CLEMENTINE'S REVIEWS

19th January 2009
Christmas In August (1998)

Writer: Jin-ho Hur, Seung-ook Oh, Dong-hwan Shin
Director: Jin-ho Hur Actors: Suk-kyu Han, Eun-ha Shim

I wish I hadn't known this quiet romantic drama had swept the South Korean cinematic awards in 1998. Too much expectation.

Jung-won (Suk-kyu Han) is the quiet, content owner of a photo processing shop. He has a simple pleasant life with his work, and with his sister and aging sister. Early on we find out Jung-won is terminally ill, but he keeps this to himself and carries on with his life as if nothing was wrong. One summer day a young traffic inspector Da-rim (Eun-ha Shim) enters his shop and his life. They tell a tale of the subtle, undercurrent of love without anything romantic rising to the surface. Jung-won struggles to deal with his illness in any capacity, some really heartbreaking moments revealing edges of his pain. His relationship with his father runs deep. His relationship with Da-rim is wistfully restrained as he keeps her at a distance to save her future heartbreak.

The leads are really great without saying much at all. The writing was simple, real and tactful. However they don't ever push anything, and at points it can seem slow and uneventful. I personally was  probably waiting for something spectacular instead of enjoying the subtle storytelling. I was also confused by the title, but this can be up for interpretation. I feel I would have enjoyed this more as a short film.

You'll probably like this if: you like those films where people say things without words, and cherish small moments.

You'll probably not like this if: you prefer unsubtle full on Korean tear jerkers; or if you are Alaris or Zee.