Top 5 (Recent) Korean Romance Movies.

To be completely honest about it, I haven't watched that many Korean romantic films in the recent years. There are few reasons that contribute to that. First is that I've been busy. It's not that I don't have time anymore to watch a few movies. It's just that if I watch a certain movie, I want to be really interested in it even before watching because I will not and could not finish a movie if I find it to be a bother to watch based on the first few scenes. Another reason is that there are a few Korean romance movies that have really unique and interesting story lines. I watched many Korean romance movies then and it's easy for me to watch from movies to movies because the genre was new to me. Now, I've gotten used to the stories and much like those cliché Hollywood or Filipino movies, I could not take to watch every movie anymore. I just choose those potentially good movies and that's it. Lastly, I try to widen my scope these days. I really like horror or thriller movies, so I give more time in watching movies of that genre. Also, I watch (romance) French, Hollywood, British, Japanese, Thai, and other genres as well from other countries. That's why maybe I don't give time to watch other Korean romance films that are not that appealing to me. Nonetheless, I'm giving my top five Korean romantic films that was released from 2010 to present.

Let's start from..

5. Cyrano Agency (2010)

At times, I really forget what the ending to this movie was. I think that's a good thing though, because you don't watch a movie just because of its ending. It's all about the process of how the story was presented. The concept was really good because it's quite different from the usual Korean romance movies that we all like.

4. How to Use Guys with Secret Tips (2013)

This movie is much more unique than you might expect it to be. The Korean title really means "A Manual on How to Use Men." It's basically about a woman who lacks social skills that a "woman" accepted by society needs, which is the capability to attract men. She then found a videotape (bought it from a weird vendor) that teaches women how to attract men in a step-by-step process. You might have guessed already: she then followed the tips and her life turned around from then on..

There are those types of movies wherein you just don't understand what's going on, because it seems like underneath those weird scenes comes a deep meaning. Perhaps I'm just thinking about it too much, but this movie indeed is somehow weird but its message is interestingly conveyed. You might notice that I like movies that is somehow at the periphery of the usual boy-meets-girl type of Korean movies because of reasons like what I've said in my introduction.

3. My Black Mini Dress (2011)

I actually included this movie already in the list I made for the Top 10 Korean Romance Comedy Movies I made back then, however, it wasn't in the top 10. I didn't include it because it was pretty recent and I wanted to include those old movies that many people really like already. This time, I'm including My Black Mini Dress in this list. This is about four women in their mid 20's who are struggling in life, albeit in different ways. These four were best friends in college but now that they're facing the "real world" already, the fun stopped and now they're struggling to look for the direction they need in life. It's a bit timely because the generation of people in their 20's nowadays are all "struggling" in finding something that is worthy to do for the rest of their lives. It's a matter that many of us are currently experiencing, and so this movie might just be the right movie to watch even though it's not that "romantic" in a sense of having a love story as the main plot of the movie.

2. Sunny (2011)

Like "My Black Mini Dress," this movie is not centered on a love story about a man and a woman. It's also about girls who were the best of friends in high school and got separated upon growing up. The movie alternates between the "present" wherein the girls are already adults and the "past" wherein they were in high school and having fun. I like this movie because it somehow gives you the feeling of nostalgia even if you're not part of the group. It's perfect in representing friendship especially between women. I also really like the soundtrack, especially the song where the title was based on, which is "Sunny" (that we all should love).

1. Architecture 101 (2012)

Architecture 101 or Introduction to Architecture is probably popular among K-pop fans because of Suzy (Miss A). This movie is about first love. The concept of first love in romance movies might not be that unique anymore, but this movie definitely portrayed it in a different way. The movie is somewhat perfect for me. It has this subtle vibe of romance. Usually, movies about first love can be so dramatic and passionate that it just ruins the innocence that's supposed to represent "first love." This is not the case for Architecture 101. The soundtrack was also really good and as you might have noticed, I'm a sucker for good soundtracks. Overall, this movie is at the top of my list because I think it's worthy enough to be in line with my other favorite movies like "My Sassy Girl" or "Windstruck."

That's it for the top 5 recent Korean romance movies. I hope you guys like the movies in the list and I promise to watch more romance movies so that I can review them here.

P.S.

This post is to make up for the past month (February). I haven't posted anything because of my busy schedule, but I hope this list makes up for it. I'll try to post another list (maybe of soundtracks) for the "love month," February.

