Love the cast. The writing could have been better, but I thought the "twist" is actually quite clever and appropriate to the plot and its theme.
27 Reviews
Loop-de-loop
AJ_McAninch4 June 2021
The reality of every relationship
mcathy_joy7 June 2021
I love this movie as this is realistic than most of the common movies we had. It shows how work, stress, pressure, misunderstnding and long distance affects our relationship in real life. It will made you realize a lot of things like cheating is not a mistake but a choice that can affect your life and future. Most common movies are fantasy and not the reality of our life but some say the ending of this was actually not good but personally, I like the ending of this as it gave us a more "REALISTIC" ending than the usuall "HAPPY ENDING". This is the reality of our life now a days so don't expect a happy ending in every movie you watched. We have to appreciate this kind of movie who will give us LIFE LESSONS instead of UNREALISTIC ending. 😊
Last 12 mins is game changer
alinakhadgiak8 June 2021
Looks like an unfinished movie
T-xoo6 June 2021
The themes presented in the movie are the reality that face most of Asian country workplaces, especially Japan and South Korea. Endless working hours, being bossed around without guaranteed of being a perm, and work affecting relationships, etc. Certain companies are moving forward on focusing on the well being of their employees. But this movie still show what is currently still the society. The note for me is reflecting what this movie is showing. It does it's job if you just want to see the truth.
In the third act, the viewer will just feel like the movie is weird or unfinished. We can think there are still questions left. But deep down, they all have been answered.
Just feeling disappointed because i'm not watching a movie to see it telling me what people are facing in the real world. I don't care about that. There are documentaries for that. Ain't people watching movies because they want to evade the real world? Would have liked a better ending.
In the third act, the viewer will just feel like the movie is weird or unfinished. We can think there are still questions left. But deep down, they all have been answered.
Just feeling disappointed because i'm not watching a movie to see it telling me what people are facing in the real world. I don't care about that. There are documentaries for that. Ain't people watching movies because they want to evade the real world? Would have liked a better ending.
Well-made but lacks deeper and moving emotions
Sir_AmirSyarif6 June 2021
Based on the novel 'Initiation Love' by Kurumi Inui, Lee Gye-byeok's 'Sweet & Sour' is well-constructed and well-acted, but lacks deeper and moving emotions when it comes to its narrative. The writing feels repetitive and stretched out at times but delivers home the point. Though rushed, the movie's twist offers a powerful ending that may stick with some viewers and reinforces the thoughtful themes displayed in the film.
Twist Different Than I Thought
PalmBeachG21 March 2022
The title of the movie tells it all I guess, I should have known, but I was hoping that Jang Ki-yong would have played a more sweeter character than a scoundrel boyfriend. I searched for him specifically; I like his acting and hope to see him cast in something else soon. When the movie first came on, I was suspicious and expecting something like this, but the twist was actually different than I thought in the end.
Just a waste
duckybhai-9100629 August 2021
Sour and sour
elsamirre9 November 2022
Yes, as someone pointed out, there was no "Sweet". This was a very sad (and sadly common) story. As KD lovers, even if there is no happy ending, or no ending at all, we at least get to dream about neverending loves. That's how we tend to forget that there is no such thing... The film left me very distraught, it was hard to sleep after that.
Still. It was good. It's true that the nurse was never in love with her patient, but it was obvious to me from the beginning. People use other people to move on, that's just how it is. Also, people drift apart when all they see of each other is routine and exhaustion. On the contrary, people get closer when they share their time and interests. No happy ending, no great love story, just bare, real life. We can't hold this against the movie. Just. If you're in a long distance relationship, avoid watching, it WILL bring you down.
The ending was as satisfying as could be. There was no "loop", and the story wasn't "re-written". Pay attention, the story doesn't change. It's just a smart, brillant, and very satisfactory plot twist that sort of relieves, a bit, the sourness.
Still. It was good. It's true that the nurse was never in love with her patient, but it was obvious to me from the beginning. People use other people to move on, that's just how it is. Also, people drift apart when all they see of each other is routine and exhaustion. On the contrary, people get closer when they share their time and interests. No happy ending, no great love story, just bare, real life. We can't hold this against the movie. Just. If you're in a long distance relationship, avoid watching, it WILL bring you down.
