Park Chan-Wook’s latest is similar to the directorial styles of his well know films such as Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, and Joint Security Area. So is the screen filled with beautiful images full of color and life? You betcha… however… the content of the film is a far cry from the Vengeance Trilogy. Park’s new film is more of a love story, odd as can be, but still a love story at heart. So if you’re expecting Oldboy 2… don’t bother.
This is a romantic comedy of sorts, but not a light one. Park does dive into some serious subject matter. The film revolves around it’s lead actress Im Su-jeong (who you may recognize from the wonderful horror; Tale Of Two Sisters). She plays the part of a sad girl in a mental institution where most of the film is played out where she believes she is a cyborg and refuses to eat. As her health deteriorates, an interest is acquired by another patient played by pop star Bi (Rain). What ensues is a melancholic turned lovely tale of two characters dealing with their past finding each other in the most odd of circumstances.
This is not played out like a typical rom com; I.E. machine guns coming out of Im’s fingers blowing away all the nurses. This is a sad yet amusing love story told like nobody besides Park could tell it. The story is touching, sad and funny. The visuals, effects and set designs are simply beautiful. Again, if you’re looking for a blood filled, revenge story this is not for you. If you’re looking for a non typical romantic comedy with style to spare then give it a go!
