because of love. Her actions toward freedom can be seen as feminist empowerment, but the director (also a woman) wisely presents her as immature and acting out of strong emotions, so we can understand her while still appreciating the social norms. We support her heart’s desires, but we also support the rule of law that requires everyone to be responsible for their actions.The ending of the movie felt a bit rushed, but all in all, I liked how the story turned out. It surprised me how entertaining the movie was, and I think everyone who watches it will find something to enjoy. The main focus is on the princess, but there are also many other characters who play their roles very well. There is a bit of comedy and old-time action, but mostly this is a rich romantic story that will hopefully bring our own hearts some joy and inspiration.
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Artists
The first half hour of the movie is very good, but I had to force myself to finish it. The film offers too little for something described as a "hardcore thriller crime drama." It begins with a very interesting premise of an artist entering the world of explicit and illegal art, similar to the dark web. Unfortunately, this wasn’t explained very well, and it felt as though I was watching a censored version of the film because it never dared to actually show us that hardcore art. The movie would have really benefited from showcasing a bit more of the artwork. There is, however, one very intense and entertaining scene where the main protagonist, Dan Kyung, fully unleashes her drawings.The plot development is sloppy and unrealistic, and I can’t say the actors were very convincing. There is a touch of mystery and tension that might appeal to horror fans, but overall, this is a forgettable story that failed to use its potential.
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Love is Virus
Really liked this movie. It was very engaging and fast-paced. The plot develops quickly, without unnecessary additions, but also without rushing, so I would say that the duration of the movie is perfect. At first, I was expecting a thought-provoking thriller about viruses, so the early comedic tone confused me. But the movie managed to explore a serious topic about a deadly virus in a bright, comedic, and even romantic style. I was also glad that the light tone remained from beginning to end. Surprisingly, this can be considered a light romantic comedy. It really seems that love can be compared to a virus.The actors did a great job. They brought a lot of charisma and, even though the characters were a bit clichéd and one-dimensional, the cast played their roles just right for this movie and for the story. If you are looking for a cinematic masterpiece, this is not it—but for a fun and exciting evening, it’s a perfect watch.
Where can I get infected by the virus of love?
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Hand of Destiny
@KoreanFilm is one of my favorite YouTube channels where I can watch classic Korean movies in great quality. Recently, I saw they published this film in 4K, and I clicked on it without knowing what to expect. The movie pulled me in instantly with its unusual storytelling, where every step is surrounded by mystery. The scenes are static and shown in high contrast, either in sepia or blue tones (cyanotype), so even though the film is in color, it appears mostly white-yellow or white-blue.The central focus of the film is a man—a traveler—carrying the ashes of his departed wife. He is constantly on the move, never finding a place to settle. We don’t know much about him, but the film compels us to follow his every step, confused and curious about what is happening. The movie doesn’t go out of its way to explain much about the characters, so as viewers, we are left to reflect on the purpose of the man’s journey. The ending doesn’t resolve the mystery in a straightforward way, but we are given some symbolic clues that help us understand who the three coffins mentioned in the title refer to, and what might be the fate of our lonely protagonist.
I found this movie quite strange, but I respect it, and I’m very glad I watched it. It’s a unique film that I will definitely remember.
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A person I want to be
At first, I didn’t like Hong Sang-soo’s movies because I didn’t understand them, but now I enjoy them—even though I still don’t quite understand them. His films seem as if he simply invents a character and tells the actors to improvise a conversation while the camera is rolling. Yet, each of his movies gives us a chance to pause and reflect on life, while giving us the sensation that we’re sitting and chatting with the characters.In that sense, while watching this movie, I was immersed in the conversations and the theme. At times, it felt strange to watch people do unusual things, but it also felt authentic. They are people who are free to live in their own way while also supporting each other. A few beautiful scenes by the river serve as a frame in which the director and actors create their art. Especially interesting was the dynamic between students and teachers, as each seeks inspiration from the other: the teachers from the life they have lived, and the students from the life they wish to live.
I think I owe this movie my poem about THE PERSON I WANT TO BE, so here it is:
In the echoes of my memory
I see that person,
the person I want to be,
the person I lost.
Through the eyes of faith
I see who I should be,
or who I truly am,
or maybe just the reflection of my dreams.
In the weariness of daily life
I don't know what to hope for,
or if there is more of me,
a potential that could be achieved.
So my wish is simply
to live near the river,
to feel the water,
and remind myself that I am real.