K-Mondays: Oldboy (Korean Movie, 2003)

Oldboy is a well-known Korean movie that was released on 2003. I watched this movie just recently knowing that it would have a shocking plot twist. Since it was really popular, many movies, dramas, or variety shows parodied it or even mentioned some things about it that I got to know about the story before even watching it. When I was looking for Korean thriller movies last January, I also came across this movie but didn't watch it because I thought that it was old. Nevertheless, the story interested me, and I just got a copy recently and I watched it. 

The story is about Oh Dae Su (played by Choi Min Sik), your typical salaryman who got kidnapped and put into isolation, without him knowing the reason why. One would suspect that he was kidnapped by a strange organization who likes to torture people, and I have to admit, that was also one of my guesses at first. 

He lived in that prison with television, fake window, single bed, and dumplings for food. He didn't know who did that to him, or what he did to deserve it. He also didn't know for how long he would be there and that made him so frustrated. With no one to talk to, isolated from the outside world, and with no direct sunlight, he suffered and almost lost his mind. 

He was not alone in the prison, and he was aware of that. The prison hall was also monitored. Oh Dae Su thought of many ways of escaping, and he finally had the chance to make a hole in his bedroom wall, in an attempt to create a hole that he could crawl out of. The problem was he didn't know which floor he was on, but still, he kept on digging.

After all of his efforts for years of digging on the wall, he was also released. But before that, he was hypnotized by some woman. Hypnotizing was involved, and that made the movie more interesting for me, since I wouldn't know if anything after the hypnotization was true.

After 15 years, Oh Dae Su finally got out of the prison, and was also strangely given a mobile phone and money by a stranger. This means that the person who imprisoned him was still monitoring his moves outside of the prison. 

Oh Dae Su then meets a woman, Mi Do (played by Kang Hye Jung), at a sushi restaurant. Oh Dae Su apparently knew her because she was a popular young chef (perhaps from watching the TV). Mi Do also thought that Dae Su was familiar, and so these two grew interested in each other.

Mi Do took care of Oh Dae Su, and she even offered her body to him (when she's already up for it). In the mean time, Mi Do helped Oh Dae Su uncover the secrets of his imprisonment.

Oh Dae Su ate dumplings all of his 15 years in that prison, and so he spent time looking for the Chinese restaurant which delivered the dumplings that he always ate. Another thing, Dae Su found out that his wife had died when he was in the prison, and he was even framed for his wife's death. Upon getting out of the prison, he found out that his then young daughter was adopted abroad.

After finding the place that he was confined in, and finding out who did that to him, he of course confronted that person (played by Yoo Ji Tae). He does not remember what he did to that person for him to deserve that, and that's why he embarked on a journey to find out why. That person was also still tormenting him, appearing every now and then, because he knew that Dae Su would want to know the truth about his imprisonment. 

Just like how good movies are, this story is f*cked up. I had a really subtle guess about what the ultimate plot twist was, and I guessed right. Maybe that's why I didn't go all amazed by it. However, I think that it's well written, and I've read that the twist in the movie didn't exist in the original manga, so still, hands down to the screen writer. Another comment that I would like to make is that even though this was released 10 years ago, the cinematography is really good and engaging. Some movies have great plots but their cinematographies are crappy but this movie has both of it going on. What I'm trying to say is that Oldboy is probably a timeless film, since as I see it, it's a really artistic film in terms of video quality and story quality. It will definitely get you thinking from beginning until the end (much like Inception).

That's it for Oldboy. As you can notice, I didn't reveal any of the vital parts of the movie so that those who reads this and haven't watched the film yet would be excited about watching it. If you've already watched it, any comments that you would like to share?

K-Mondays: Visit Seoul like your favorite female K-drama character!

Who says that we single ladies cannot travel alone? Much like Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love, we women have this desire to experience life in a different setting, away from those stressful needs and responsibilities at home/school/work. I also want to experience the daily lives of Koreans, especially like those female leads in Korean dramas and movies. If Elizabeth Gilbert wants to experience eating in Italy, praying in India, and love in Bali, I want to be able to experience the everyday life of a Korean female character in those dramas and movies that I love.

