My Name Is Loh Kiwan (2024) User Reviews

what could have been a great one , with lackluster screenplay ended up an average watch

[fatemehsarbishegi · 7/10 · 6 March 2024]

I feel disappointed.

" The story was flowing along intrestingly and pretty good showing the male lead's hardships. I was hoping it would continue that way. His struggles for work and warmth and a roof over his head were authentic. " "The movie seemed to have spent more time on the "love" story and Marie's drama than on what should've been the focus of the story, Loh's journey to freedom. "

The Fl sounded like a spoiled brat. I didn't like her character. Plus, Their love plot sounded illogical.

The gangster scenes was just laughable and the European gangsters very stereotyped.

Song jong ki's facial expressions were almost the same. He could have done better.

The Fl's acting was okay. I think she deserves more recognition.

It was touching

[szxxy · 8/10 · 2 March 2024]

I don't get the hate it gets. Sure people thought it would focus on more in the part how did he get out of North Korea, but from the trailer and the info we got I knew it would focus more on how he lives in Belgium. I think it was interesting story and the acting was great. Only the drug parts kinda threw me off but it was only small parts. I have been waiting for a realistic, not over dramatic and romantic movie and I think this was it. Normally I don't even watch movies but this was the only exception. All together I think it was touching story and didn't have those awkward over acting scenes so it gets 8/10.

Emotionally moving, incredible characters, GREAT writing

[justepic-02214 · 10/10 · 1 March 2024]

This came out of nowhere and genuinely became one of the best movies I've ever seen. I didn't expect it to be this good. By the end of the movie I was almost crying. The very first thing I noticed that got me hooked right from the begining was how easy it is to empathize with and root for the main character. You feel the harrowing journey he's going through, and his incredible resilience. The writing and character arcs are brilliant. There are things that happen between characters that are built up in such a way where you start to fall in love with them as it's happening. Everything feels earned and the romance is incredibly strong by the time it gets there. These actors have AMAZING chemistry and are perfect in their roles. Lots of great performances and I even liked the villainous French guy who had a very strong and commanding presence on screen. I'd love to see more of these actors!

Compelling, Thought Provoking, Romantic

[cageronimolaw · 9/10 · 11 March 2024]

This tale will tear at your heart but also soar you to heights of happiness. This movie captivates, draws you in and enable you to feel the pains, hardships and joy that Lo Kiwon faces.

A must see. It takes us through a journey forged in pain and desperation and ends with love and hope.

There is no added fluff. This is a gritty tale that is probably all too real.a tale that comfortable people may find very uncomftable to learn.

Sitting in a warm spacious room in Maryland USA, it's hard to imagine what emigrants face. This movie is a first person rendition of the terrible plight of the immigrant, even in enlightened countries.

Don't we all deserve the freedom to live a full life?

The characters were very real, from his mom, friends and relatives, to the people who harbored him, fed him, worked with him, to the woman who entered his life as a villain and became a love.

Please watch this movie. It's making me be more proactive and human.

Started string as depressing slice of life Korean flick, but ended as a fanfic cringy forced romance.

[albatoolalawishaikh · 5/10 · 2 March 2024]

To clear an conceptions out of the way, the acting was rather perfect.

The movie started really strong and the things that Kiwan went through was super intriguing. I was invested and in the edge of my seat for loh kiwans in the first half of the movie.

Then, the girl's story came with its all sub-plots and forced drama. The gun gangs was weird and unnecessary. The love story was misguided and yeah Tragic romance is not my thing specially with this level of emo fanfic subplots?!! The drug scenes was a second hand embarrassment.

I CRINGED FROM THE VERY EXPECTED ENGING.

Ps: he was an ass hole with that factory lady and super forgiving with the female protagonist , it was irritating to watch.

"The amount of mid movies I watched for SJK should be studied"

Must watch movie for everyone. EMOTIONAL, EVOCATIVE and POIGNANTE

[Lee_SJK · 1 March 2024]

My name is Loh. Kiwan is an emotional rollercoaster that promises to take you on a thrill-filled journey of Loh Kiwan and Marie. Movie rotates smoothly from sadness to action, romance, Melodrama and beyond realism. The plot is well-paced, with the main characters developing progressively. Even though the changing timeline, it is never confusing and keeps the you (Watchers) entertained. Every one character's actions are legitimate and dependable. The Loh Kiwan movie carries a wide range of all genres that can be really liked by anyone (watchers). The cast of each characters truly symbolize their specific roles, delivering how the characters feel to life. Loh Kiwan triggers an indication on other cinematic brilliant works of the Korean film industry.

