Reviews

One needs to look at the deeper messages in this movie.

I found this movie really interesting. It had an indie movie vibe, it was art.

The three were all broken in some way, and through their relationships with each other, each were able to climb up out of their private hell and move forward with life

A lot of people felt that the Christmas Eve incident was cliche, and that piece of it was. It was only a part of the bigger picture, though. All of the events that came after that incident were meaningful, and I feel that they brought everything together. I especially liked the ending where they circled back to the story of the Indian who stopped and waited for his soul to catch up with him. I thought this was really poetic, and it gave me a feeling of peace about death in general.

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Just Great

It’s been some time since I have seen such a good movie. The atmosphere was great, music was amazing and the actors were incredible. Skipped nothing, and will watch it again. As the movie was ending I felt like you kinda new something was gonna happen, as there always is with those kind of movies and I just cried for the last 20 minutes, Still amazing. Wouldn’t have hated a happy ending, but it still kinda fitted. I really liked the vibe of this movie. I went in with completely different expectations, but it’s very heartwarming. It reminded me of 20th century girl, but in cinematic. Definitely keep this one in mind. would recommend.

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"If men are human, then women are, too!"

The last place I was expecting to find such a delightfully feminist film was a 1949 Mizoguchi film titled Flame of My Love. Set during the late 1800s as the Liberal Party sought to expand human rights, our heroine Hirayama Eiko fought for women to be included in those equal rights. The patriarchy doesn’t fold that easy, even with “progressive” males supposedly working for those rights.

Hirayama Eiko is sad to see her boyfriend, Hayase Ryuzo, leave for Tokyo to more fully immerse himself in the Liberal Party. Eiko desperately wants to join him but he dissuades her. The maid she grew up with, Chiyo, is also leaving for Tokyo, having sold herself to help her family financially. After fighting with her father and her school being closed down, Eiko packs her bags and lands on Hayase’s doorstep, something he is not too happy about. Fortunately, his boss, Omoi Kentaro, finds her a place to live and a job at their newspaper. Betrayal, good times, hard times, and more betrayals await Eiko as she fights the good fight for women’s rights.

(I won’t be going into the historical setting much because all I know of this time period and the people involved are what I gleaned from a cursory glance at Wikipedia. Several characters represented real people from the Meiji government and Liberal Party though their names were changed.)

Tanaka Kinuyo seemed a little long in the tooth at 40 to be playing Eiko, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s to either mentally age or de-age actresses. Eiko was a female character to be proud of. She worked tirelessly and fearlessly for the party’s cause and for women. Along the way she learned that subjugation and exploitation ran deeper than she’d thought. She also discovered that women were brainwashed from birth to accept their secondary role and to believe that they absolutely needed a man in their life. Attempting to change the status quo would be daunting. She, however, had the heroic Omoi on her side and by her side. Together they would set the world aright. ***(spoilery comment below)

Eiko was one of the strongest, most committed female characters from this time period that I’ve seen. She didn’t let men completely limit her, despite society’s cage around women. And for sure she didn’t let anyone tell her that she or other women were less than, regardless of economic class. No one could convince her that her self worth was tied to being a wife and mother. She refused to capitulate no matter the dire circumstances. I seriously loved this character. She may not have been able to conquer the world, but she worked to improve the lives and minds of women around her. While women have made great strides in the last nearly 80 years, there are always those people who want to revert to the “good old days” and strip women of the rights and progress we’ve made. While I can never forgive Mizoguchi for betraying Tanaka in real life, I can grudgingly respect this film he created.

“It will be a hard journey and we may not reach our goal. But if no one makes the first step, women will never know freedom!”


23 February 2026
Trigger Warnings: Rape and attempted rape-several times. The film didn’t shy away from women’s vulnerability at work, in prison, in private situations with men they should have been able to trust, or being “filial” by selling themselves into prostitution. Infidelity: “Whether I have one woman or two doesn’t change anything.” That’s what you think buddy. Does it work both ways?



Spoilery comment below:




***Omoi was all about women’s equal rights and using Eiko’s gifts. That is, until he Stepford Wifed her in a moment of utter betrayal. To her credit, Eiko refused to be cowed or gaslighted. Good woman. If everyone isn’t free and equal, no one is. You preach, girl!

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Co-dependent Drinking Relationship Romance

My rating: 8/10

I don't watch movies much because I'm so spoiled by series, where plots and characters get room to breathe, change, and develop over time. But every now and then, I crave a quick romance fix, and Crazy Romance delivered just that.  