Usually, our female heroes are seen to be working hard just to earn a living. We also see her at home, all alone, eating instant ramen from a gold pot for dinner since she's tired and cannot cook a full meal for herself. Afterwards, the female lead would usually head to a convenience store, maybe to buy some more snacks, or because she ran out of canned beer to end her dinner. I admire female characters like that from Korean dramas or movies, those who live alone yet manages to carry themselves well, and usually even ends up meeting their prince charming. So now, even if we're just visiting Seoul for 2 days and 1 night, I bet we can also feel like our female heroes from Korean dramas and movies.. and we might end up meeting the male lead of our life!

Now, this tour is just a suggestion, and I will not have much details like how to get there and stuff. I'm not in Korea myself but should I get a chance to visit Seoul for two days and one night, I'll definitely follow this track.

In my post for K-Mondays two weeks ago, I mentioned some places that I want to visit in Seoul. Some of those places really go with this theme of "Be like your favorite female K-drama character," so I will include it in this itinerary. First up is a Cat Cafe in Hongdae. For lunchtime, I know that we're not hungry enough to be able to eat much because we're too excited that we've finally arrived in Seoul, so a cafe would not be bad for starters.

Day 1 Lunchtime: Tom's Cat Cafe in Hongdae.

(Photo taken from Visit Korea website)

If you're travelling alone, and I suggest that you do when you follow this tour, you'd want to spend it with our furry friends in Korea. I am not sure if they serve any meals in this cafe, but I bet even just a drink will be all worth it for the kitties. If you're still hungry after petting the kitties, there are lots of street foods that you can find outside and I tell you they're all awesome and yummy.

I know that there are also other cat cafe's in Hongdae or perhaps all over Seoul, but being in Hongdae will be an advantage since the next location is the Hongae Free Market. It is called the "free market" because independent artists crowd all over the place and sell their crafts there on Saturdays, from March to November every year.

Day 1 Experience: Hongdae Market

(Photo taken from Visit Korea website)

You can buy stuff there which are handmade by the artists themselves. Isn't it great to have a one of a kind stuff bought from an independent artist in Seoul? You can also buy some crafts for souvenir items there which will be quite unique than the common souvenir stuff.

(Photo taken from Visit Korea website)

Popular in Hongdae are the street musicians who plays good indie music. What good way to find your special someone! (Have you seen Marry Me, Mary?) Who knows, he might be the one providing good music to the audience, or some complete stranger also travelling alone in Seoul and getting inspired by the music he hears. Now I'm getting all hopelessly romantic.

If, however, you didn't get to catch the Hongdae Free Market because you didn't get to go on a Saturday, you can go cafe hopping instead after visiting the cat cafe. There are all sorts of cafe there; Hello Kitty cafe, a dress-up cafe, a sheep cafe, toy cafe, etc. I bet you'll never be bored by visiting all those.

Day 1 Experienc: Hello Kitty, Sheep Cafe, etc.

(Photo taken from Visit Korea website)

As we all know, many dramas and movies have filmed here in Hongdae like "Coffee Prince," "Marry Me, Mary," etc. It's such a good place to just roam around and feel the energy of our youth. Also, you can go to the famous Hongdae Playground, where you can just sit and observe people or instead be the one who's being observed and go play! Just spending a whole day there would be magical since you could meet other people around Hongdae, witness more street performances, and try out unusual snacks.

Next stop is for dinner! Once you're all tired from looking around Hongdae at day, you can now go for a sumptuous dinner at the best bibimbap restaurant in town! Head to Insadong through a cab or train and go to Gogung restaurant.

Day 1 Dinner: Gogung Restaurant

This restaurant serves Jeonju style bibimbap, which can be considered the mother of all bibimbap in Korea. Why head for a bibimbap restaurant anyway? Well, we should know that in Korean dramas and movies, we see our favorite female heroes mixing and savoring their bibimbap. One example is Han Ji Eun's poorly made bibimbap and how she happily eats it while Lee Young Jae tells her that it's dog food but ends up eating the same "dog food" the other day.

Now we go to a different location, where we relax. Remember those places where everyone has the same clothes, has a sheep towel hat on their head, and eats boiled eggs? You got it! It's called a jjimjilbang. There are many jjimjilbangs in Seoul, and  Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa is one of them.

Day 1 Experience: Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa (jjimjilbang)

Usually jjimjilbangs have a sauna, hot bath, and spa or massage area. There are also places where you can hang-out with your friends after having a bath. I'm still pushing for being alone though, because these sorts of places are for families or friends but I think that we can also come alone of course. We're looking for relaxation, and if Joo Yoo Rin (My Girl) can go there alone and even stay for the night, why can't we?

