Windstruck

Windstruck (2004)

Starring: Jeon Ji-hyun, Hyuk Jang Directed by: Kwak Jae-young

I don't normally do spoilers, but potentially some people may feel I've revealed too much in this review.

* WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS *

As Windstruck reunites director Kwak Jae-young with Jeon Ji-hyun from the extremely popular My Sassy Girl, there will always be a comparison for fans between the two. But whilst My Sassy Girl was outstanding and indeed led to the massive break for Jeon Ji-hyun, Windstruck pales in comparison with the former, and indeed, some may end up disappointed.

Windstruck tells of a novice cop, Kyungjin (Jeon), who mistakenly arrests a stranger, Myungwoo (Hyuk Jang), believing him to be a purse snatcher. Once the mistake is realised, they both start dating, with Myungwoo feeling he has to come to the rescue of his maverick girlfriend. Sadly, one time too many and it all goes wrong as Myungwoo is killed.

Windstruck isn't as well written as MSG. Whilst there is plenty of detail in the film, with great attention paid to sets, costumes, camera angels and so on, it lacks the overall substance to carry the story. Indeed, it's hard to work out what really is the theme of the movie. The characters aren't developed enough and I didn't find enough chemistry being built up in the story before Myungwoo's death.

Windstruck is effectively broken into two parts. The first two-thirds of the movie is much about their relationship blossoming, the last third is about how she copes with his death. In their blossoming relationship, you see sparks of the humour and cleverness that made MSG a success. The ending has the melodramatic tone that actually is somewhat clichéd. But the way it's been set up, neither part ever reaches what you'd think is a completeness, and you end up thinking, we could have had more.

And that's what really bugs me about this film. It is really two full length films, spliced and edited into one. It could be a very funny falling in love romcom, or it could be a very good drama about coping with death. But wrapping the two movie themes into one leaves you thinking it didn't have enough substance. Plus the whole thing could have been more cleverly edited.

Having seen all of Jeon Ji-Hyun's movies to date, I can say that she is a very talented actress. However, the shortening and splicing does mean that I don't feel her talent has been fully used. And much the same for Hyuk Jang.

Overall, there isn't enough magic for it to match MSG nor the brilliance of Jeon Ji-hyun's other films. But having said that, for most, it is still a pretty good film and it's still worth a watch. One for a windy day.

i saw this movie in Chinese so its probably a little different because translations r always a little different, but the movie is a great romantic comedy. yes, it is a bit too long at times and some scenes r obviously commercial, but its still a good film. the first hour mainly focuses on comedy and the relationship between the 2 characters. the second hour is mainly drama and how the main character deal with the tragedy.

at first i didn't expect much from this film at all, it looked like any other korean romantic comedy for teens, but it turned out much better than i expected.

Asians tend to like melodramatic romantic movie and this is one of them. It's basically a sorta a prequel to "My Sassy Girl" except some parts from the flashback in "My Sassy Girl" doesn't fit. And some characters seems to have moved around or at least the actor and actresses in the movie that is also in the other movie. The scenarios is sort of the same except the main guy protagonist this time is played by Jang Hyuk who I am a fan of as an actor. And is a way way much more likable character than Gyun-woo(Cha Tae-Hyun). Even if his character is less tough compared to the girl he falls for. If your one of those audiences that thought "My Sassy Girl" is ridiculous with it's scenarios. This one takes it to a whole another level and it can get pretty lame sometimes. It becomes really cartoon like sometimes with it's dialogues. The first half of this movie is the build up of the relationship between Ko Myung-Woo(Jang Hyuk) and Yeo Kyung-Jin(Gianna Jun) who is a female cop in this. And it shows why she acted the way she did with getting drunk and all but some aspect just seems a bit forced in out of nowhere. Not that I think the director planned for a prequel while making "My Sassy Girl" or anything like that. If you enjoy slightly cheesy fantasy and yet realistic style comedic romantic comedy this one might be for you. Which is like in "My Sassy Girl" which I think it's a slightly better flick.

7.5/10

A very entertaining movie to say the least. I immensely enjoyed it. However, hearing all the negative reviews about this movie I went in watching it with low expectations and that is what saved this movie for me. If you are expecting another "my sassy girl" masterwork, then you'll be sorely disappointed. This movie definitely is not on the same level as MSG. However, it has its moments and the movie doesn't take itself seriously (except for a few overly melodramatic and sappy scenes). So everyone needs to stop comparing to MSG and accept it for what it is. It's a fun movie to watch and the lead actress is entertaining as ever.

Jyeon Ji-Hyeon is the main draw of the film.. The film makes this clear early on by not presenting us a gripping story or depth in characterisation, lol... The film survives on the performance of the female lead.

The beginning of the film feels easy to watch and the subsequent parts suffer from a lack of adequate content. Far from feeling like the makers were using the female lead as a cash cow after her earlier successes, the film builds upon something good for the later portions.

Overall, if you absolutely adore Korean romance dramas, maybe this film is for you. For others, apart from the performances and some beautifully shot scenes, I am not sure what this film has to offer.