Baby and I (2008) User Reviews

Oh Baby! This movie was below average. This rattle barely made any noise.

[ironhorse_iv · 6/10 · 9 September 2016]

Don't get me wrong, I don't really hate this lighthearted and quirky South Korean movie to the point that it needs to be aborted. It's not a smelly diaper. It's just pretty mediocre. The drama and comedy didn't mixed well. Because of that, this film and I wouldn't party at my crib, anytime soon! Directed by Kim Jin-young, and loosely based on a Japanese manga by author Marimo Ragawa, the film tells the story of rebellious high school student, Han Joon-Soo (Jang Keun-Suk) who sees his life take a strange turn when he goes to the grocery store and someone leaves a baby, Woo-Ram (Moon Mason) in his shopping cart, along with a note claiming he's the father. Although the situation in the film is somewhat similar to the source material, there is a lot of things that are different. Without spoiling the movie, too much, the first thing to note, is while the film's main character is a troublemaker high school student that goes through character development; in the manga, the main character is a model hard working boy next door, fifth grader. In addition to that, Han Joon-soo has a baby, because of pregnancy; in contrast, the original comic had Takuya Enoki deal with a younger brother after his mother dies and his father is too busy. Despite the changes, the movie does have some, really good emotional moments. Even if some of them, are ruin, by over the top acting from supporting characters, out of place sound effects, and really bad voice-acting from comedian, Park Myeong-Su, who gives the baby, a very angry, very jarring, adult husky sound. Somebody please put a pacifier on that 1989's film "Look Who's Talking" style of humor. It was getting kinda annoying. Most of the jokes fall somewhat flat for me, anyways. There were barely any scenes that I found, really funny. Lots of really crude jokes that kinda anger me. I thought some of them, weren't needed. A good example of one is Han rubbing the dirty diaper on a fellow student books, just because that student wanted to study, without the baby distracting him. That was really not call for. There is also clearly several language barrier mistranslates in the subtitles from Korean to English that really confused, the living hell, out of me. One good example is the whole sub-plot of Han Joon Soo & the school. While, I don't know, much about Korean schools, I do know, enough, that they tend to be highly rigorous with their long studying program and make the majority of student, unhappy. So, why was the unfortunate Han Joon Soo in high school in the first place, if he didn't like it!? It's not like here, where high school is mandatory. Isn't he eighteen? Isn't he, technically an adult? Doesn't he, have the choice of going to school? Also, why did the parents felt the need to run away? They have the right to kick him out. It doesn't make sense. Also, what was the connection with him with his teacher, Mrs. Cho (Kim Jung-nan)? Why is she so into Han Joon Soo's business? Is she in love with her student? Another thing, how in the hell does she get away with beating up students? How in the hell, was she able to get Han, out of jail, when he acts up? Something is a bit off here. Talking about off love-interest, what was the deal with the brainy neighbor girl, Kim Byul (Song Ha-yoon) that wears preposterous chicken outfit, time after time, becomes his surrogate co-parent. Don't get me wrong, Song Ha-Yoon's acting is alright, but her character seem a bit fake and unrealistic. She felt like a manic pixie girl. Plus, Han Joon Soo barely does anything to help her with her life, so what is the connection, here. However, the main issues with the movie come during the final-act, where clichés begin to pile on and the story becomes very predictable and generic. It gotten so bad, that there is airplane love-chase scene. Not kidding! Also, at this point, the story begins to develop a strong sense of false emotion with Jang Keun-Suk overacting. It's doesn't feel very effective. The pacing is also a bit off, as the movie went a little too long for my taste. There is way too many subplots with Han Joon Soo's friends and their problems. The whole severe poverty and sick mother scene, felt a different movie. Overall: This movie is not as good as I thought, it should be. While, it's beautifully shot. It's clearly has some growing up to do.

If you're into Korean wave, this movie is for you.

[charmiemama · 6/10 · 17 May 2015]

The story is mediocre but it was executed very well. It's funny on its own and i was entertained the whole time. There are some things that i want to rat about, for instance they could have pick another appropriate voice fitted for the baby. If their intention of dubbing an old husky voice to a cute innocent baby because they it's funny, no its not.i feel irritated every time i would hear the baby talking. Also, the female lead was kinda stoic and her character doesn't stand out but i felt the romance at the end part of the movie. overall it's a good movie to watch if you want to pass time and there's nothing to do. also if you're new in Korean movies, this movie is not bad to start with.

Its fun and entertaining

[leonshikto · 6/10 · 10 November 2019]

This movie is fun and at some parts downright hilarious. I have seen a few movie with babies left on the doorstep of a single man and this movie followed a similar plot depicting a high school male student to go through the hassle of raising a new born child. According to my rating system: Although the movie follows a plot similar to other movies it was executed in a unique manner so it gets 1/2 on story. The actors did not seem too much involved in their characters and some characters remained flawed or just fillers, so no starts on the cast. The movie is successful in delivering the entire plot receiving 2/2 on task accomplishment. I would give 2/2 because this was an enjoyable time pass movie. The movie receives 1/2 on directing, cinematography and soundtrack.

Have faith in your children, they usually turn out all right

[karluk99 · 6/10 · 27 December 2012]

Joon-su is a teenage trouble-maker, whose bad conduct angers his parents so much that they run away from home to teach him a lesson. On the same day that his parents leave, Joon-su finds a baby abandoned in a grocery store, along with a note indicating that he is the father.