Yes, you heard that right. There is a nighttime and daytime fee in jjimjilbangs, where daytime is usually from 5am to 8pm and nighttime from 8pm to 5am. If you want to stay there overnight to fit your budget, do so. But if you have reserved a lodging beforehand, then why should you stay in the jjimjilbang? Go to your lodging of course, after enjoying the jjimjilbang.

After having a relaxing night, you can sleep and feel like you're in a Korean halmeoni's (grandmother) home in a Hanok style bedroom.

Day 1 Lodging: Bukchon Guest House

Now, that's a full-on Korean experience! Even if it's just for a night, you'll be able to feel like you're at home in perhaps your Korean grandma's old house that you inherited. (kidding) Once you wake up in the morning, you can just sit on the veranda and feel the morning sun, greet other lodgers like they're family, and say hello to the caretaker as if he/she's your aunt or uncle.

Day 2 Breakfast: Gung Restaurant

(Photo taken from Visit Korea website)

Finally, the second day comes. We only have one itinerary for the day, which is breakfast. Of course, it must be really fulfilling, so I decided to find a Korean restaurant which has a specialty Korean food, and I found Gung. Their specialty is mandu (dumpling) and Bossam (Chinese cabbage wraps with pork). If it was up to me, I'd order the dumpling soup since I really love to eat soup in the morning. (Now I'm craving for mandu) And have you seen Big (K-drama)? Gil Da Ran's family has a dumpling restaurant and I'm getting more hungry just thinking about that.

That ends my itinerary for a two days and one night trip to Seoul. I hope that by following this itinerary, we'll be able to feel like a real independent female Korean drama character and relive their wonderful everyday moments in Seoul.

Top 10 Korean Romance Comedy Movies

I've always loved watching Romantic Comedies. There really is such a unique feeling when watching Romance movies with a hint of light-heartedness. I found this genre especially appealing when I started watching Korean Romance Comedies when I was younger. In my circle of (mostly girl) friends, I have found no one who disliked these kinds of movies even though they're sometimes "cliché." It just makes hopeless romantics like me feel all giddy inside. As I have watched quite a number of these movies, I could recommend some of my all time favorites. Most of these favorites are old ones or those "starting points" of those K-movie fanatics. I also chose these movies because they are those which have the elements of a Romantic Comedy. I will also recommend some of the good romance movies which are not much of a rom-com.

1. My Sassy Girl (2001)

Based on an internet novel, this movie is popular not only amongst K-movie fanatics, but also those who enjoy watching Romance Comedies of any origin. This movie was re-made into a Hollywood movie of the same title, so some are probably familiar of it. For those who are not familiar, this movie is about a strong, bold woman who becomes the girlfriend of a timid guy. It is indeed touching, romantic, and at the same time hilarious as hell. This movie, being number one in my list, will not disappoint rom-com lovers.

2. Windstruck (2004)

Windstruck is said to be the prequel of My Sassy Girl because of elements which connects it to the other movie. However, it's not completely its prequel and it stands on its own. It has its own charm as a movie. This is much more romantic than funny and what I love about this is how it touches your heart after watching. The movie's about destiny and how these two different people (a female cop and a male teacher) fell for each other.

3. Speedy Scandal (2008)

One of my favorite movies of all time. It is placed third, however, because it's not much romance between a woman and a man as it is much more about family. What I love about this movie is its unique take on family relationships: a really young single dad who already has a grandson. Guaranteed to make you feel crying and laughing all throughout the movie.

4. Love, So Divine (2004)

I watched this movie way back in high school and I still can't forget the feeling when I watched it. My heart felt like it was overwhelmed with emotions that I really can't forget it until today. This movie is about a seminarian who, with a course of events, falls in love with a girl just before he becomes a priest.

5. My Little Bride (2004)

I'm not much a fan of boy meets girl love story compared to known-each-other-for-a-long-time love story, that's why I love this. Tackles the topic of arranged marriage in modern society, early marriage, and huge age gap in love. This movie is cute and light.

6. 200 Pounds of Beauty (2006)

A movie that questions the standards of beauty. Quite touching and sure to provide a lesson to the viewers.

7. He was Cool (2004)

First movie that I watched based on an internet novel by Guiyeoni. Most suckers for bad boys would love this movie I suppose. Innocent girl meets bad boy from other school.

8. 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant (2004)

This movie is also based from a popular internet novel and of course, is popular among those who love "bad boy" type of guys. High school girl becomes errand girl for a mean college guy.

