"Your mind is slowly drifting, getting all lost and confused. Stop thinking of the past, just face what's here now. Your future is still to come," resounds the Filipino radio song as we watch Amy lay on her makeshift bed after telling her boyfriend that yet another baby is on its way. The lyrics perfectly encapsulate the overall sentiment of the women in the red light district of Angeles City who we follow in this documentary.
I'm impressed by the relationship that director Pabelle Manikan was able to establish with the people she filmed over the mere span of 3 years. We get an honest and deeply personal look into the lives of two women working and living in the red light district, and we are confronted with their ways of negotiating their everyday challenges of financial insecurity as well as with their dreams to improve their living conditions by working as domestic workers either abroad or for wealthy foreigners. Although the main characters are women, the documentary also raises more pressing questions about the responsibility of those who avoid being captured on camera: the (male) foreign sex tourists that have shaped, and continue to perpetuate, the structural marginalisation of these women. It's a real shame that the director hasn't taken the opportunity to talk to this group of people.
A lot's happened in popular culture in the three years since this drama was originally filmed. I wonder how the…
I second this! This drama was meant to be aired in 2018, and at the time the whole #metoo movement was only starting to take off in South Korea. I think it's save to say that this year was really the turning point in society, and the movement has definitely shifted the general sensibility towards this kind of behaviour in popular media. Since we have seen the production of some really awesome works of fiction like 'Itaewon Class' and 'Kim JiYoung, Born 1982' (the movie adaption but also the book). I now noticed that current dramas mostly use the 'strong female character' trope instead (although one could argue that this trope is basically equally harmful: we just want a wide range of realistic female characters with flaws and strengths, no archetype of one type of woman). So I Married an Anti-Fan is is definitely be a product of its times, and it should be watched with this in mind. Popular culture is essentially a reflection of what a society deems important or ideal, especially when it comes to gender roles and this show is no exception. Like y'all said, this drama is definitely not one of a kind in its subtle misogyny. Watch any drama produced pre-2018 all have the typical demure and dramatic female lead and an overbearing (dare I say abusive) male love interest (even massive hits like Boys over Flowers that is frequently coined to have brought K-dramas to the West).
FUN FACT: This drama was actually filmed in 2018 and was meant to be released in 2019 but got held back by 2 years…
Lol this actually makes SO much sense now! I was already thinking it had an 'older' vibe, if that makes sense. Geun Young's personality is the archetype of the 2015-2018 female lead.
Is this worth the watch? Does it contains a ridiculous amount of cliché? Is the romance childlike? These are…
I would say that this show is definitely more on the cliché side of things! By now we have seen pretty much all enemies-to-lovers tropes that are out there in drama-world (but as the comment above me said, I didn't necessarily experience this as cringey, it is just a tad over-used). Can't give you too much info about the romance, unfortunately, since we have indeed not really dabbled into the romance part of the story yet (we're at episode 4 and I'm assuming it will take some more time for the main leads to actually warm up to each other). But at this point I wouldn't immediately call the relationship between the leads childlike. There is definitely plenty of pettiness involved, and while the extent of unreasonable hatred is a bit unrealistic, it is also not the worst I have seen in the romantic comedy genre. I just learned the show was meant to be aired in 2018, and during that time dramatic and petty female leads were the norm (the strong and badass female lead that is so popular right now is really only a development of the last two years, I would say). I'm sure you gathered this from the comments already, but people seem to either really love the show or absolutely despise it. I myself am actually enjoying it since I was looking for something easy to watch alongside my other crime shows and this is exactly the light and fun (and sometimes a bit absurd) watch that I was trying to find. That's also why the clichés have not been bothering me. The story pretty much delivers what it promises: a wattpad fanfic coming to life. It's a bit trashy but entertaining nonetheless. If you take into account the timeframe of the show, the storyline makes a lot of sense. It just depends on what you're looking for. I would suggest you try watching it and see for yourself. If you don't like it by episode 2 then it's safe to say this is simply not your cup of tea.
is there like a bromance here or at least a genuine bond between the two?
I don't know if you're still interested since you asked this a few months back-- but in case you are--there is no bromance between Cho In and Kyu Nam at all. However, Kyu Nam is aided throughout the movie by two of his friends (and they definitely bring in this supportive bromance dynamic).
Original concept but it squandered most of its potential. I did like the gritty and dark atmosphere but the characters remained quite one dimensional. Cho In and Kyu Nam are basically embodiments of the good-evil struggle, which means that they are incredibly predictable and have no inner conflicts whatsoever (and while they are basically polar opposites, those two lack some serious chemistry). And, since the story doesn't have much emotional tension, it must rely on action to keep the audience interested-- which doesn't really work either since the plot is just pretty darn cliché too. Only halfway through the story did I realize that I had apparently already watched this movie years back (but the very fact that I completely forgot about that only demonstrates how non-memorable the whole experience was). The only thing that managed to somewhat salvage the movie was the supporting cast: Kyu Nam's friends are probably the most wholesome side characters ever and provide all you could ever wish for in friendship.