The ending was as satisfying as could be. There was no "loop", and the story wasn't "re-written". Pay attention, the story doesn't change. It's just a smart, brillant, and very satisfactory plot twist that sort of relieves, a bit, the sourness.
...What did I watch?
yulsmelon5 June 2021
(SEMI-SPOILERS AHEAD)
I have many problems with this film. But I will start with the positives. The acting is pretty decent and the writing is not bad but could be improved. I like the humble start to this film. But there are many, many problems. The TWIST to this film is very forced and surprisingly bad! I felt like the writers and director were going to make a simple, cliche type of romance comedy film. But when they didn't know how to end the film..
They just rewrote the whole film so that the twist could work. I liked how the start of the film was going. It was not amazing the was done well. But the third act really made this whole film tumble down. The twist is very confusing and because of how the film is set up to be.
Also some characters are left out that were great in my opinion. Like the parents, they were great side characters! This film leaves you feeling very empty and doesn't really establish a good moral. Overall I do not recommend this film unless you are REALLY bored and have nothing to do. This film represents a good start, but a bad ending.
I have many problems with this film. But I will start with the positives. The acting is pretty decent and the writing is not bad but could be improved. I like the humble start to this film. But there are many, many problems. The TWIST to this film is very forced and surprisingly bad! I felt like the writers and director were going to make a simple, cliche type of romance comedy film. But when they didn't know how to end the film..
They just rewrote the whole film so that the twist could work. I liked how the start of the film was going. It was not amazing the was done well. But the third act really made this whole film tumble down. The twist is very confusing and because of how the film is set up to be.
Also some characters are left out that were great in my opinion. Like the parents, they were great side characters! This film leaves you feeling very empty and doesn't really establish a good moral. Overall I do not recommend this film unless you are REALLY bored and have nothing to do. This film represents a good start, but a bad ending.
You Reap What You Sow
Geeta35216 May 2022
I have mixed feelings about this movie. I felt that the slim Hyeok took his girlfriend for granted and abandoned her when she was pregnant, so that he could work late with his female colleague. Her pleadings meant nothing to him, and she apparently took affection wherever she could find it -specifically in her obese patient turned friend. I feel that her boyfriend got what he deserved in the end. Watch this one when you have nothing else to do.
Realistic, maybe !
ajchapter135 September 2021
Well the movie shows the practical aspects of modern day relationships, totally agree with that, complete reality. But does it give any hope ?
I gave it a rating of 4 because there was nothing sweet about it, it was all sour, left a bad taste for me.
I gave it a rating of 4 because there was nothing sweet about it, it was all sour, left a bad taste for me.
This film exposes the toxicity of work and impact has on relationships
karolinecelis5 June 2021
I haven't watched the full movie yet, and only watched parts of the movie, so I'll re watch the movie due to the toxic things it sheds light on, and what needs to be fixed. The positives of this movie is that it's bringing issues we humans have in the real world, which perfectly matches which we're dealing with is labor, expectations, and impacts it has on relationships with anyone not just romantic, it includes family, and friends.
What I didn't seen coming is the couple bashing at each other. Because both of them needed rest and vacation from work, and rest for real. I've watched some films or shows where the author of the original story, characters, and ideas exposes the toxicity of work, and the impacts it has on us humans psychologically, and spiritually.
The reason I gave a six which could be relationships are not perfect, and there will be some challenges, and struggles ahead of them, still there will be positives. Instead of blaming each other the character could understand each other, and clear up any misunderstandings. Plus, misconceptions in relationships brings more pain, so the characters shouldn't make things difficult as it seems, and fix their mistakes, or move on already.
Overall, this is not a bad film it's average and the characters needs to spend quality time together, and find a job without toxic manager, or boss who is not an ass.
What I didn't seen coming is the couple bashing at each other. Because both of them needed rest and vacation from work, and rest for real. I've watched some films or shows where the author of the original story, characters, and ideas exposes the toxicity of work, and the impacts it has on us humans psychologically, and spiritually.
The reason I gave a six which could be relationships are not perfect, and there will be some challenges, and struggles ahead of them, still there will be positives. Instead of blaming each other the character could understand each other, and clear up any misunderstandings. Plus, misconceptions in relationships brings more pain, so the characters shouldn't make things difficult as it seems, and fix their mistakes, or move on already.