--> Outstanding Soundtrack, top quality Cinematography (Loh Kiwan Close-up shots, Belgium long shots 👌🏻) Visually amazing; the film displays beautiful atmospheres that reflect each character's existential experience.

--> Song Joong-ki's physical appearance conversion, and emotionally charged makeover are certainly the film's standout paths. His physical appearance is the centerpiece that allows ourselves to emotionally. Engage with the story in a deeper way. He again shown the versatility of his acting with this movie.

--> Ki-wan's transformation from at risk to strength is prominent, while Marie's struggles with addictions and issues with her family throw depth to her character. Their on-screen chemistry surpasses geographical. Boundaries, and narrates overwhelming feeling of mutual suffering and redemption that connects with watchers.

Strong Points

• Acting.

• Stunning Cinematography.

• Soundtrack.

• Direction and Story telling.

• Best adaptation, skillful writing.

• Perfect balance melodrama and realism of story.

DIRECTION - WRITTING

Director Kim Hee-jin utilised cast perfectly within the small look big story, i really appreciate her work of Loh Kiwan. Although it's an adaptation the movie writer brilliantly delivered the script with heart touching lines. Loh Kiwan standout with unique mix of traditional story telling with amazing scenes that make you enjoy and emotional feel in every moment. Magnificent performances by supporting characters.

Finally:- South Korean Film makers never fail to deliver a movie from Intense battles to emotional tales, and western entertainment media appreciate Korean Film Makers as " South Korea is a goldmine of original ideas and storytelling talents ". And we can saw it from Loh Kiwan.

Definitely one of the most memorable films I've seen. This movie may inspire, sometimes horrify, or send you into an existential crisis, but it will make you think about something new by the time you finish it. Despite its dark underlying themes, the film ultimately delivers an appealing message of hope and endurance, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and emotional ride.

A defector's harrowing journey with good acting

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 4 March 2024]

The movie starts off quite involving with Song Joong Ki looking like we don't usually see him all scruffy as a North Korean defector. He usually looks very clean cut with perfect complexion so this is a change. He acts convincingly, better than expected and it's good he could show his skills in a more challenging role. More varied facial expressions than in Reborn Rich and Vincenzo. It's quite harrowing to see his struggles as a migrant in China and then in Brussels and living the homeless life facing violence in the seedy underbelly of that disgusting city.

Along the way a romance is woven in with an emigree with a problem with drugs and more. Choi Sung Eun is quite a good actress here and has an attractive modern look too. Things aren't boring as the story moves through his struggles to stay in the country and her issues. The part that felt unconvincing was the big shoot out - it seemed far fetched and too much for the circumstances before.

Beaty queen Kim Sung Ryung looks unrecognizable as his mother. Quite a transformation.

At least there was a nice ending though a few unanswered questions remained about how they were going to live in the tropical destination.

Quite a good movie overall.

No idea why

[TheodoraEh · 5/10 · 2 March 2024]

I have no idea why they chose to go down this route, but this movie could have been so impactful. If they had focused on the whole process of being a deported North Korean defector. I was prepared to be sad by the tragedy of that situation even though I'm not into sad movies, thinking at least it'd give us some knowledge of what it means to defect North Korea etc. On the contrary though, this movie seems to focus more on the Belgium underground criminal scene. Personally I found that storyline ridiculous and uninteresting. Sorry!

As in many Korean movies, the number of tragedies one must face seem to be the indicator of how good a movie will be. So we get plenty here too, literally for every character, there's no escape.

The romance, we could all see it coming from the start, but it happened literally in a blink of an eye. I wasn't expecting it to turn romantic so fast and then remain till the end. I thought it'd be a political movie, but granted this was just me.

I had to fast forward and skip many parts without losing much of the plot. However, the last scene was very cute.

A tale of resilience and patience

[pranayjalvi · 8/10 · 10 March 2024]

A film about illegal immigration, seeking refuge, and the right to live, 'My Name is Loh Kiwan' aims at showing us the grim reality of immigration and life as a nomad. Loh Kiwan, played by Song Joong-ki, is a young North Korean defector who is forced to enter Belgium in a desperate attempt to survive. Enduring harsh conditions as the Belgian government determines his fate, he meets Marie, a drug addict seeking refuge from her troubled reality. Their survival amid the odds serves as the basic premise of the film.

