Cheongchun-manhwa

As my family was watching this video, my father constantly asked me, "Is this a sequel to "My Tutor Friend"?". Sure, the main two characters are played by Kwon Sang-woo and Kim Ha-neul in both movies. And I honestly don't see the difference between the characters in both movies, maybe except the fact that Kwon Sang-woo's character is much dorkier in this movie.

But, this is not another "My Tutor Friend"! The movie is about two childhood friends Ji-hwan (played by KSW) and Dal-rae (played by KHN). Typical, typical set-up. Two are obviously meant for each other, but there's the too-perfect-to-be-true boyfriend in the way. Ji-hwan is a Jackie Chan wannabe with a job-drifting father. Dal-rae wants to be an actress- but she has to get over her tremendous stage fright first. The first half of the movie was a snoozer, filled with slapstick comedy, typical plot and countless cliché situations.

Then comes the second half of the movie, which really surprised me. This movie, literally translated, is called "Teen Girl Manga" or something close to it anyway. No way did I expect all that melodrama after a first half of cheap comedy. Though it was really out of place (in my opinion, at least) this part proves to be worth sitting through 50 minutes of comedy. I have never seen Kwon Sang Woo act better. It just blew me away because all of his acting before this seemed mediocre.

The scenes with those child actors are pretty good (the kid who plays Jihwan is that kid from "Annyeoung Hyeonga", right?) and the supporting cast is great. This movie is pretty hard to swallow, though, being that the best part is the last 20 minutes or so. Otherwise, the stars don't really get a chance to shine because everything in this movie is so cliché. Another romantic comedy with a sugary happy ending. Just like "My Tutor Friend", ain't it? (starting to notice this trend in Korean movies. Whatever happened to the really sad ones?)

This film starts out as a total slapstick and ends on a much more serious note. It seems the director was having a bet each way and trying to cater to everyone. It's a pity he didn't choose one or the other path to follow through, rather than trying to walk two paths simultaneously.

Simple story outline: two childhood friends, Ji-hwan (Kwon Sang-woo) and Dal-rae (Kim Ha-neul) have grown up side by side. They know everything there is to know about the other, good and bad. Ji-hwan, complete with early JC-imitative hairstyle, wants to become the next Jackie Chan. He practices relentlessly, and he comes across as a bit of a dim-witted lech. Dal-rae wants to be an actress, but she's painfully shy. They tease each other mercilessly about their respective flaws, but underneath it is an understanding built over thirteen years.

Enter The Boyfriend, played by Lee Sang-woo. He's handsome, athletic, charming, thoughtful etc. The problem is, Ji-hwan is jealous of him and can't admit it, and Dal-rae just can't relax with him. When she has a problem, or something on her mind, she goes first to Ji-hwan. They have a brief falling-out, and a reluctant reconciliation spearheaded by the Boyfriend and come to realise how they really feel blah blah blah. Though it's been done to death as a plot point, it's pretty well done here.

And this should have been the story. Instead, there is a melodrama tacked on in the shape of a critical injury for Ji-hwan, which means he will never realise his dream. It seems oddly out of place and it makes the running time way too long (116mins).

Also, I was left wondering: Is there EVER going to be an end to the fixation with childhood sweethearts who are Meant For Each Other? Just once, I would love to see the childhood friend ditched for the Boyfriend. Now that would be groundbreaking - at least for Korean cinema.

See it if you're curious, or you find someone in the cast rather dishy. Otherwise, see FORBIDDEN QUEST and get your money's worth.