Me llamo Loh Kiwan

... And that's NOT meant to be a good thing.

LLV is close to 30 years old now, and it spawned (or popularized) the whole depressive, bleak, love story genre. Unfortunately, for many of us (me included), we don't want to waste 2+ hours of our lives watching a slog fest of one bad event, one poor choice, one chance encounter after another. The world has changed. A lot of folks are stuck in situations similar to this. We don't need movies to show us. We could watch the news. We watch movies to escape reality, not be subjected to a fictionalized version of day-to-day news reals.

This genre is (or should be) dead. You'll feel no better, informed, entertained, etc. After sitting through it.

Other gripes: The typical "leg-up" events that occur during the story that are needed to keep you watching. They make no sense and are out of place. This culminates in a "happy ending" which is so obviously Scotch-taped, tacked-on at the end, that you feel you got from Point A to Point Z without ever travelling through B thru Y.

Additionally, the lead love interest is so un-fleshed out, you have a hard time believing she goes from self-destructive druggie to reliable upstart, friend, and lover. Just another example of the jarring transitions in character, setting, situation, all of which aren't developed...they just...happen, and make this hard to watch with any interest.

To the folks that profess this is a "character development study". What character development are you speaking of? The random changes in mood, motivation, and behaviors? That ISN'T character development. That's lazy writing.

I don't get the hate it gets. Sure people thought it would focus on more in the part how did he get out of North Korea, but from the trailer and the info we got I knew it would focus more on how he lives in Belgium. I think it was interesting story and the acting was great. Only the drug parts kinda threw me off but it was only small parts. I have been waiting for a realistic, not over dramatic and romantic movie and I think this was it. Normally I don't even watch movies but this was the only exception. All together I think it was touching story and didn't have those awkward over acting scenes so it gets 8/10.

My name is Loh. Kiwan is an emotional rollercoaster that promises to take you on a thrill-filled journey of Loh Kiwan and Marie. Movie rotates smoothly from sadness to action, romance, Melodrama and beyond realism. The plot is well-paced, with the main characters developing progressively. Even though the changing timeline, it is never confusing and keeps the you (Watchers) entertained. Every one character's actions are legitimate and dependable. The Loh Kiwan movie carries a wide range of all genres that can be really liked by anyone (watchers). The cast of each characters truly symbolize their specific roles, delivering how the characters feel to life. Loh Kiwan triggers an indication on other cinematic brilliant works of the Korean film industry.

--> Outstanding Soundtrack, top quality Cinematography (Loh Kiwan Close-up shots, Belgium long shots 👌🏻) Visually amazing; the film displays beautiful atmospheres that reflect each character's existential experience.

--> Song Joong-ki's physical appearance conversion, and emotionally charged makeover are certainly the film's standout paths. His physical appearance is the centerpiece that allows ourselves to emotionally. Engage with the story in a deeper way. He again shown the versatility of his acting with this movie.

--> Ki-wan's transformation from at risk to strength is prominent, while Marie's struggles with addictions and issues with her family throw depth to her character. Their on-screen chemistry surpasses geographical. Boundaries, and narrates overwhelming feeling of mutual suffering and redemption that connects with watchers.

Strong Points

• Acting.

• Stunning Cinematography.

• Soundtrack.

• Direction and Story telling.

• Best adaptation, skillful writing.

• Perfect balance melodrama and realism of story.

DIRECTION - WRITTING

Director Kim Hee-jin utilised cast perfectly within the small look big story, i really appreciate her work of Loh Kiwan. Although it's an adaptation the movie writer brilliantly delivered the script with heart touching lines. Loh Kiwan standout with unique mix of traditional story telling with amazing scenes that make you enjoy and emotional feel in every moment. Magnificent performances by supporting characters.

Finally:- South Korean Film makers never fail to deliver a movie from Intense battles to emotional tales, and western entertainment media appreciate Korean Film Makers as " South Korea is a goldmine of original ideas and storytelling talents ". And we can saw it from Loh Kiwan.

Definitely one of the most memorable films I've seen. This movie may inspire, sometimes horrify, or send you into an existential crisis, but it will make you think about something new by the time you finish it. Despite its dark underlying themes, the film ultimately delivers an appealing message of hope and endurance, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and emotional ride.

A film about illegal immigration, seeking refuge, and the right to live, 'My Name is Loh Kiwan' aims at showing us the grim reality of immigration and life as a nomad. Loh Kiwan, played by Song Joong-ki, is a young North Korean defector who is forced to enter Belgium in a desperate attempt to survive. Enduring harsh conditions as the Belgian government determines his fate, he meets Marie, a drug addict seeking refuge from her troubled reality. Their survival amid the odds serves as the basic premise of the film.

The film masterfully juxtaposes the main plotline with a secondary narrative involving Marie's entanglement with nefarious elements. While this subplot adds depth to her character, it occasionally falters in its execution, with certain aspects feeling less compelling than others. While grappling with technical shortcomings, the film's central message of hope and resilience shines through, leaving viewers with a profound sense of reflection and empathy for the struggles of refugees. My Name is Loh Kiwan stands as a testament to the power of love to transcend barriers and illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience.

My Rating : 7.5/10.

To clear an conceptions out of the way, the acting was rather perfect.

The movie started really strong and the things that Kiwan went through was super intriguing. I was invested and in the edge of my seat for loh kiwans in the first half of the movie.

Then, the girl's story came with its all sub-plots and forced drama. The gun gangs was weird and unnecessary. The love story was misguided and yeah Tragic romance is not my thing specially with this level of emo fanfic subplots?!! The drug scenes was a second hand embarrassment.

I CRINGED FROM THE VERY EXPECTED ENGING.

Ps: he was an ass hole with that factory lady and super forgiving with the female protagonist , it was irritating to watch.

"The amount of mid movies I watched for SJK should be studied"