After watching this film for the fourth time, I have decided to write a review. After the first watch, it went straight into my top 10. After multiple viewings, I gained more respect for it. But we must remember a good premise doesn't make a good film.. You still need execution.
And yes.. It was executed well. First off credit to Lee Joon-Ik for taking this film in the right direction, he could of gone into police investigations and court battles.. But instead decided to take this tragic true-story and go down the route of love and support from family, friends and community. The score and cinematography will not blow you away, but it fits the theme and tone perfectly.
Sol Kyung-Gu (Dong-Hoon), Uhm Ji-Won (Mi-Hee) & Lee Re (So-Won/Hope) are all outstanding. Throughout the entirety of the film, they don't miss a beat. Never have actors made me feel for characters they way those three did and continue to. They rest of the supporting cast is also very solid in their performances.
You may think after the first time that the emotional impact would wear off, but Hope has brought tears to my eyes every time (during three different scenes too, but always scenes between Sol Kyung-Gu and Lee Re. The chemistry is real!). Yet it is the only film to make me shed a tear.
I believe this is both the happiest and saddest film I have watched. Tears of happiness, tears of sadness.. and incredible outrage. No film has ever come close to making me feel like this. I don't think another will either. A true masterpiece of a drama.
And yes.. It was executed well. First off credit to Lee Joon-Ik for taking this film in the right direction, he could of gone into police investigations and court battles.. But instead decided to take this tragic true-story and go down the route of love and support from family, friends and community. The score and cinematography will not blow you away, but it fits the theme and tone perfectly.
Sol Kyung-Gu (Dong-Hoon), Uhm Ji-Won (Mi-Hee) & Lee Re (So-Won/Hope) are all outstanding. Throughout the entirety of the film, they don't miss a beat. Never have actors made me feel for characters they way those three did and continue to. They rest of the supporting cast is also very solid in their performances.
You may think after the first time that the emotional impact would wear off, but Hope has brought tears to my eyes every time (during three different scenes too, but always scenes between Sol Kyung-Gu and Lee Re. The chemistry is real!). Yet it is the only film to make me shed a tear.
I believe this is both the happiest and saddest film I have watched. Tears of happiness, tears of sadness.. and incredible outrage. No film has ever come close to making me feel like this. I don't think another will either. A true masterpiece of a drama.