Always

A melodramatic romantic film that is suppose to be a tearjerker but ends up not succeeding

 

Cheol-Min is a man who works various odd jobs eventually becoming a part time parking lot attendant where he meets the gorgeous yet naïve woman Jung-Hwa. Cheol Min has a mysterious past and is not always open to Jung-Hwa. Jung-Hwa goes into the booth in order to watch a late night drama which she used to watch with the previous attendant. Realizing she is blind Cheol-Min speaks up only to frighten her. Wanting to get closer to her or taking pity on her Cheol-min lets her come into the booth to watch the drama.

 

Always appears to a box office romance that could have been better in some parts.

 

The dramatic scenes are the best part of the movie as the rest could have been better. I understand that some scenes were necessary in order to show character growth and to further the story but the middle section of the movie could have been better. It wasn't as emotional as the other parts in the movie and it didn't really fit for what the movie was going for.

 

Cheol-min (So Ji-sub) is a complicated man who barely speaks and is quite closed off from the world. The fact that he barely talks appears to be not from choice but more of the fact that he doesn't know how to handle certain people. When he meets Jung-hwa we see him start to open up to her but at the same time he changes for the better or maybe for the worse? He is a hardworking man who is trying to run from his past and that is what makes us connect with the character. The man is not perfect but he is willingly to accept that in order to live with the one he loves.

Jung-Hwa (Han Hyo-Joo) is a happy go lucky woman who has her own shares of problem. She is blind but manages to still work and live on her own. Her boss is a pervert and gives her creepy shoulder touches. One of her few enjoyments is to watch a late night drama with the elder parking lot attendant but when he is replaced with Cheol-min everything changes. She starts to change as well becoming frustrated because of Cheol-min's closed heart that she is trying to breach. As the film goes on she appears to get stronger and happier until one day...

 

 

So Ji-sub did a great job, despite the fact that this role might look similar to his character in Rough Cut they are vastly different. Which is something to appreciate at his acting as it is different and he manages to be realistic with acting. He proves he is not just a face but manages to be the cool guy some guys look up to.

Han Hyo-Joo is quite beautiful and quite a lively actress. Her heart was in the film and at times you could feel it. I hope she attempts to do more dramatic roles in the future.

The poor directing in the middle part of the movie kind of threw me off because there would be a few good scenes but around those scenes were bad ones. I also didn't like the whole little twist towards the end of the film but that kind of theme happens a lot in Korean movies. The supporting cast at times were annoying and could have been better casted. I enjoyed the ending as it was dramatic and touching. To me it wasn't a tearjerker per say but it still manages to be an alright romantic movie you may watch with your partner.

 

 

3.8/5

 

 

 

Starring

 

So Ji-Sub

 

Also Appeared In:

Can not live without Robbery

Rough Cut

A Company Man

 

Dramas:

Master's Sun

 

 

 

Han Hyo-Joo

 

 

 

Also Appeared In:

My Boss, My Teacher

Postman to Heaven

Masquerade

Love 911