I’m speculating that the “living together” was the build up. Plus the constant love of bickering... but…
I mean, usually there is this instant where the characters go through this transitional stage of 'maybe-he-is-not-so bad-after-all' or 'what-the-heck-what-is-this-sudden-attraction-that-i-feel' (especially because of the living arrangements). But these dudes accidentally locked lips and all previous animosity just went out the window. Since when do kisses instill amnesia lol? Then why spend so much time emphasizing they hate each other in the first place if we're not gonna be exploring the angst involved in starting to like your enemy? And yeah, omg, that chicken pox was the most random turn of events ever-- I suppose the common cold wouldn't do lol.
Anyway, regardless of all my bickering, I will probably still be watching the rest of the show, hahah. I am still curious to see the other couples.
I'm only halfway through the second episode (so maybe it's too soon to judge) but is it just me or is the pacing of this show totally off? The characters literally went from sworn enemies to quasi-lovers in mere seconds and there was no logical explanation for it whatsoever? Like, there was no build up at all? No exposition? How am I supposed to be rooting for this lol.
This film completely exceeded my expectations! I pretty much went in blind but I was not disappointed in the slightest!…
It seems that the central theme of the movie is first introduced when the Mitsuos are watching that philosophy TV programme about Plato's creation story of where these so-called third humans (with 4 legs and 4 arms) are split into two, and have to wander the earth in search of their other half. Mitsuo here contemplates that he and the other Mituso must have previously been one body and are now in search of becoming whole again (which is the red thread of this movie). Then, immediately afterwards, after Mitsuos have slept with each other, there is another reference to a religious creation story: the Creation of Adam. Mirroring the position of the Michelangelo's painting, gang member Mitsuo depicts god, while the previously bullied Mitsuo is positioned as Adam. Not only does this imply that Mitsuo is created in the image of the other Mitsuo (which would make them one and the same-- a nice reference to them sharing a name) but it also seems to me a reference to their power dynamics: gang member Mituso 'created' the other Mitsuo by making him his dog/slave in high school and my constantly involving him in his evil tactics. Yet, the other Mitsuo is not as passive and innocent as he initially appears. Since he is created in gang member Mitsuo, bullied Mitsuo is no less twisted as he has his own messed-up desires (e.g. he sleeps with Mitsuo's girlfriend just like gang member Mitsuo did in high school, and in that peach scene he appears to watch Mitsuo's gang rape with captivation, desire, and maybe even an air of jealousy?). The two men are not that different after all: in their brokenness they find each other.
I also enjoyed the way the director uses (failed) death as a theme throughout the story (as opposed to the previous theme of creation/bringing to life). Because, ironically, no one seems to be able to freaking die in this movie! (Is this a movie about a gang or what lol?) Mitsuo's girlfriend is revealed to be drunk rather than death, the hospital-guy, after being thrown out of the window, simply lies twitching and alive on the pavement, and that police guy's death remains "uncertain". Even Mitsuo, after stabbing himself in the stomach, survives (he himself describes his failed suicide as a “resurrection”, which of course is yet another reference to the religious theme). It seems to me that the director is saying that, as humans, our lives are subservient to the pursuit of 'our other half': we are not ready to leave this earth until we have found each other. We struggle to remain alive, even if this is painful. And indeed, it is only after being reunited with one another on that fishing boat that both Mitsuos seem ready to die (Mitsuo's phrases his marriage proposal as "Will you die with me?”). I also assume that this ending is the reason that the movie poster depicts the Mitsuos as ‘whole’ and ‘round’ in that muddy grave. This image is also what made me understand the relevance of the first part of the movie (where the Mitsuos try to bury the presumed death girlfriend). Unlike the girlfriend, who didn't get buried after all (apparently she wasn't Mitsuo's other half and thus wasn't ready to leave this earth?), the reunited and broken Misuos have fulfilled their life purpose by finding each other, and they are now ready to be buried.
All in all, I found this story an interesting departure from romance movies which typically romanticize love and relationships; this story instead focuses on the destructive qualities the search for love can take. In the eyes of the director, love equals violence (dang, who hurt you lol?). The movie does not take an easy route, and it sure as hell doesn’t avoid difficult themes, but it was worth the watch for me purely because I could go down the rabbit hole and over-analyse all its references (postmodern much?). The only thing I am still quite curious about is the title of the movie (I don't think I missed any references to mints in this film, did I?) Is this a reference to the manga?
TLDR: I deconstructed the entire movie by addressing the themes of death and finding one's other half. Probably read too much into it, lol, but this movie is best enjoyed while over-analysing anyway.