P.S. Here are all the Hong Sang-soo movies I’ve seen so far: Right Now, Wrong Then / Ha Ha Ha / Woman on the Beach / Grass / Yourself and Yours / The Novelist's Film / Oki’s Movie / Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors / The Woman Who Ran / The Day He Arrives / A Traveler's Needs / In Another Country / Woman Is the Future of Man
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Pool Human Story
This is a simple human story about the relationship between a boy and a girl. The movie is divided into three chapters, each covering a different period in their lives, starting from childhood when they were just 12 and 13 years old. Even as the story progresses, it feels as though they are still at the beginning. There is certainly a love story here, but one without words, kisses, or even hugs—just a search for each other and a few playful kicks in their younger days. So perhaps, more than love, this is a story about friendship.This is an innocent film—the kind we rarely see in modern times. The first part is actually the strongest, with the child actors delivering more emotion than the older ones. The swimming subplot is used effectively, providing some beautiful scenes in the water.
In conclusion, this is not a fast-paced or thrilling film that will leave you energized, but a heartfelt story that may make you remember past friendships—and perhaps even inspire you to reach out and reconnect with someone you’ve lost along the way.
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Every day with you
Very nice. This movie fulfilled my craving for romantic stories I didn’t even know I had. The opening scene led us to expect a miracle—and that’s exactly what we got: a beautiful, heartwarming story that connects two young people in an extraordinary way, through music.The production quality is excellent. The actors were good, though all except the main protagonists felt more or less like shadows in the background. The heart of the film lies in the miracle of love—a love that seems impossible, yet longs to share every day and every moment with the beloved. This is a movie for people of faith, for those who dare to believe. It truly warmed my heart while also entertaining me with lovely pieces of music.
In short: this is a classic Korean romantic movie with a somewhat original twist. The description says it's a remake of a Taiwanese film, which was already remade in Japan last year. I wonder which version is the best—Taiwanese, Japanese, or Korean? And who knows, maybe Hollywood will make its own version in the future as well.
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Every day the same
I watched this series as a 50-minute film, rather than as separate episodes. Honestly, I’m not sure what the point is in presenting it as five 12-minute episodes—maybe it helps keep the story more engaging?To be honest, I wasn’t very invested in the plot itself, but the cute main protagonist and a few silly jokes made the viewing experience more enjoyable. I suppose this story might resonate more with a female audience, as we mainly follow the daily thoughts and emotions of a female lead. Also, I may have missed some important details due to not understanding all the Korean dialogue.
All in all, I’m glad I watched it. The English title suggests that the protagonist, O So-ho, is burdened with stress and continues on by constantly suppressing or swallowing it. The Korean title tells us that she eats tuna mayo sandwiches, which is quite symbolic. At one point, she prepared a nicer meal but didn’t get to eat it—so now she’s stuck with tuna mayo. I mean, it’s tasty, but it also reflects her inner fatigue and the routine she’s trapped in. In that sense, I did hope for some resolution for her—because no one should have to eat sandwiches every day.
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You are not my type
10-12 minutes of this short movie passed in a blink of an eye. We have a guy and a girl on a Sogeting - arranged date. They are nothing like each other, but somehow, something happens between them. Me too, if I was a guy I wouldn't stay with this girl and if I was a girl I wouldn't choose this guy. Yet, the movie shows how we can all bring blessings to each others and how first impression is not a real representation of a person.At the end, this is not a love story, just a glimpse into all of us humans, of where we are, in grey, hoping for a little bit of blue.
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Scornful Woman
Just this morning, I listened to Oliver Anthony's new song, "Scornful Woman," about his difficult divorce, and now I've seen this movie, which perfectly suits the theme of human wickedness in relationships. At first, it seemed like it would be a feminist movie about men mistreating their women and causing them to become evil, but it was so much deeper than that. It explores theology, acts of evil, and human morality in a brutal and often shocking way, while still managing to—at least in my opinion—convey a Christian message. It reminds me a lot of Kim Ki-duk's movies.One characteristic of the devil’s moral theology is the exaggeration of all distinctions between good and evil. No longer is there any sense that we might be more or less at fault, or take upon our own shoulders the wrongs of others by forgiveness, acceptance, patience, and love—and thus help one another to find the truth. On the contrary, in the devil’s theology, because we all fail sometimes, we consider everyone evil, and then there is no salvation for anyone. The movie showed this, but still offered a resolution in which a person can carry the burden of others and find redemption. The Korean title of the movie says: 천사여 악녀가 되라! That could mean: Angel, become a wicked woman!—as an invitation. But still, you have the freedom to choose good!
