Regras do Amor na Cidade Grande

The 2024 adaptation on love in the big city disappoints by falling back into overused Korean Drama clichés. The adaptation loses lot of emotional complexity anf depth that make the original novel impactful. While the two main actors have a solid performance, the film relies too heavily on predictable scenes and tropes. These elements undermine the story of the film and make it falling into a Korean drama clichés. The film misses the chances to explore more potential about showing the depth of the novel and the lgbt+ themes in more nuanced ways instead it opted for a tiring long film that falls into slow rythm.

The pacing of the film relatively smoother and natural, and isn't as dramatic unlike the drama. I'm not sure which is more more truer to the book as I haven't read it yet. The nuances between the protagonist and her friend is more developed here and is the major focus on the film, and the film very mildly and conveniently addresses the struggles of the gay community.

The film is still thoroughly enjoyable overall but lacks the emotional impact and rawness that was portrayed in the drama version. Many dialogues mute the protagonists voice and we fail to understand what is going on his head with all the situations around. Would very much recommend the drama over the film, but do give it a shot once you are done with the emotional turmoil the drama variant hit you with to tone down trauma!

The ML did show some reservations though at times in his portrayal of a gay character, or maybe it's the dedication of Nam-Soo-Hyun in the drama version which is speaking, but nevermind I just wished to address it. Would've liked if the core focus of the book had been more impactfully addressed.

Watching the movie after the series is a bit strange. They changed a lot and compressed a lot and took out a lot. I know the story is based on some famous novel(s) so now I'm wondering what's in those novels because these two characters in the movie are giving me different vibes from the series, so my advice would be to separate them completely. It's just the bare bones of the series. There's a lot more of and about her here, whereas in the series she gets married pretty quickly and mostly disappears and there's less of him here. Be basically has two relationships, one of which is completely different from the series, although it's the guy he's kissing while meeting her. I am a little baffled by these changes and I don't understand the reasoning. But yeah, its heart is in the right place and these two here shine through the screen and their friendship is epic, which it wasn't in the series, so it is a nice watch on its own. It feels like it shows a lot more of the homophobia in Korea, but maybe it feels that way because it's compressed. He is a lot more unhappy and guarded than in the series, where he had a more bubbly personality, albeit still closeted. Nam Yoon-su ruined me.

So yeah, I keep picking at the differences, although I said I shouldn't because it doesn't help. It's a good movie. I enjoyed it. But damn Korean men are scary. And they gossip a lot and they bully and sl*t-shame. In and out of the office, at school, etc. Geez...

I really appreciate how much heart and thought went into this wonderful story between these two kindred individuals. They lived through so much time during college and after college and stayed together as best of friends. I don't think I could ask for anything more from such a wonderful Korean romantic drama. I really appreciated the inter play between the characters and all the ups and downs they shared. I wish there were more romantic comedies that were brought to the US market that were as good as this film. The backdrop of Seoul Korea really added to the film. I look forward to seeing this on blu-ray when it is released for the US market.

Love in the Big City is a delightful romantic comedy that absolutely shines in every way. From the opening scene to the final moments, it had me hooked with its captivating storyline, witty humor, and lovable characters. Love in the Big City does an amazing job of balancing heartwarming romance with moments of laugh-out-loud comedy, creating a feel-good experience from start to finish.

Love in the Big City is a fantastic rom-com that hits all the right notes! The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, It's a must-watch that will leave you with a big smile and a warm heart. Absolutely 5 stars!