The film masterfully juxtaposes the main plotline with a secondary narrative involving Marie's entanglement with nefarious elements. While this subplot adds depth to her character, it occasionally falters in its execution, with certain aspects feeling less compelling than others. While grappling with technical shortcomings, the film's central message of hope and resilience shines through, leaving viewers with a profound sense of reflection and empathy for the struggles of refugees. My Name is Loh Kiwan stands as a testament to the power of love to transcend barriers and illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience.

My Rating : 7.5/10.

Beautiful movie worth to watch

[abomicho-98198 · 8/10 · 22 March 2024]

I doubt u can find American movie in such quality nowadays, thank you Korean for still spending budget on such category of drama movies.

I also wounder what happened to American movie industry? I believe they need to go back and give more value to their work , we cant just keep watching super heroes stories every year with a complete nonsense logic, i dont even remember when was the last time i watch American movie make me happy.

Infact if i have to spend money at cinema and feel happy for spending my money i would go to that kind of movies

They are still giving value for family. Which it the core of our life if i must say.

All respect.

Started with emotional promising storyline but as you kept going its getting worse step by step

[wasanw · 4/10 · 8 March 2024]

The movie start with a promising story about aman struggling in foreign country and his emotional sad story of his mother but in the middle of the movie and when the female lead appeared the plot went down step by step her character was to annoying and irritating i was trying to find any reason throughout the movie to understand why she would choose such a miserable path to live her life. She had a caring father who was concerned about her and even gave her the freedom to live her life as she wished despite her wrong choices and the waste of her life. I expected, for example, that they would eventually justify her actions, like her distancing from her father because he tried to kill her mother in exchange for inheriting her money or any other logical reason. However, the absence of any logical reason explaining her reckless behavior throughout the movie made her character seem annoying and weak to me. So i couldn't empathize with her and that destroyed all of the story till the end.

Masterpiece

[manolisneos · 10/10 · 6 March 2024]

No words can describe this masterpiece. Couldnt cross my mind that Song Ki could surpass himself after Vicenso and reborn rirch but here we are at his best performance ever..His co-star is a perfect match and wonderfull actress also.. A magical movie which portraits perfectly the true challenges-barriers of an immigrant-the reaction he gets from society -a love story which proggresses so smoothly and with realness,world class script which challenges all ur emotions-and directed with perfection..Its one if the rare movies where u watch the time and never want to and for sure u ll want to watch it again.. For the oscars..

Cliche, cliche, and another cliche

[youhokyun · 1/10 · 10 March 2024]

This is the single most disappointing movie I have watched in the padt year. Started out interesting and then went down pretty fast. The storyline is flat out stupid. Full of cliche from start to finish. At the end of the movie I even got angry. Why would Netflix invest money on a stupid movie like this? I believe the director and those who participated in making the movie owe Netflix an apology.

Do not waste your time. Whatever you do, if you do not spend time watching this movie, your time is well spent. I wish I did not watch the movie. If I can go back in time, I would stop myself from watching this. I give this movie rating of 0.5 out of 10. Even 1 is too high.

An Absolute masterpiece...!!!

[PANDIAN120621 · 8/10 · 9 March 2024]

This flick came out of nowhere and didn't expect it to be this good keeping emotionally moving & hooked from the beginning...The emotional extinct at every point of the movie was beautifully portrayed by bgm and characters potrayal...

Song joong-ki, brilliant performance is unbelievable and well executed...As he tries to survive the most painful past, and an unforgiving future, is both heartbreaking and uplifting making to inspire that life is worthy enough at any given situation...Rest of the characters too did some fine performance in bringing the best out to contribute to this masterpiece...

The story explained the cultural differences of two countries Korea & Belgium Whether it was relating to pain or being bought into the character's indepth journey...The film stays with you a long time and reminds us of our humanity there by proving to show that "THEIR HAPPINESS LIES IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY " compared to wherever they go to live their life but their happiness is exist in their born country...

Overall only words can describe how beautiful this piece of art is...so do not miss this gem.

I could not believe that I would ever love a Korean movie this much

[firojkumarjena · 10/10 · 14 March 2024]

It's masterpiece the reason is first of all it's a survival story second the exact portrayal of North Korean defector neither over hyped nor under hyped it's exactly shown as it is nd second the actors they all nailed their characters nd another funny thing is they have shown romance bcoz to give people hope that there is something you can stick in to some people say why love story it's bcoz the love story makes it complete to watch otherwise it would be too boring nd everyone knows how much struggle an immigrant have to put to get a legal status in a different country nd I have liked the end quote of the movie is that i wanted to do all this it's not bcoz I want to live well in Another country it's bcoz I can live whenever I wants to love from 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

I call it the "Leaving Las Vegas" Syndrome...

