This Korean film is a melodrama. It's a sci-fi melodrama. But the sci-fi elements are on the down-low, in fact--the sci-fi elements of the film are so underplayed, you wouldn't think it's a sci-fi film. The sci-fi element? Time travel. Actually, a limited type of time travel that would also be used the same year in the film Frequency and the next year in the Korean film Ditto.
So, like most melodramas, this film focuses on the relationship between two lonely people, each with a relationship (one familial and one romantic) that they are having problems with and how these two people form a bond themselves.
The time-travel elements are present and are used sparingly, but effectively to drive forward the melodrama. It's actually pretty good with no hugely bizarre continuity errors. Now, the really good stuff about the film: beautiful cinematography, gorgeous sets and location shoots, tempered and well-paced directing and editing and a general "feel" of the the film that sticks. It holds a personality and a charm that's unique to itself.
The acting was decent enough that I didn't bust out laughing, although the same cannot be said for the often overdone score. But for a quiet melodrama film with a healthy chunk of time travel thrown in, it's a very good film. The only beef I have with the film is the ending--if the film removed the ending that it had, then perhaps it would make more sense, but the ending throws off the film a little. Nevertheless, the rest of the film is so pleasant to watch that I can still recommend the film. Just don't think too hard about the ending.
It's good. 8/10.
So, like most melodramas, this film focuses on the relationship between two lonely people, each with a relationship (one familial and one romantic) that they are having problems with and how these two people form a bond themselves.
The time-travel elements are present and are used sparingly, but effectively to drive forward the melodrama. It's actually pretty good with no hugely bizarre continuity errors. Now, the really good stuff about the film: beautiful cinematography, gorgeous sets and location shoots, tempered and well-paced directing and editing and a general "feel" of the the film that sticks. It holds a personality and a charm that's unique to itself.
The acting was decent enough that I didn't bust out laughing, although the same cannot be said for the often overdone score. But for a quiet melodrama film with a healthy chunk of time travel thrown in, it's a very good film. The only beef I have with the film is the ending--if the film removed the ending that it had, then perhaps it would make more sense, but the ending throws off the film a little. Nevertheless, the rest of the film is so pleasant to watch that I can still recommend the film. Just don't think too hard about the ending.
It's good. 8/10.