The Chariot’s Review on Eternal Summer

Another one of these down-tempo Taiwanese dramas? In a sense, but one that quite openly deals with male homosexuality. A subject still prone to shock in some parts of our world. Apart from that, Eternal Summer simply proves to be among the best of its peers, enough reason to put it in the spotlight.

Leste Chen started out with Heirloom, a stylish and atmopsheric horror flick that didn't revolve around gore or scares. Such films are pretty hard to market so it wasn't too surprising his first didn't land him much success. Eternal Summer is a very different film and reaches out to a more typical Taiwanese arthouse crowd. Much easier to sell and so the praise he received for it was accordingly. The world isn't fair, nothing much you can do about that.

Even though Eternal Summer is considered gay-themed, it's actually a bit more complex than that. Central to the story are three characters who form a perfect love triangle. Carrie loves Jonathan who quickly discovers his heart lies elsewhere. He is secretly in love with his best pal Shane, while Shane is slowly falling for the charms of Carrie. Enough romantic troubles for a solid 90 minutes of film.

The plot thickens as the relationships between the three become more complex. Plenty of opportunities for melodrama and epic emotions, but Chen keeps everything under control, maintaining a somewhat lighter atmosphere and playing down some of the more emotional scenes. Not as drastic as seen in Japanese cinema, but it's nice to see these themes handled without 90 minutes of aching sobs and puppy eyes.

Chen is obviously raised on Taiwanese aesthetics. Even though his visual style is more colorful and a tad more stylized, some very typical Taiwanese elements surface in this film. Mainly the day scenes in nature, combining vivid blues and greens, will appear very familiar to fans of Taiwanese cinema. Visually Eternal Summer is a little more varied though, sporting some truly stunning shots and scenes with strong singular colors. Not the major leap in style that some others made, but good progression nonetheless.

The soundtrack brings a similar experience. Mostly subdued piano music weaving a nice setting but feeling just a little too familiar, though from time to time Chen shift gears to music with more balls. In particular the track during the party scene, pretty cool stuff. Acting is very strong too, all three main characters putting in very solid performances. Not the easiest of parts as some on-screen openness was required, but the three of them handle it extremely well.

Eternal Summer is a pretty straightforward arthouse film, but one that does things just a little better than average and gives you these tiny flashes of brilliance which lift it above the competition. Just don't expect anything earth shattering. I'm pretty sure this film won't convert many people to Taiwanese cinema, but for those who already have a soft spot for it Eternal Summer will come as a welcome addition to the collection.

After only two films Chen is well on his way to become a personal favorite. He has a keen eye and is quite versatile. Eternal Summer is a lighthearted, dramatic and somewhat dreamy film about three kids that share a little too much love for each other. A strong blend of puberal wonder and melancholic musings.

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Eternal Summer

STAR Wow TV: Eternal Summer: "Eternal Summer is a 2006 Taiwanese film directed by Leste Chen. This movie tells the story of Jonathan (Bryant Chang), a young man who find..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Pulupot

STAR Wow TV: Pulupot: "'Pulupot' is a story of Eva (Justin Ferrer of GMA7's Survivor Philippines), a hardworking transsexual entrepreneur who waits for the love o..."

Now, 8s ur turn to speak up!

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Campus Crush

STAR Wow TV: Campus Crush: "They call him the young man with soulful eyes, Joeffrey Javier has gotten the critics' nod for his performance in the movie 'Boylets' which..."

The Chariot Posted Doubt – Duda (2004)

