This low key, insightful, and ultimately devastating film quietly observes a callow young man in his search for love. Utterly ill-equipped for the challenge, he bounces from one encounter to another, hoping that he'll find the connection to life that's missing in his life, but instead, he causes pain wherever he goes in his self-absorbed quest. When he finally utters the words "I love you" they are hollow and come immediately after his admission of dishonesty, manipulation and deception.
There's a sad charm to the guy, especially if you identify even a little with his plight, and that takes some of the sting out of the film maker's subtle satire.
I was reminded often of Antonioni who also analyzed the failed searching of young people for love and connection in a culture that left them hopelessly alienated and cut off from each other except for their sexual couplings, which seemed to leave them even more selfish and heartless.
The performances are sublime, especially Sang Mi Chu, who lights up the film the minute she appears.
Not as depressing as I may have made it sound, it has moments of humor, and not a little affection for its characters.
There's a sad charm to the guy, especially if you identify even a little with his plight, and that takes some of the sting out of the film maker's subtle satire.
I was reminded often of Antonioni who also analyzed the failed searching of young people for love and connection in a culture that left them hopelessly alienated and cut off from each other except for their sexual couplings, which seemed to leave them even more selfish and heartless.
The performances are sublime, especially Sang Mi Chu, who lights up the film the minute she appears.
Not as depressing as I may have made it sound, it has moments of humor, and not a little affection for its characters.