9. Baby and Me (2008)

Who would be able to resist this adorable baby and handsome man? This movie full of cute and cuddly scenes is about a high school guy taking care of an abandoned baby which is said to be his own child.

10. Do re mi fa so la ti do (2008)

Also from an internet novel by Guiyeoni, this movie is about a charming, yet quite arrogant guy who falls in love with a strong-willed girl. Quite serious for a high school movie yet touching.

Other Romance K-movies I recommend:

Jenny, Juno (2005)

The Classic (2003)

Hello School Girl (2008)

Recent Ones:

My Black Mini Dress / Little Black Dress (2011)

An Introduction to Architecture / Architecture 101 (2012)

Feel free to add to the list! 

(photos taken from Google Images)

Recently Watched Korean Movies. (Romantic Comedy)

I've recently watched many movies in just a month (January 2013) and many of these are from Korea. I've been watching Korean movies since I was in high school, all thanks to the internet. When school was on break, I've always watched Korean dramas and movies sometimes by myself or with a friend. What we do is we chat on Yahoo! Messenger then while watching the movie. We would know each other's reaction even though we are on each others' home. Funny huh? Well now, we still do it. In fact, most of the movies that I would be blabbering about are movies that we've watched together. I'll start with Romantic Comedy.

First is the movie Love On-air. I've always adored Korean rom-com movies because it's just different from Hollywood/Filipino films. I say that because Korean movies seems to offer different twists to romantic comedy. Now back to Love On-air. Another title for this movie is "Wonderful Radio." I had an interest to watch this movie a long time ago (when it was released) because of Lee Min Jung. However, when I discovered that Lee Kwang Soo is on this film and Kim Jong Kook and Kang Gary would cameo, I immediately downloaded it and watched. I resolved to provide a film review through pros and cons.

Pros: This movie can provide people with so much emotions. I cried hard, laughed hard, and got irritated (because of the characters). Simple storyline yet had the perfect way to tell the story.

Cons: I have to say this but as I've watched many romantic comedy films, I felt that this was just like any other. As I said earlier, the plot was simple and didn't have much excitement. Personally, I didn't like the romance side because I think that the story can stand even if the romance side was taken out. What the male lead did was not limited to love imo, his greatest contribution was not particularly romantic for me.

Recommend or not?

I do not recommend this for people who watches films often (like people who loves to critic) but if you just want a feel good film and if you like Lee Kwang Soo, go watch this.

Next is "Spellbound" or "Chilling Romance." This film is a mixed genre; a horror romantic comedy. Reason I watched? Just plain bored and looking for something different. Well, it's a mix of two genres that I like the most so why not? I watched it and I have definitely mixed reviews about this. The story depicted a woman who has an ability to see ghosts and got involved with a man who does magic for a living.

Pros: The idea of a horror romantic comedy was tackled in the film and that's one of its pros because I liked that it was an essential part of the plot. The actors portrayed their characters well. Not only did I love the plot, but also the characters. The male and female lead characters were powerful and so as the supporting ones.

Cons: Admittedly, I hated the horror parts of the film. But as I've said earlier, it was a core part of the plot and it cannot be taken away. I just hate cheap horror tricks (because I get scared alright!). Well you know what I mean about those tricks like the sounds and stuff. It comes between scenes and it shifts faster than one would expect. Nonetheless, I still like this movie.

Recommend or not?

I recommend this for people who want to watch something different. It is satisfying and it is indeed romantic. Not for those people who hates horror though.

Finally, the last movie that I would be talking about. "My Tutor Friend 2" is a bit older than those two previously mentioned movies. This is not a sequel to My Tutor Friend but it has a similar aspect; the tutor falls for the student or vice versa.

Pros: I like the overall idea of this film but I find the plot very basic to romantic comedies. Boy meets girl and falls in love given a situation. It's a safe movie to watch for romantic comedy lovers. Nevertheless, it still gives a fall-in-love feeling.

Cons: Overused main leads hate each other at first and falls in love afterwards. Bit of slow-paced for me. 

Recommend or not?
This film is probably what you watch when you are very bored and have nothing else to watch and you feel like watching some rom-com. Nonetheless, do not watch if you expect any good.

This ends the Romantic Comedy part of my Korean movie marathon last January. I shall write about my top 5 or top 10 (still can't decide) Rom-Com Korean films next time! Also the Korean thriller/horror films that I've watched last January~