When do you begin to suspect that the person you love is unfaithful? What will you do? Will you fight for love? How far would you go? “Doubt” is a story about trust and deception, sex and lust, life and lust.
Doubt shines on the main character Cris (Andoy Ranay), who is in his mid 30s and has been playing around in the gay community for years. After having sexual encounters daily, he finds himself wondering if his perfect mate appear after his 4000th date. After a particularly active night, he meets Erick (Paulo Gabriel), a twenty year old young hunk, whom he thinks is the one.
Erick and Cris get together, as Cris settles into what he feels will be a lifetime commitment. However doubt soon ensues as Cris becomes wary of Erick’s long hours and time away from home. The doubts grow in Cris’s mind as the evidence piling suggests that Erick may be cheating on him. Cris confronts Erick andtheir relationship starts to crack.
Meanwhile, Ben, an old encounter of Cris appears to ignite the past flames of passion. However, Cris sticks by Erick. However, despite his faithfulness, his relationship continues to disintegrate and Cris wonders if he is destined to lead a lonely life as he becomes undesirable as an aging gay man.
Information
Director: Cris Pablo
Casts: Andoy Ranay, Paolo Gabriel, Rey Oumaloy, Jojo Nones, Bel Clerigo
Release Date: July 12, 2005
Language: Tagalog
Country: Philippines

The Chariot Posted Beautiful Boxer (บิวตี้ฟูล บ๊อกเซอร์) 2003

Even in modern society where it seems that everyone is already expected to possess liberal and more open views, it seems that the two concepts of athleticism and homosexuality are still perceived to be alien from one another.  Sports and athletic activities are usually related with masculinity and physical prowess, while homosexuality, especially the male variety, is usually connected to things of a more feminine nature like beauty and grace.

So, for a homosexual to engage in sports may somewhat be a novelty at the start.  But for an actual homosexual to engage in Thai kickboxing or Muay Thai, a combat sport known throughout the world for its ceremony and graphic violence, it may indeed be a good subject for a feature film.

“Beautiful Boxer,” is a 2003 film from Ekachai Uekrongtham, a Thai director based in Singapore.  Be warned though: this film is actually a biographical account, meaning the film is based on a true story.  The movie is about the life story of Nong Thoom who became a famous personality in Thailand and around the world.  For one, he is a kathoey, the local term for a male-to-female transgendered person.  But in a country where homosexuals from all over the world  go to for safe and inexpensive sex change surgeries, a  kathoey may not actually be a novelty.

Yet, Nong Thoom rose to prominence because he became a Muay Thai fighter.  In a sport known for its graphic violence and high degree of machismo, Nong Thoom’s case was certainly a first.  This was the certainly the case as he insisted on fighting with full make-up , much so that it caught the world’s attention.

The film follows an American journalist who wanted to chronicle the life of this unique personality.  He got to know how at an early age, Nong Thoom cultivated his two skills – kickboxing and make-up application.  Being born to a poor family, Nong felt the need to master kickboxing so that he could fight and bring home prize money to support his family.  At the same time, he also started to discover blossoming feeling for some guys in his life, from childhood friends to training camp companions.  He would later grow a fascination for make-up, something that was introduced to him by the wife of one of his kickboxing trainers.  He then withstood the ridicule of people watching him fight and his competitors himself at how seemingly funny he looked, with a face full of make-up while engaging in a violent slugfest.

The critics grow silent though, as he always emerges victorious in his fights.  His fame grew, as he became known internationally, fighting even in Japan and later engaging in other careers such as acting and modeling. But in the end, the film showed that inside the beautiful warrior is the same kid who just wanted to find a decent way to support his family.

The film has been shown to largely art house crowds throughout the world, with most audiences giving out positive reviews.  The film did not run without the expected controversies, though.  A scene had to be cut when it was shown in the film’s native Thailand because of male frontal nudity.

Reality

He is now a she. In real life, Nong Toom’s dream has come true after undergoing a sex-change operation in 1999. Now a model and actress based in Bangkok, Nong Toom can no longer fight in the ring. Women are not allowed in professional boxing rings for men in Thailand.

Born into a poor family of nomads, Nong Toom spent his childhood traveling around the country with his family before settling down in Chiangmai province in the Northern part of Thailand. Prior to his big match in Bangkok in February 1998, he’d won 20 out of 22 matches in many provinces. He’s feared by his opponents for his trademark swooping kicks, flying elbows and stinging uppercuts. His deadly prowess in the ring made it hard for the public to understand his ambition of becoming a woman.