This film completely exceeded my expectations! I pretty much went in blind but I was not disappointed in the slightest! It has now been a few days and I'm still thinking about the meaning of this movie the way it uses symbolism. Usually I am quite wary of symbolism since it can come across as unnecessary (or even pretentious) but it actually works surprisingly well in the case of Double Mints-- especially the way it manages to completely invert the entire romance genre. Rather than depicting the search for love as a romantic and beautiful journey, this movie instead shows the ugly, violent, and destructive side of searching for your 'other half'. Would recommend!
He's had similar idol roles in other dramas but, to be really honest, I am not too fond of his acting. It comes across a bit inauthentic to me (but since this show already has quite an absurd story line I'm not too bothered by it this time). As for the K-POP element, if you want to see full-fetched K-POP choreo, I would recommend you watch something else. That one short 10 sec clip we got of him on stage wasn't worth watching.
Takeuchi Yuko is probably the most stylish Sherlock yet. The storyline itself wasn't that groundbreaking and I was hoping for some more character development. But if you are looking for an easy watch this may be just it.
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I'm impressed by the relationship that director Pabelle Manikan was able to establish with the people she filmed over the mere span of 3 years. We get an honest and deeply personal look into the lives of two women working and living in the red light district, and we are confronted with their ways of negotiating their everyday challenges of financial insecurity as well as with their dreams to improve their living conditions by working as domestic workers either abroad or for wealthy foreigners. Although the main characters are women, the documentary also raises more pressing questions about the responsibility of those who avoid being captured on camera: the (male) foreign sex tourists that have shaped, and continue to perpetuate, the structural marginalisation of these women. It's a real shame that the director hasn't taken the opportunity to talk to this group of people.
So I Married an Anti-Fan is is definitely be a product of its times, and it should be watched with this in mind. Popular culture is essentially a reflection of what a society deems important or ideal, especially when it comes to gender roles and this show is no exception. Like y'all said, this drama is definitely not one of a kind in its subtle misogyny. Watch any drama produced pre-2018 all have the typical demure and dramatic female lead and an overbearing (dare I say abusive) male love interest (even massive hits like Boys over Flowers that is frequently coined to have brought K-dramas to the West).
I'm sure you gathered this from the comments already, but people seem to either really love the show or absolutely despise it. I myself am actually enjoying it since I was looking for something easy to watch alongside my other crime shows and this is exactly the light and fun (and sometimes a bit absurd) watch that I was trying to find. That's also why the clichés have not been bothering me. The story pretty much delivers what it promises: a wattpad fanfic coming to life. It's a bit trashy but entertaining nonetheless. If you take into account the timeframe of the show, the storyline makes a lot of sense. It just depends on what you're looking for. I would suggest you try watching it and see for yourself. If you don't like it by episode 2 then it's safe to say this is simply not your cup of tea.
Yeah, that sounds about right. Literally, what is this show hahahah.
Anyway, regardless of all my bickering, I will probably still be watching the rest of the show, hahah. I am still curious to see the other couples.
I also enjoyed the way the director uses (failed) death as a theme throughout the story (as opposed to the previous theme of creation/bringing to life). Because, ironically, no one seems to be able to freaking die in this movie! (Is this a movie about a gang or what lol?) Mitsuo's girlfriend is revealed to be drunk rather than death, the hospital-guy, after being thrown out of the window, simply lies twitching and alive on the pavement, and that police guy's death remains "uncertain". Even Mitsuo, after stabbing himself in the stomach, survives (he himself describes his failed suicide as a “resurrection”, which of course is yet another reference to the religious theme). It seems to me that the director is saying that, as humans, our lives are subservient to the pursuit of 'our other half': we are not ready to leave this earth until we have found each other. We struggle to remain alive, even if this is painful. And indeed, it is only after being reunited with one another on that fishing boat that both Mitsuos seem ready to die (Mitsuo's phrases his marriage proposal as "Will you die with me?”). I also assume that this ending is the reason that the movie poster depicts the Mitsuos as ‘whole’ and ‘round’ in that muddy grave. This image is also what made me understand the relevance of the first part of the movie (where the Mitsuos try to bury the presumed death girlfriend). Unlike the girlfriend, who didn't get buried after all (apparently she wasn't Mitsuo's other half and thus wasn't ready to leave this earth?), the reunited and broken Misuos have fulfilled their life purpose by finding each other, and they are now ready to be buried.
All in all, I found this story an interesting departure from romance movies which typically romanticize love and relationships; this story instead focuses on the destructive qualities the search for love can take. In the eyes of the director, love equals violence (dang, who hurt you lol?). The movie does not take an easy route, and it sure as hell doesn’t avoid difficult themes, but it was worth the watch for me purely because I could go down the rabbit hole and over-analyse all its references (postmodern much?). The only thing I am still quite curious about is the title of the movie (I don't think I missed any references to mints in this film, did I?) Is this a reference to the manga?
TLDR: I deconstructed the entire movie by addressing the themes of death and finding one's other half. Probably read too much into it, lol, but this movie is best enjoyed while over-analysing anyway.