This movie was made in 1990, but the director postponed its release. It was submitted to the censors between 1990 and 1995 but shelved. It had its public premiere at the Busan Festival in 1998, and was only truly released in 2021 in a restored version. What a history!
This is not a movie for everyone, but it certainly inspired me to reflect on all of us wicked humans.
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Living Is Beautiful
This is a beautiful and important movie. A mix of war with comedy, made with soul, for the one Korea stuck in a paradoxical war and division (as we see all around the world) so this movie is perfect to understand the moral behind the Korean War, but it can be applied to everywhere where brothers fight against each other.This is not a perfect movie, but it shines in very aspects so it even has blockbuster qualities. It has great production and visuals that hold well even now in 2025. The actors are also great. A little clumsy but that may be on purpose since this is also a comedy. The emotions are here, and as I said at the beginning, the message of the movie is noble and true. We can reflect on the tragedy of war by following 2 enemy soldiers going together through all kind of experiences. I am so glad this movie came to my way today and helped me rediscover the beauty of being alive.
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So many holes
I was looking forward to this movie after finding out that Kim Sae-ron is in it. She was definitely the best actor in the movie, with the most honest emotions and expressions, although her role is small. Actually it is hard to say who is the main character since there are so many but the story just throws them around at random. Well the main actor is the Manhole, hiding from the public what happens underground.The idea for the movie is great. The setting is dark, gritty and gory, but the plot, or better said, progression of the story is the main flaw of the movie. There are too many plot holes. The director sacrificed consistency for cheap and clichéd tense scenes. And instead of the movie scaring me, I was annoyed because the characters behave illogically, and the whole story development is confusing. Often in horror movies we wonder why someone acts stupidly and here I was wondering throughout the whole movie why on earth they don't act a little smarter, and how is it possible that things happened the way they did. Also, a lot is being left unsaid here, so the viewer can get away from the movie whatever he wants. Hope others will have a better viewing experience then me.
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The Joy and Pain of Life
This Indie drama is what you would call a festival film. It is not made for mainstream audience and it wont keep people entertained but it offers a valuable lesson and it is important that we have films like this. I appreciate it a lot because it is simple and real. The main character is an Aunt - Jeong Sun, working in a factory experiencing her own drama - a story that happens all around us but we don't notice them. Since my mother works a similar job, I could sympathize with Jeong Sun. The main actors are actually pretty famous but the acting overall was not on the top level. Still it was very believable and that is important. Jeong Sun (Kim Geum Soon) is acting very indifferently so the one moment of her happiness and another of her sorrow really had a big impact on me.The entire film is pretty slow. I saw the film in Korean so i couldn't understand all of the dialogue (sometimes because of audio issues of the copy i had) so maybe i missed some important line, but i think i got the message: Life can put a lot of obstacles, but ultimately, you should be in a driving seat of your Life.
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Providence
I will make 3 points about this slow paced gem of a movie. First, it introduced me to a concept of Inyeon, and for that reason alone i am grateful to have seen it. Inyeon is a Korean concept referring to the connection between people, and this movie explains that every meeting has a deeper meaning. In Christianity we talk about providence and souls. So Inyeon is not happening at random. Instead, it is guided by Gods providence and shows that we are connected not only in body but also in spirit.Second point, I watched "Past Lives" after a recommendation from a Korean friend and it made me really think about her and our relationship. In fact I have many Korean friends that touched my soul so watching this was very nostalgic and heart-warming for me. I especially appreciate how clean the movie is.
This brings me to the third point. I was mesmerized by the actors and the honest emotions that they expressed. In some instances their acting felt distant but I found substance in it. It was poetic and full of grace and honest. Rarely you see a story that is so open and - I repeat myself - honest. This is how we should all live.
PS. Stay for the post credits and enjoy the song.
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Ugly guys living a rustic live :)
Dark comedy as i've never seen before in Korean Cinema. It has "Home Alone" brutal style comedy only here for adults only. Also, unusually, this was ultimately a religious movie spreading the message that God loves us and want us to go to Heaven. Two main protagonist - the handsome guys - are not really that handsome and that fact alone was the source of much laughter for me. Their sole appearance made everyone make false opinions and conclusions and brough so much confusion and destruction.This is the kind of movie that you have to see to believe. On paper this story can not work but the exaggerated acting with bizarre plot twists somehow produced a funny experience. There is no real horror in the movie but there is some gore so be aware. Go watch this movie and see if you would appreciate living a rustic life :)
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