Undoubtedly one of Thailand’s best known kickboxers, Nong Toom is admired by many for his courage and despised by others who accused him of tarnishing the masculine image of Thai kickboxing.

Cast

Asanee Suwan as Nong Thoom

Sorapong Chatree as Pi Chart

Orn-Anong Panyawong as Nong Thoom’s mother

Nukkid Boonthong as Nong Thoom’s father

Sitiporn Niyom as Nat

Kyoko Inoue as herself (female Japanese wrestler)

Sarawuth Tangchit as Nong Toom (as a boy)

Keagan Kang as Jack the reporter

Awards and nominations

Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Best Feature Film, winner (2004)

Thailand National Film Association Awards – Best Actor Asanee Suwan, winner; Best Makeup Kraisorn Sampethchareon, winner (2004)

San Sebastián International Film Festival – Sebastian Award, winner (2004)

Milan International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival – Best Film, winner (2004)

Outfest Achievement Award – Outstanding Emerging Talent, Ekachai Uekrongtham (2004)

GLAAD Media Awards – Outstanding Film – Limited Release, nominated (2006)

The Chariot Posted Lovebirds 2008

Lovebirds another gay-themed indie movie is set to the silver screen.Lovebirds stars new actor Joseph Izon and, imported from Puerto Rico, Andres Alexis Fernandez, who will play the role of Alexis and Mario respectively.

Alexis is a foreigner who came to the Philippines to meet his chat mate Mario. As a filipino culture, visitors are welcome by family host with welcoming party of food, fiesta and people. When Alexis visited Mario, Mario’s parents told to the neighborhood that Alexis is a girl, but surprisingly it was Alex.

Mario’s mother denied that he was Alexis and introduced him as Alex the brother of Alexis to the neighborhood. His parents known about Mario’s sexuality until at the end Alexis become closer and fell inlove with Mario. With all the laugh and cry. A story of a foreigner in another country, different culture, and acceptance of love will have all a happy ending.

Additional Information

Directed by
Roni Bertubin (as Ronaldo Bertubin)

Cast
Andrés Alexis (as Andres Alexis Fernandez)
Joseph Izon

The Chariot Posted Sagwan 2009

What constitutes the line between enjoying sex and doing sex for money?

Monti Puno Parungao directs “Sagwan” which features six members of the hot hunks of Cappucino, an 8 man all-male group very much like Viva Hot Men and Men of Provoq.

An 18 year old sex virgin boatman named Alfred shares his journey to discovering life’s pleasures as he battles with his fears and hang-ups.

Set in a charming provincial town in the Philippines, where the river and the hanging bridge are equally popular to tourists as the young boatmen, Alfred reluctantly gives in to experience what his peers seem to be enjoying much.

His romantic relationship with his mute girlfriend, Cecilia (daughter of his landlord), and the self discovery of his family’s dark secret increasingly complicates his journey.

Until one unexpected chance awakens his innocence and makes him realize that ultimate pleasure lies beyond who you are and who you’re with.

The Chariot Posted Eskandalo 2008

Eskandalo is helmed by “Paupahan” diretor, Joven Tan. The movie itself revolves around Benny the only son of well known family whose father were a retired general has well kept his sexuality to a minimum level until he met Lance who works as a masseur and moonlights as a hustler.

The Filipino film Eskandalo is being reported to be inspired by a recent YouTube video scandal in the country and is centered on a similar event: A pen marker is inserted in a gay guy’s rectum and a video of the act causes a scandal. The victim (Emilio Garcia) is a 35-year old virgin who is a teacher, belongs to a well-off family, whose father is a military man and mother is an active Catholic. The pen marker insertion is essentially an act of rape. And the guy who did it (Andrew Schimmer) is a callboy who temporarily went insane during that moment because of a life-long insecurity with his small penis.

Emilio Garcia’s performance has captured a character of an older gay teacher who classically displays an out and proud boys love lover in front of other people but still hides his identity from his family.

He gave a face to matured old gay guys who came out maybe round their late 20’s who is just starting to know and explore the ‘gay life’ and making common mistakes such as falling in love with a hustler /masseur and hoping that he is the knight in shining armor that “all boys love lovers hoped for”.