I would have loved to see this expanded into a full series—there's enough emotional depth, backstory, and chemistry here to sustain multiple episodes. That said, for a feature-length film, they did an impressive job packing in a complex, heartfelt story without feeling rushed. It ends on a genuinely high, uplifting note that left me smiling.  

I'd recommend it for anyone needing a satisfying, low-commitment romance hit. If it popped up on streaming, I'd happily watch it again, though I probably wouldn't actively seek out a rewatch.  

Spoilers

My biggest issue was the constant drinking—it made it tough to fully root for their romance. It felt like they were heading toward a codependent relationship built around alcohol rather than healthy habits. If either (or both) had chosen to step away from drinking, the story would have felt lighter and more hopeful overall.  

That said, Sun-young's epic takedown of the malicious office gossipers was legendary—one for the books! I could absolutely see these two together long-term and even happy... but the drinking would definitely be a lingering problem in real life.

The ending was abrupt they reunite after a 3 month pause (not clear why the split) and say they missed each other. No love confession but it is clear it is headed there. Many would be fine with that. I am a happy ever after confess and sealed with a kiss type of ending fan.

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Love Buried Under a Whole Lot of Animosity

My rating: 8.5/10

Review 

For what it was, Love Reset was really good. It was clearly meant to lean more comedic than anything else, and I'm super impressed because they pulled off a major turnaround that I genuinely didn't think was possible (no spoilers here on why). The acting from Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min was excellent, and the story stayed interesting enough that I kept watching even when one particular point I considered stopping. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a quirky thriller-romance hybrid—it's not your typical feel-good fluff. It's more of a darkish, relatable take on marriage struggles that might make some viewers feel truly heard in its portrayal of how resentment builds. It's unique and thoughtful in a genre that's often predictable.

Spoilers

I had serious doubts about No Jeong-yeol and Hong Na-ra getting back together, given how much they seemed to genuinely dislike each other before the accident. How could memory loss alone fix that level of bitterness? But then I stepped back and thought about real-life couples I've known—several who hit rock bottom, made huge mistakes against each other, reached a point of near-hatred, then had some kind of reset (a breakup, a crisis, time apart) and realized the "big" issues weren't actually that big.  That's exactly what happens here: they were stuck in a toxic cycle of nitpicking faults, often as self-defense because each felt unloved or constantly annoyed by the other. The surprise for me was how well they showed that growth—it wasn't just "amnesia = bliss." No Jeong-yeol remembered everything in the end, and he didn't deny the bad memories or pretend the new start erased them; he acknowledged the pain and chose to move past it thoughtfully. That made the transition feel earned and realistic, especially since Hong Na-ra was arguably harsher to him pre-amnesia, while he had already fixed a lot of what bothered her. Even if she regained her memory fully, there'd be enough good new memories to outweigh the old ones.  

I'm superstitious enough that if something like double traumatic head-injury amnesia happened in real life (and they both survived the crash, which was called a miracle), I'd see it as fate or destiny giving them another shot—it's that rare.  So, there's also that. Even though it was hard in the beginning seeing them being able to resolve that much animosity, t felt like there was some fate rolled in or how could such an unlikely thing happen. Two people, on the eve of divorce and both of them not only live through a severe accident but develop almost identical amnesia.

Hong Na-ra's mother, Joo Sook-jeong, was the most interesting character—I couldn't figure her out at first. She seemed so severe and like she'd never accept No Jeong-yeol, but in the end, I admired her because her bottom line was just wanting her daughter to be happy.  

The fourth-wall breaks, especially with the crypto kid bit where they point out "he's got lines," and a few other moments, added a fun, quirky element. It wasn't necessary, but it wasn't annoying either—it lightened the mood without derailing things.  

I did almost quit halfway through—the middle dragged a bit with the families trying to keep them apart and No Jeong-yeol and Hong Na-ra going along with it. At that point, I wasn't even rooting for them and thought they should just divorce anyway. But I'm glad I stuck it out. The unique turnaround was handled in such a thoughtful way, and it made the whole thing rewarding.

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A Pawn is Something Valuable You Leave but Intend to Come Back For

10/10 is my rating

This is the most heartwarming movie I've seen in a really long time. The only very minor change I'd suggest is how Doo-seok and Seung-yi first come together—but it's such a tiny quibble that it doesn't detract at all from this beautiful story. I would highly recommend Pawn to anyone who loves family dramas about a group of people that choose each other not because of biology but due to connection. This movie showcases the best side of humanity even in tough circumstances. It's uplifting, emotional, and full of genuine warmth. I'd watch it again without hesitation and recommend it to everyone—it's just that good.