[divemabini · 5/10 · 7 April 2024]

... And that's NOT meant to be a good thing.

LLV is close to 30 years old now, and it spawned (or popularized) the whole depressive, bleak, love story genre. Unfortunately, for many of us (me included), we don't want to waste 2+ hours of our lives watching a slog fest of one bad event, one poor choice, one chance encounter after another. The world has changed. A lot of folks are stuck in situations similar to this. We don't need movies to show us. We could watch the news. We watch movies to escape reality, not be subjected to a fictionalized version of day-to-day news reals.

This genre is (or should be) dead. You'll feel no better, informed, entertained, etc. After sitting through it.

Other gripes: The typical "leg-up" events that occur during the story that are needed to keep you watching. They make no sense and are out of place. This culminates in a "happy ending" which is so obviously Scotch-taped, tacked-on at the end, that you feel you got from Point A to Point Z without ever travelling through B thru Y.

Additionally, the lead love interest is so un-fleshed out, you have a hard time believing she goes from self-destructive druggie to reliable upstart, friend, and lover. Just another example of the jarring transitions in character, setting, situation, all of which aren't developed...they just...happen, and make this hard to watch with any interest.

To the folks that profess this is a "character development study". What character development are you speaking of? The random changes in mood, motivation, and behaviors? That ISN'T character development. That's lazy writing.

Don't fall for low ratings. It's beautiful, emotional.

[unrivaledraj · 9/10 · 27 March 2024]

I saw this on my Netflix recommendations, and as soon as I saw Song Joong Ki, I played it immediately. Even though he isn't the best Korean actor I have seen in kdramas, but I have always found his dramas to be good, his role and screen presence to be captivating and decent expressions and voice modulations.

This was the first time I watched his movie.

And it was probably his best performance for me. The first 60% of the movie, as he struggles to survive are purely heart wrenching. The FL was quite good, she's a pretty good actress and needs more recognition. And their chemistry took off for me quite quickly. Two completely broken people falling for each other and bringing each other out from the mess, so it was very believable for me as to why they fell so deeply in love. Someone extending a hand in your darkest of days.

The story by no means is something new, but the plot is nice, script was good enough. There are some cliched elements, but for me by no means they spoiled the movie.

I have seen similar movies, and they have often ended with sad endings. The whole time I was watching this, I kept feeling that this was gonna be a sad ending as well. But I'm so so glad, that it had a happy one. The makers could have easily made it into a sad one,but I'm glad they didn't take that route in the name of "art". For all the pain they suffered, and found residence and stability in each other, leads deserved a happy ending. So a point for that.

I was shocked to see a 6.8 for this. It's definitely above 7.5 with ease. Then I read the reviews and I felt like kdrama watchers couldn't bring themselves to see it as a movie, I see complaints about leads romance etc. They forget that this is a 2 hour movie and not 16 hour drama.

The love between leads was believable, the FL could immediately relate to his mother's death, as she has suffered something similar. And ML receiving genuine help and care time and again from FL, when he was completely helpless in a strange land. So here, them falling in love works for me.

I would have probably given it an 8. But seeing such low ratings irks me a bit.

Definitely recommended.

A kind of movie genre that I really need

[twilightsonam · 10/10 · 17 March 2024]

I loved this movie, the plot the story it really portrayed the real life challenges faced and the love story it all runs in a proper manner. I really loves such kind of genres. It was worth watching and such a wonderful time to spend watching. This story was really about moving on when we feel hopeless, and taking life of misery. How he lived his life , moving on carrying on with the thing , the lifes journey meeting everyone, bad , good and some are there who really cheer us and help us when we are in dire need . Meeting someone at a unexpected place, and at life that may become a half Ur world , and live for eachother.

A great movie

[mehmeteltvik · 8/10 · 25 March 2024]

I think it has a nice story line, and you get to follow through emotions and feelings. When a movie is based on a book u know it's going to be a great movie. They have done a great work on the acting, it feels so real and you are really feeling a part of the movie. This movie made me tear up, smile, be angry and happy at the same time. It was dragging me around and all across if the movie! It was super fun! I have only positive things to say about this movie and I think this movie deserves more attention! It is very good mix with drama, action and Love! And the whole scenario feels so realistic, in my opinion!