The Chariot Posted Mga Pinakamahabang One Night Stand (The Longest One Night Stands) (2009)

Mga Pinakamahabang One Night Stand (The Longest One Night Stands) (2009)

Four couples…Mga Pinakamahabang One Night Stand is a collection of four boys love short films exploring themes of fidelity, relationships and true love in a world filled with complex societal norms permeating personal spaces.


It is a compilation of four short boys love stories entitled “Wait Waiter Wait”, “Tutok”, “Balot” and “Ang Pinakamahabang One Night Stand”, all about love, commitment, sex and satisfaction people can surely relate to. It’s a compilation of stories that will teach, break and mend hearts of both straight or queer men and women.


Additional Information:


Director: Crisaldo Vicente Pablo
Castings: Topher Baretto, Chris Canizares, Derek Estacio, Mark Aris, Gem Cabreras
Genre: Drama
Region: All Regions
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sinehan Digitales Inc
Run Time: 69 minutes

The Chariot Posted Campus Crush

Cris is a nerd college student who is at peace with his sexuality and yet maintains his virginity. His best friend, Chamyto, on the other hand, is determined to get every campus hunk that he can afford to validate himself. When three gorgeous hunks start a contest to befriend a looser for a week, both Chamyto and Cris become easy targets.

Cris immediately realizes this ploy. But when his ultimate campus crush Edge targets him, Cris cant seem to refuse. Cris begins to gamble on a seven day relationship that he hopes will have a happy ending. But its still a bet, so someone wins and someone looses.

Another boys love interest to look out for is in Joefrrey Javier. They call him the young man with soulful eyes, Joefrrey Javier has gotten the critics’ nod for his performance in the movie ‘Boylets’ which was both box office and critically acclaimed.


‘Boylets’ was Joef’s first try to perform in movies and now he has a second: “Campus Crush” which is a juvenile love story set in an imaginary campus where even a gender club is allowed. Watch out for the newest Sinehan Digitales talent Arjay Carreon in this movie.

Additional Information:


Director: Crisaldo Pablo
Genre: Drama
Castings: Joeffrey Javier, Arjay Carreon, Chamyto Aguedan, Casper Vargas
Country: Philippines
Language: Filipino | Tagalog

The Chariot Posted Circles aka Bilog (2005)

Circle is Cris Pablos latest digital indie film that tells stories of Filipinos who pass by the melting point of Quezone city, the Elliptical Road Park or Quezon Memorial Circle.
The story starts off with main character Cris (Archie de Calma) who is riding in a bus along the road when a robbery begins. With a knife pointed at his neck, Cris begins to see his life flash before his eyes. He asks the question ‘what could I have done in the past to save me from this?’ and then the movie unfolds to tell the story of Cris’s life in the days leading up to the robbery.
The movie pans to characters who journey through the same road and mingle with each other, in this seeming inter-connected point. There is Deo, a young attractive farmer, Paolo – a sex worker. Justin – a young sales representative, Migue – a gay student who moon lights as a sex worker by night, and Red – a fellow male gigolo. The movie relates how each of these characters become stakeholders in saving Cris’s life.
Information
Director: Crisaldo Pablo
Casts: Allyan, Archie De Calma, Craig Alcantara, Reiven Bulado, Xeno
Language: Tagalog with English Subtitles
Country: Philippines

The Chariot Posted Booking (2009)

In this pinoy boy’s love movie, Booking. Its main cast includes Marco Morales and Emilio Garcia. Marco is the one who made a frontal in the movie Butas.

 Once again, the people of the Republic of the Philippines will have a chance to watch another intriguing independent boy’s love  film, and it’s entitled Booking! Booking is a gay word for gays looking for call boys and having them as a meal.


