Ironias do Amor

Saw this movie with absolutely zero expectations...was almost asleep and watched it at a friend's place to pass the time. To my surprise, while it is not the best movie, it is definitely one of my favorites of the year and one of my favorite comedies of all time. I hope I get a chance to see it again because apparently there are a lot of little subtle things in it that you don't see the first or maybe even the second time around.

I think some people get too caught up in the fact that the movie lacks realism, but I think that's what makes it all the wackier and funnier. I usually have a very low regard for Asian comedies, but this one was certainly worth watching. Absolutely hilarious but maintaining a touching side to it. The characters and situations are so interesting and absorbing that you tend to forget that you are being manipulated by all the sappiness.

This is one of those movies that makes you think about it for hours after you have seen it(whether the first or the fifth time). The reason being that it is funny, witty and enthralling while still maintaining the charisma of a great Korean romantic movie.

You will undoubtedly hate Ji-Hyun Jun for the better half of the film but by the end, she will be one of the most enchanting woman you ever saw (Besides Audrey Hepburn off-course). Tae-Hyun Cha plays the role of a difident sort nice guy but with good acting and sound expressions.

Overall, I would give this a 10/10. Don't forget to read the book though, its a lot funnier and accurate.

Thank you

This Korean film was unbelievablely popular last year in China, but I didn't see it at that time, because I sort of unconsciously have a dislike to something that nearly everybody else is crazy over.

But everybody I knew recommended this film. So I finally decided to see it, this morning, and it won me instantly. I am not a keen fan for romantic comedies, though I do enjoy films like Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, etc. This film should fall in the same category. The lead roles are brilliant. The girl of the film, you might not like her at start, but as the film goes along she just turns more and more beautiful as you get to know her and her past. The boy, on the other hand, is likeable from the word go (not the handsome type, but quite funny). The comedy is enjoyable and provides some good laughs, but as the film develops into the second hour it just turns so romantic. Of course everybody knows the boy and girl will get together in the end, but the process is really "tormenting". This might not be a great film, but it's truly romantic and great fun to watch. 8 out of 10.

one of the best foreign language films you will see. The director has paid a lot of attention to detail and there are many hidden goodies in the film that make it worth multiple viewings. it is one of the few films that is funny, dramatic, and romantic at the same time and pulls all this off successfully (i am not a big fan of romantic comedy but this is one that cannot be dismissed). the side characters are carefully placed and, although the film plays on many quirks on modern Korean culture, the emotions and situations can be appreciated universally (I can definitely attest to this being a son of a Korean immigrant to the US and have lived in the gap of the two cultures). it will make you laugh, sigh, and feel uncomfortable compassion for the main character and his situations. this is a definite must see for anyone who can read subtitles.

'Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo' (a.k.a. 'My Sassy Girl') is one of the most unconventional love stories I have witnessed in recent cinema. The storytelling is of the most sincere. There's no pretension. The comedy, drama and romance are very well balanced. There is no sex, not even a kiss, no one says 'I love you' and yet it turns out to be one of the most 'romantic' cinematic experience.

'Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo' moves at a smooth pace. Jae-young Kwak's screenplay and direction are fantastic. The dialogues are smart and the characters are richly developed and unique. The female protagonist's character remains enigmatic right until the end. Her name isn't even mentioned during the entire film. We see everything from Gyun-woo's point of view and Jae-young Kwak gives detailed insight of the characters and their relationships. There are so many beautiful moments in the film but I won't give out any spoilers. In addition, with the use of a lovely gentle soundtrack and cinematography, he beautifully demonstrates the wonderful locations. Even though I loved the way the Korean culture was portrayed, the story is pretty universal.

Newcomer Tae-hyun Cha leads the entire film. His performance is completely natural that it doesn't even feel that he was acting, let alone the fact that he was only new to films. His expressions, spontaneity, reactions and chemistry with co-stars are spot on. He is superb with the comedy and subtle in the dramatic scenes. Gianna Jun holds her own and does a fine job.

Overall, 'Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo' is a very well crafted film. It's a heartwarming poetic romantic adventure from start to finish. I know this sounds a bit corny but I'll say that it's a film that's close to my heart.