Overall, this is not a bad film it's average and the characters needs to spend quality time together, and find a job without toxic manager, or boss who is not an ass.
Worth watching one for sure
vpashish30 December 2021
This movie has a wide range of emotions to offer, comedy is at its best and will provide you with those hilarious and refreshing laughs. Simultaneously cute scene will uplift the mood and emotional scenes inclined towards reality will force you to think. Concrete life lessons will add more taste by acting as salt in this dish which mainly aims to be sweet and sour. Beautiful movie. Korean flim industry is really getting better and better. They take simple concepts and turn them into a masterpiece. And all this by utilising minimal resources and that's where talent comes in.
A simple romantic comedy? Not really so!
darylmaya15 December 2021
This starts as a seemingly offbeat romantic comedy. A part-time nurse, overworked and barely eking a living. A chubby and nerdy engineer who has caught hepatitis and is hospital ridden. Both do not seem to have any close supportive family or relatives. Their weird circumstances seem to bring them close together. They also seem to help each other out become a better person, and bear through it all. All seems to be going good, until a far away and demanding job in Seoul and a long commute start to undermine their relationship.
But does it? Their is more to this rom-com than meets the eye. It definitely has a great and unexpected twist at the end that makes it more than worth watching.
The acting, script, directing, and editing are top notch. A beauty.
And while only two/four main actors seem involved in this movie, the overall cast is outstanding. Very senior and well known actors are placed in random small positions that add to the quirkiness and heft of the movie.
But does it? Their is more to this rom-com than meets the eye. It definitely has a great and unexpected twist at the end that makes it more than worth watching.
The acting, script, directing, and editing are top notch. A beauty.
And while only two/four main actors seem involved in this movie, the overall cast is outstanding. Very senior and well known actors are placed in random small positions that add to the quirkiness and heft of the movie.
charm raises this triangle romance above the typical
j_eyon31 August 2022
"Sweet & Sour" is a movie with 3 segments - first comes the budding romance of the first part between a nurse and a fat guy - second comes analmost ho-hum romantic triangle - and finally - in the last several minutes - comes the turn-about resolution - it's a bit of a cheat but i didn't find it annoying - tho others might
the best part of the movie are the bright & striking visuals - by director Lee Kae-Byeok - aided by a cinematographer whose name wasn't translated in the credits
big contributions are also made by the actors - with San Francisco-born Krystal Jung (aka Jung Soo Jung) at her prettiest - and she needs every ounce of that to compete with the adorable Chae Soo Bin as the nurse - the other vertex is played by Jang Ki Yong with the intense eyes - and let me add Lee Woo Je as the fat jaundice patient who is often overlooked in reviews of the movie
there is a little spoken english - just words or phrases - but it's nice to hear Krystal's pure american pronunciation - which is pretty rare in korean movies and tv - despite the pool of anglophone actors available in korea
the screenplay is based on a story by japanese writer Inui Kurumi - since i haven't read the source story - i don't know if the charm that can be found in this film is due to him - or to someone in the korean production.
the best part of the movie are the bright & striking visuals - by director Lee Kae-Byeok - aided by a cinematographer whose name wasn't translated in the credits
big contributions are also made by the actors - with San Francisco-born Krystal Jung (aka Jung Soo Jung) at her prettiest - and she needs every ounce of that to compete with the adorable Chae Soo Bin as the nurse - the other vertex is played by Jang Ki Yong with the intense eyes - and let me add Lee Woo Je as the fat jaundice patient who is often overlooked in reviews of the movie
there is a little spoken english - just words or phrases - but it's nice to hear Krystal's pure american pronunciation - which is pretty rare in korean movies and tv - despite the pool of anglophone actors available in korea
the screenplay is based on a story by japanese writer Inui Kurumi - since i haven't read the source story - i don't know if the charm that can be found in this film is due to him - or to someone in the korean production.
For mature persons
luismcdbrito18 February 2023
Only grownups understand this movie.
In modern societies persons spend more time at work with the people they work with than at home with family or in any kind of relationships.
Human emotions are made and created of chemistry, produced by our bodies that make our brain and body react to the middle environment.
Then humans create bonds with eachothers.
But our brain is in charge we choose wich emotions to explore and the ones to opress.