Additional Information:


Director: Joven Tan
Writer: Joven Tan
Genre: Drama, Boys love, Gay
Castings: Emilio Garcia, Marco Morales, Mercedes Cabral, Snooky Serna.
Release Date: 4 March 2009 (Philippines)

The Chariot Posted Imoral 2008

Paolo Paraiso makes his big screen transition via “Imoral” opposite Katherine Luna and Arnold Reyes with Edgar Allan Guzman.A lot of people put a high priority on monogamy in a relationship.However, there are rare intances when the couple agrees to have an open relationship, allowing the participants to take other partners.


Imoral is the latest film from award-winning filmmaker Adolfo Alix, Jr (maker of the movie Daybreak). Alix is on a roll as he releases yet another intriguing film with morality, monogamy, relationships, and sexuality as running themes.

 The film revolves around the dynamics of the relationship between a wife, her husband, and his lover — all living under the same roof.Paolo portrays the taxi driver who divides his time between his lover and his wife, Katherine is a former waitress who is now selling beauty products for a living, and Arnold Reyes plays the engineer and nurturing lover of Paolo.


By living with such an arrangement, the three lovers become the target of the community.Things take a drastic turn when Dante (Paolo) sees a bag full of money inside his taxi.

 
The film deals with different themes that reflect today’s modern society. The three lovers in the film have to fight their own demons while facing the judging eye of the community around them.


They are faced with so many questions that only their hearts can answer. Will an open relationship work? Will an open relationship of a woman and his bisexual man work? Is bisexuality real? Is society ready to accept the concept of a homosexuality, bisexuality and hetero-homosexual menage-a-trois? Does money play a bog part in making or breaking a relationship (or in this case, relationships)?
The cast also includes veteran actress Perla Bautista, acclaimed indie actor Kristoffer King, theater actress Adriana Agcaoili and Cherry Madrigal in a very special role.
Directed by
Adolfo Alix Jr.
Writing credits
Jerry Gracio        (written by)
Cast
Paolo Paraiso
Arnold Reyes
Katherine Luna
Edgar Allan Guzman

Produced by
Arleen Cuevas   (Producer)


They are faced with so many questions that only their hearts can answer. Will an open relationship work? Will an open relationship of a woman and his bisexual man work? Is bisexuality real? Is society ready to accept the concept of a homosexuality, bisexuality and hetero-homosexual menage-a-trois? Does money play a bog part in making or breaking a relationship (or in this case, relationships)?
The cast also includes veteran actress Perla Bautista, acclaimed indie actor Kristoffer King, theater actress Adriana Agcaoili and Cherry Madrigal in a very special role.
Directed by
Adolfo Alix Jr.
Writing credits
Jerry Gracio        (written by)
Cast
Paolo Paraiso
Arnold Reyes
Katherine Luna
Edgar Allan Guzman

Produced by
Arleen Cuevas   (Producer)

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Ang Lalaki Sa Parola

STAR Wow TV: Ang Lalaki Sa Parola: "ANG LALAKE SA PAROLA (The Man in the Lighthouse) A Pinoy Indie Film, a homo-erotic journey in finding one’s true self Mateo (Harry Laurel) ..."

Now, 8s ur turn to speak up!

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Binyag (2009 Film)

STAR Wow TV: Binyag (2009 Film): "Binyag (Baptism) is an Indie film about a rural man named Leo (Ran DOmingo) who grew up with a love for the ocean. As a child, he witnesse..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Ang Lihim Ni Antonio

STAR Wow TV: Ang Lihim Ni Antonio: "'Ang Lihim ni Antonio' (English: Antonio's Secret) is a film by Filipino film director Joselito Altejeros. It tells the story about teenage..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Boy

STAR Wow TV: Boy: "Boy is a 2009 Filipino film by renowned and critically-acclaimed Filipino director Auraeus Solito. The 83-minute film produced by recounts ..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Discreetly

STAR Wow TV: Discreetly: "'Discreetly' is a movie about a young gay man who recently celebrated his first year anniversary with his live in boyfriend and brings the ..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Kambyo

STAR Wow TV: Kambyo: "Kambyo (2008) is written by Lex Bonife and directed by Joselito Altarejos. Starring Harold Macasero (AnnaKarenina), Ray An Dulay (Bathhouse..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Kambyo

STAR Wow TV: Kambyo: "Kambyo (2008) is written by Lex Bonife and directed by Joselito Altarejos. Starring Harold Macasero (AnnaKarenina), Ray An Dulay (Bathhouse..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Lagpas: Ikaw, Ano'ng Trip Mo?