Leaving an innocent baby with an irresponsible teenager is a recipe for disaster, but Joon-su rises to the occasion admirably. He and the baby are inseparable companions, he cares for its every need, and goes out looking for work when his money runs out. Unfortunately Korean society is just as unkind to teenage parents as elsewhere, so Joon-su eventually gets expelled from school and repeatedly turned down for jobs because he has nobody to care for the baby when he's at work or school. His situation is truly desperate, when his parents opportunely return to save the day.

There is no doubt that Baby and I is hopelessly unrealistic. It's quite unbelievable that an immature teenager like Joon-su will suddenly morph into a responsible young father just because an unknown infant comes into his possession. Nor did I find it to be particularly successful as a comedy. One of the running gags is that the baby refuses to drink formula, so Joon-su needs to approach strange women asking them for breast milk. Ha ha, I guess.

But Baby and I is much too enjoyable a movie to be overly critical of its imperfections. The baby is adorable, the love interest (played by Kim Byeol) with the smartest girl in the school is sweet and believable, and Joon-su is just too decent a guy not to turn out well, even if it does take more time than the compressed plot of the movie allows for. I kept thinking that Joon-su's parents should be thankful that they raised such a fine young man, rather than giving up and running away. Parents everywhere should keep the same thought in mind when facing the inevitable conflicts that come with raising immature teenagers.

Learn a lesson, watch this movie!

[M1racl3sHapp3n · 10/10 · 13 May 2018]

The movie gets interesting right from the start because it's not going to be what you expect and it's definitely not a copy of some popular Western movies. To me it was like a drug: I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen. The funny characters are so funny that for me it was enough having a look at their expression to burst out laughing. Good acting, excellent story and a very profound life lesson to be learned. You don't need to be Korean to get it: watch it!

Movie that can easily be ignored

[leorionpo · 3/10 · 21 January 2017]

This movie is as cliché as it gets. Generic cast made from your basic templates, absolutely nothing that stands out. Negligible plot and premise that leads to no sympathy. The growth of the character is so forced and out of place and the environment just leads to more questions and confusion.

The humour is forced and lackluster and if you're looking for a heartwarming comedy then this isn't the show for you. I personally wouldn't recommend this show to anyone. The only redeeming factor of this show is the adorable baby but they somehow manage to ruin it by using a voice-over for cheap comedy. I can remember scenes that would have been much better had the baby not said anything.

However I can't discount the fact that people who enjoy Korean-based TV shows would enjoy it because a favorite actor of theirs is in it. I don't know any of these actors and I'm reviewing it based solely on my enjoyment.

Surprisingly enjoyable

[yeolit · 10/10 · 29 September 2018]

First up ,I'm not a fan of Kpop. However, this show reminds me initially of Beelzebub, although later that diverged greatly.

It is enjoyable as it has comedic and reflecting moments, while not being overly dramatic. Ploy was consistent for most of the movie, though there were some part which seem convenient. However, the main plot of the movie is really heartwarming as it explores love, family ties, forgiveness, sacrifice etc among other deeply touching topics.

Not sure why the ratings and other reviews are so bad but generally it does show the hardship of a single parent, especially one with other issues. And how they need the help of those who know of their plight.

Don't waste time

[Misss25 · 5/10 · 6 December 2022]

This movie did not live up to expectations at all. I have seen many movies like this before where mom planned to drop the child to it's father house. And every movie had the same stuff like: baby diapers, feeding milk, temper tantrums, going out to find the baby's mother, etc. This movie is a bit of an exception in this respect, it's about a high school boy who is 18 years old and he is the father. That's sounds funny. Although I liked the first part of the movie but he later parts felt a bit cheesy. Most importantly, there was no need to show such irrelevant things in the last scene, that's the worst part of it. If you watch it with high expectations, the movie will disappoint you.

A somewhat feel-good coming-of-age movie

[abhijith-alpha · 4/10 · 28 October 2020]

Han Joon-soo is a rebellious high school kid who routinely flunks classes, gets into street fights and spends time with his other 2 delinquent friends. His parents, tired of his irresponsible ways, decide to abscond, leaving him with 100 dollars, to teach him a lesson or two about growing up. As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Immediately as he's about to run out of cash, he finds himself with an abandoned baby with a note claiming it is his child. After a few unsuccesful attempts to ditch the baby, he decides to take care of it. The rest of the movie deals with his increasingly precarious situation in school and financial-wise, as he struggles with his responsibilities. His only help is his two male friends who have their own problems, and his genius classmate, who harbours a crush on Joon-so. The acting is OK, as Jang Kaen-suk uses his good looks and devil-may-care attitude to swagger through the movie, but he does show some range in the latter half of the movie as his character starts struggling.Song Ha-yoon is somewhat stoic and child-like at the same time as the genius high schooler, and one might think it uncharacteristic for a young genius to behave the way she does. Having known some actual child geniuses, I agree with her take on the role, but they could have dwelt more on her interactions with Joon-so and the baby, as this is the way she gets herself involved in Joon-soo's life. It felt as though the movie ended just when the romance was starting to blossom. The parents have some funny moments, and Kim Jung-nan as the sympathetic Miss Cho is yet another promising character with little screen time. Watch it if you want to waste some time.