Spoilers  

The one and only thing I'd change is that it felt a little weird how Doo-seok essentially took Seung-yi away from her mother initially. He never intended to keep her permanently or harm her, but taking a child like that is never acceptable on the surface. I think they could've handled it better by having Myung-ja explicitly ask Doo-seok to keep Seung-yi safe overnight while promising to bring the money the next day, then simply not showing up (due to her deportation). That would've avoided the uneasy "kidnapping" vibe entirely. I basically pretended that part played out more consensually and just went with the rest of the story—it didn't ruin anything for me.

When Doo-seok came and rescued Seung-yi from Madam Jung's brothel, that was such a heroic, powerful moment. It was heart breaking for such a little girl to be in such a rough environment, and it was virtually guaranteed something bad was going to happen. Him storming in like papa bear was magic.

I love how their relationship slowly developed from reluctant responsibility to true devotion—Doo-seok became fiercely protective and caring, and in the end, Seung-yi turned around and showed equal devotion to him. It's a beautiful display of chosen family love, being a genuinely good human being even if you don't look like it on the outside, and the redemptive power of kindness. The film really tugs at the heartstrings in the best way.

When she called him "dad" and he was so happy that was such a heartwarming moment. He earned that title not the man who sired her then left her and her mom for another woman. Same with when he explained why he nicknamed her pawn. You pawn something valuable he told her. He never wanted her to fell abandoned by her mom and that was sweet. In fact, when the grandma asked him to bring her to see the mom he didn't hesitate. He was worried she might not stay with him, but he still selflessly took her. When the mom asked him to find her biological father and let her meet him - he did that too. Again, worried she might feel like she found her dad. He always did what was best for her.

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love it

I really like how this movie is completely different from what korean romance movies or series usually present. There aren't the pretty perfect main leads falling in love with no concern at all, with tose silly feelings. This is raw, pure and realistic. This is a really good representation of what real "love" or affection should look like. A handsome man falling in love with a not so appealing woman (based on manmade beauty standards) isn't something we usually see in Movies. Beautiful story, good actors, easy to watch no boring scenes the sound choices fit really well, well written characters (especially the blonde man, i love how aware he is, and i don't often see such realistic characters in koren movies either. His perspective of the world and people really is admirable) A really cinematic movie, lightning fits the scenes and overall to the mood of the movie. Definitely worth my time.

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A Film That Made Me See Love Differently

I went into this film intrigued by the trailer because I genuinely didn’t know what to expect, but what I got was such a beautiful and heartfelt romantic story.

All of the main characters are kind of broken in their own ways, yet they slowly heal when they meet each other. It’s not just romance, the friendship aspect is really strong too. If you’re expecting the typical plot where the “ugly” female lead falls for a handsome male lead and later transforms into a conventionally pretty woman, this film is not that at all.

Gyeong Ruk feels like a one in a million kind of man, but at the same time I understand where his preferences come from. He values sincerity and purity over anything fake, and Mi Jeong embodies that. They literally become light in each other’s lives, and it’s so warm watching how deeply he loves her. Sangmin’s acting here is honestly amazing. You can really feel his “I can’t live without her” emotions and it hurts in the best way.

They clearly love each other so much, which makes everything even more painful. While Gyeong Ruk starts chasing his dream again because of her, Mi Jeong ends up leaving him because of her inferiority complex. I can see why that decision might confuse some people, but the idea that she leaves because she loves him too much is such a complex feeling, and the film explains it really well.

Yo Han’s character is also really important as the witness and narrator of their love story. Even though he’s quietly struggling with his own depression, he keeps putting on a strong front for his friends until he eventually can’t hold it in anymore. That’s when his friends finally step in, support him, just like how he always did for them.

Overall, this is a bittersweet film that is easy to watch on the surface but actually very deep. It leaves a lingering feeling in your heart after it ends. I honestly think this is one of those films I will never forget for the rest of my life.

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I Did Not Like It

I'm hard-pressed to remember anything I liked about this movie. I guess some folks enjoy the real life unhappy ending shows, but I'm not one of them. Weird film. Twists and turns, just not the fun kind. And are we supposed to believe that the FL would still have a job if she were to show up looking like she did at the beginning of the movie? Doubtful. Oh, now I remember something that I thought was funny: When the leads are confessing to each over the walkie talkies it was fun (though unrealistic) to see their co-workers gathered together listening in and cheering. Then things go Korean and now all of a sudden the two social outcasts are further ostracized in the company cafeteria. Because they like each other. If only they could get away with a middle finger salute. But hey, I'm just your average rude American. what do I know?

