Not being one for suspense, I won't make you hold your breath for my verdict. I enjoyed My Sassy Girl and I recommend that you go see it, regardless of how old you are or where you come from. Sassy Girl is a film that is uniquely able to appeal to a very broad audience, much like Harry Potter. This is less surprising when you consider the 2 hour run-time, although the film seems longer; there is plenty of time to include a little something for everyone.
Many audiences will be drawn immediately by the breaking of the fourth wall. The film is introduced by very cutely presented subdivisions, which splice the story into parts 1, 2, and a special 'Over Time' section at the end that tidies things up nicely. These serve to break the film up, Another attractive feature of the movie is the presence of a likable narrator, Gyeon-wu, who comically relates the details of his life to the audience and gives the international viewer a glimpse into Korean culture. The charm of both the male and female leads are irresistible and despite the self-aware nature of the film, viewers world-wide will find themselves being sucked into the characters and their romantic saga.
The film presents a contemporary perspective on Korea's high-speed urban lifestyle while still maintaining traditional, cultural roots. Focusing on a characters in their early twenties allows younger viewers to connect with the film, seeing their ideal selves projected onto the silver screen. The film's love story is one of a newer generation, not pure like classical ones, but dirty and confusing. Older audiences (Korean at least) are not alienated as an abundance of traditional references are present in the film, from the architecture of Gyeon-wu's home to the attention to social hierarchies to the family arranged romances. I associate the older viewers of this film with Gyeon-wu's professor: his age belies his hip nature and awareness of youth culture.
If you're still reading at this point, you've probably already seen the movie (and are perhaps my professor), so I don't feel inclined to endorse this film once more. Instead, contemplate how you connected to the film and why (or if you didn't at all). Does your relationship with the movie resemble what I've describe above? Feel free to comment on this or your general sentiment regarding Sassy Girl or my writing.
1 comment:
Well, first, I hope I am not the only one reading your comments on different international films. Tell some friends about your blog. Second, I believe your response is honest, so when you say you don't feel inclined to endorse it again, what exactly do you mean? Your observation about the urban setting of this Korean film and how it interacts with traditional values is an important one. This comment recognizes the possibility of a modern world in many parts of the world, but modernity does not efface traditional values. At least, we can see that in this film.
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