STAR Wow TV: Lagpas: Ikaw, Ano'ng Trip Mo?: "“Lagpas: Ikaw, Ano’ng Trip Mo?” is another indie film directed by Hedji Calagui. Starring in the movie are Dennis Torres, Kim Allen, Miko ..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Masahista

STAR Wow TV: Masahista: "Masahista (English Title: The Masseur) is a 2005 Filipino film written and directed by Brillante Mendoza. This film is about a young man ..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Pinoy Gay Kamasutra

STAR Wow TV: Pinoy Gay Kamasutra: "Pinoy Gay Kamasutra is an offering of Viva Digital, it is directed by Monti Parungao of the controversial indie film 'Sagwan' and Hotmen of..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Pipo: Ang Batang Pro

STAR Wow TV: Pipo: Ang Batang Pro: "Pipo: Ang Batang Pro is Leo Films latest offering starring Marco Morales, the Frontal King of indie films and Tyrone Perez (Twilight Dancer..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: The Love of Siam

STAR Wow TV: The Love of Siam: "The Love of Siam is a 2007 Thai romantic-drama film, written and directed by Chookiat Sakveerakul. A multi-layered family drama, a groundbre..."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Sikil Theme Song

STAR Wow TV: Sikil Theme Song: "Theme song of Sikil 'Laging Ikaw' by Ron Jansen Solis."

The Chariot Posted STAR Wow TV: Chub Chaser

STAR Wow TV: Chub Chaser: "Chub Chaser is an indie film about Chubi who used to be stocky and sexy but today has a forty inch waistline. Starring Joseff Young, Jeff L..."

The Chariot’s Review on Boy Meets Boy (Movie – 2008)소년, 소년을 만나다 (So-nyeon, Son-nyeon-eul Man-na-da)

A short film with no spoken dialect, Min-soo and Seok-i come face-to-face after Min-soo drops a roll of film at Seok-i’s foot. There is an instant spark through the silent gazes. Min-soo gets off the bus, but Seok-i follows him. All in this time, a fairy gives them advice through a song. It turns out Seok-i had been following Min-soo with the intention of giving him back a camera, which was stolen when Seok-i and his friends mugged him.

As Seok-i walks away, Min-soo runs after him and they embrace.

“Boy Meets Boy” wastes no time with sexual imagery, bombarding us with lingering shots of film tubes, and of cameras that need a good loading. This is a short film, of course, so that kind of thing is to be expected and squealed at. What is not so expected, however, is the glowing Cupid girl that pops up in the middle of the gay bully/nerd romance, in order to sing an absurd educational song about the nature of cruising.

After tiny, earnest Min-soo shares a lusty bus ride with his masculine attacker and then meets him on the streets, Cupid pops up to warn, “Be careful when you hook up on the streets,” kicking off an entire animated tutorial. “Take control of the speed / If he keeps up with your pace/ You’re 100% sure, then go for it!” If you think about a budding Korean gay first discovering their lovely hormones, and then think about them watching this silly and disarming song, it’ll definitely warm your heart.

Still, you’ll wonder why it also had to completely interrupt a possibly endearing story. After all, couldn’t they have just put the song at the end instead of smack dab in the middle? Maybe it’s just like gay bully/nerd romance—reason has no place in the equation. Check it out for yourself.

The Chariot’s Review on Just Friend (2009)

Directed by Kim Jho Kwang-soo

Screenplay by Kim Jho Kwang-soo

54min | Release date in South Korea : 2009/12/17

Summary

This is one of my fave super cheesy pick short films.

In this cheerful romantic comedy about coming out of the closet, Seok-i (Lee Je-hoon) visits his boyfriend Min-su (Seo Ji-hoo) who is currently serving in the military. However, they run into Min-su’s mother, and to avoid suspicion, they  explained that they are ‘just friends.’ One funny episode involves the pair sleeping together, with Min-su’s mother sandwiched between them creating an awakard situation.