This movie is about all that.
A grownup and experienced human being it should be more able to stop the bonds that shoud grow and the ones who doesn't. Especially if kids are part of the equation.
In reality most people are kids for life and never grow up.
You should watch.
In modern societies persons spend more time at work with the people they work with than at home with family or in any kind of relationships.
Human emotions are made and created of chemistry, produced by our bodies that make our brain and body react to the middle environment.
Then humans create bonds with eachothers.
But our brain is in charge we choose wich emotions to explore and the ones to opress.
This movie is about all that.
A grownup and experienced human being it should be more able to stop the bonds that shoud grow and the ones who doesn't. Especially if kids are part of the equation.
In reality most people are kids for life and never grow up.
You should watch.
what a surprise!!!
vnussghayumi26 June 2021
Pretty good, not amazing.
maresasumardi15 November 2021
Its a simple story with a twist at the end. You actually feel happy for the chubby guy and feel sad for the nurse. But no deep emotions.
The point of the story is delivered well, the acting is on point, pacing is okay. Generally an okay movie.
The point of the story is delivered well, the acting is on point, pacing is okay. Generally an okay movie.
interesting love story
deepudp9 September 2021
Clever Storyline!
cbh-141765 August 2022
It kept me going! The plot twist was so unexpected and kept me thinking back of the first half of the movie, so much that I couldn't help but discuss it with my partner later. For the first time I watched a Korean movie that is exciting. It's very well-written and worth watching.
I would put more stars if the movie was FINISHED.
clne29 May 2023
Is there going to be a continuation?, sorry I do not read Korean , maybe it says to be continued?. If it wont continue then 5 star. I only watched this because of Krystal Jung she's an awesome actress.
Like the other reviewer said this is just a working life in Korea or Japan , they work your butt off and I thought they work your butt off here in the US. I guess I wont survive if i stayed living in Asia , but Philippine workplace isn't as bad or isn't as strict as Korea or Japan.
Anyways great acting of the characters I hope that they will continue this story and don't leave us hanging like this,
Like the other reviewer said this is just a working life in Korea or Japan , they work your butt off and I thought they work your butt off here in the US. I guess I wont survive if i stayed living in Asia , but Philippine workplace isn't as bad or isn't as strict as Korea or Japan.
Anyways great acting of the characters I hope that they will continue this story and don't leave us hanging like this,
Real relationships enhanced by great storytelling
Broadbean23 February 2023
First off, Chae Soo-Bin was made to smile, which there's not enough of in this movie.
At the heart of it is mainly the exploration of the relationship between nurse Da-eun (Chae) and civil engineer Jang-hyuk (Jang Ki-Yong). Two young, good looking people finding each other, trying to make things work despite long hours in the office and travel for Jang-hyuk. What sorts of sacrifice must they endure, and can love solve all problems?
With storytelling, context is everything. What may have been a head scratcher at times will likely be explained at the end. Regardless of the clever story crafting, this is no fairy tale, rather real life in its glorious ups and downs - sweet, and sour.
At the heart of it is mainly the exploration of the relationship between nurse Da-eun (Chae) and civil engineer Jang-hyuk (Jang Ki-Yong). Two young, good looking people finding each other, trying to make things work despite long hours in the office and travel for Jang-hyuk. What sorts of sacrifice must they endure, and can love solve all problems?
With storytelling, context is everything. What may have been a head scratcher at times will likely be explained at the end. Regardless of the clever story crafting, this is no fairy tale, rather real life in its glorious ups and downs - sweet, and sour.
Ummmm...
maheendaud8 June 2021
I just feel like I wasted my time watching this. I was fine till second half. I was getting happy at the last scene when the guy was going back but yeah they ruined it completely. This ending made me believe that I have successfully wasted my time on this. I liked the actors but story line made the movie boring. As I normally watch Kdramas for sweet and happy ending, so it's a no for me to like this movie.
IT IS REALLY GOOD
kirsmalic28 June 2021
If you didn't like the movie, it's simply not for you. The plot is so clever, many people may have been confused of it but if you're a lover of extraordinary plots you'll definitely love this. It seems like a simple romance movie, but in the end you'll be very very satisfied. I've never seen anything like this, and because of that it really marked my memory of the movie,
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