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Based on true events

*A Taxi Driver* was such a powerful watch, and knowing that it’s based on real events makes it even more meaningful. There’s something about films rooted in true history that hits differently, you’re not just watching a story unfold, you’re witnessing something that actually shaped lives.

Before this movie, I had never really heard about the Gwangju Uprising (also known as the Gwangju Student Independence Movement). After watching it, I found myself reading more about it, wanting to understand the real history behind what I had just seen. That’s one of the reasons I love movies based on true events they don’t just entertain you, they educate you. They open a door to history in a way textbooks sometimes don’t.

Be prepared to cry. This film is emotional. While parts of the taxi driver’s personal storyline were fruits of fantasy, since the real-life driver was never formally identified and didn’t actually meet the journalist again, the core political events and historical context remain true.

Song Kang-ho is, as always, absolutely phenomenal. I’ve loved him ever since Memories of Murder, and he was perfectly cast here. He brings warmth, humor, fear, and transformation to the role in a way that feels so natural.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story even though it’s based on real history, I think it’s best experienced firsthand.

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ehhhhhhhhhhh

The movie itself was great but feels like they threw that clique ending in there just so the movie had proper substance. If it weren't for that ending then it would have been a skip for most. Now it lands itself in the K-truama list which boosts it instantly. Since people like to rate these kinds of shows based on the ending. I like the vibe of the movie and it kept me entertained. But definitely not the best.

7/10 ehhhh I'd say watch every other k-trauma story first before you get to this one. Not highly recommended but not a skip. It's giving that one movie that came out 6 years ago that you still haven't watched. But it's now 2032 and you're ready.

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The classic everyone talks about

Watched this movie for the first time, and I must say I really enjoyed it. It's actually a really fun romcom with a backstory I didn't expect to make me so emotional. I can understand why some people might not like it or have different opinions but I think that if you don't take it too seriously and just try to have a good time it's really worth it. The chemistry was great, with a perfect performance from Jun Jihyun as I expected. As I said, I know it might be somewhat controversial for some people but if you have this movie on your watchlist I think you should give it a try.

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Brilliant casting and brutal content

There honestly isn’t much I need to say about VIP except that it was a great watch. With a cast this strong, I wasn’t even surprised that it turned out as good as it did. The performances are intense and everyone plays their role so good that the tension never drops for a second.

That being said, I need to give a serious warning!!!!!

If you’re planning to watch this movie, please know that it contains multiple scenes involving sexual assault in extreme gore tones. The violence is not subtle. It’s graphic, disturbing, and at times very difficult to sit through. I personally had to look away several times because some scenes were that intense.
This isn’t a casual thriller you put on for entertainment. It’s dark, brutal, and emotionally heavy. So if you’re sensitive to graphic violence or SA themes, please take that into consideration before watching.

But purely from a filmmaking and acting standpoint, it delivers exactly what it sets out to do; unsettling, gripping, and powerful.

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Love and Grief are 2 sides of the same coin

Pavane seems like a romance themed movie, but is more than that. It deals with loneliness, loss,grief and fear of failure in life.

The story centers around 3 characters - Yo-Han, Mi Jeong and Gyeong Ruk. While they seem pretty content with each other, there personal life has some struggles too.

The first act - romance between Gyeong-rok and Mi-jeong does not arrive with fireworks or dramatic confessions because this film understands that people who feel undesirable don’t flirt like normal humans. Their connection grows through small glances, long pauses, and the shared exhaustion of knowing they do not fit society’s idea of a perfect couple, which somehow makes their relationship feel more intimate than any cinematic grand gesture ever could.

The second half feels kind of rushed, with too many things that occur within a short period of time. The sudden loss of a character does felt shocking, although it was too abrupt. The secondary characters were of no impact and is the most conerning part of the movie. The film passes on a strong message though - Cherish what you have now, rather than regretting what it would become later.

Overall, the film is visually great, music is compelling and the aesthetics are catchy. While the pacing was inconsistent, the ending and the message it leaves gives a mixed vibe of 'getting hurt but moving on'.
A good-watch that pulls you towards the characters and their story.

My Rating : 3.5/5

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