AKA as Boy meet Boy 2 , (PS : You recall the singing dancing cupid girl?) Well good or bad, you can expect to see humorous  short skits involving dancing transversite slotted in between the movie. While to some it may seem a little lame. Nonetheless it provides a light hearted and humourous touch in this cheerful romantic comedy.

The Chariot Posted Hello My Love 2009



Language: Korean

Director: Kim Aaron

Main Cast: Jo An as Kim Ho-jeong

Min Seok as as Yoo Won-jae

Ryoo Sang-wook as Lee Dong-hwa

Yang Eun-yong as Yeo Jin-yeong

Kim Min-gyo as Park Moon-gi

Kim Jeong-min as Lee Ha-na/Voice of girl with story

Full Review:

Hello My Love is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Ho Jeon (played by Jo An), a Radio DJ who has been eagerly awaiting the return of her boyfriend Won Jae (played by Oh Min Seok) from Paris. Before leaving South Korea for a two-year educational trip in France, Won Jae promised to marry Ho Jeon right after he finishes with his studies. The pair have been together for ten years already and as Ho Jeong has no parents anymore, she has become practically a part of Won Jae’s family. As far as everyone is concerned, their wedding is merely a formality.

Won Jae returns home as promised but brings a surprise with him, his roommate from Paris, Dong Hwa (played by Ryoo Sang Wook). Ho Jeon notices that the two are always together but she suspends any suspicions, reasoning out it could be because the boys are opening a wine restaurant. She waits some more, preferring to wait for the restaurant to open before working on their wedding. However, she spies the two in an intimate moment, shattering any illusion that the two men’s friendship is only platonic. This leaves Ho Jeong torn between leaving Won Jae or fighting for her man, albeit against and unexpected rival.

She decides on the latter and demands to Won Jae that they date first for a month and decide only after if he still wants to be with Dong Hwa. In the end, Ho Jeon finds peace with her situation.

In plain terms, Hello My Love is basically a romantic comedy between an unlikely love triangle. It does not really deal with homosexuality per se since this sensitive subject matter isn’t the issue. Instead, the movie focuses on the themes of heartbreak and loss, no matter what one’s sexual orientation is. The elements of meeting up in Paris and opening a wine restaurant seem to be the movie’s attempt at making a homosexuality more palatable. It likens being gay as exotic as being French. In other words, it is understandable to be gay if you have lived in Paris.

Ho Jeong’s line “If you were a broken TV I’d fix it and use it” also reflects most heterosexual people’s understanding of being gay as a defect that needs to be fixed. Instead of being inflammatory, this just reflects a woman’s heartache and her tenacity in clinging to a hope that she can change her errant lover’s heart.

The movie’s use of the heroine’s drink preference as a metaphor for finding peace is ties up neatly with the wine restaurant theme. At the beginning, Ho Jeong declares she only likes soju but towards the end, she becomes interested in wine even if it can trigger memories of the her boyfriend and the man who stole him from her.

Jo An delivers a very fine performance but the two male leads seem to have only a one-dimensional portrayal of their characters. Even during scenes where they display affection, it doesn’t come out convincing enough. All in all though, the movie effectively sends out its message that love can hurt, whether you’re straight or gay.

Summary: Radio DJ Ho Jeong (Jo An) eagerly waits for the return of her boyfriend Won Jae (Oh Min Seok), who is also on a two year educational trip in France. Prior of leaving South Korea, Won Jae earlier had promised to marry her once he is finished with his studies. The two had been dating for 10 years and the orphaned Ho Jeong gets quite close with Won Jae’s family and it is the right time for them to get married. Won Jae brings back his male roommate Dong Hwa, who seems to never leave his side. Ho Jeong thinks they’re just planning to open a wine restaurant together – but it turns out they’re actually together. An unconventional romantic comedy unfolds as Ho-jeong tries to win him back from a rival she never imagined having.