Esther Yu's Love Game in Eastern Fantasy domestically beats Zhao Lu Si's The Story of Pearl Girl
My Weird Obsession # 1
Ok, ladies and gentlemen, young men and women, I have a confession to make. When it comes to movies & TV shows I’m shallow and I know it. Now you know it too... judge me as you will. :-)
While an intriguing plot is important and will sway me in a film's favour from time to time, my usual way of picking what to watch next is to check out the 'hotness quotient.' If I’m not feeling the male lead I ain't watching. Well, not any time soon, at least. Now there’s a certain type of cute that I like, and the man featured in the movies I’m about to recommend doesn't really have it, but somehow he’s one of those oppas I follow around like a dog on a leash. Don’t ask me why. The guy just has me under his spell. To me, his charisma and incredible stage presence make him one of the most attractive Asian actors I've ever come across. When I watch his films I can’t bear to take my eyes off him for a second.
Yes, folks, Yoo Ji Tae is my weird obsession. Some of you might recognize him from the cult classic Old Boy, which brought him some well-deserved international attention, but he’s so much more than that. That’s why when the boss lady asked me to do this article I immediately thought, I've got to “introduce” this lovely man and fine actor to those of you who might not know him. I haven’t seen enough of his films for this to qualify as a “Stalkers Guide” but of the movies of his that I've seen, here are 3 highly entertaining ones for your weekend, in no particular order.
Love blossoms between two sound recordists as they record the sensual sounds of nature’s voice in the Korean country side. Their love flourishes as spring comes along, but as Sang-woo's (Yoo Ji Tae) intensifying passion reaches a fevered pitch Eun-soo (Lee Young Ae) begins to question their future. Will their love last or will it wane eventually… like the sounds of nature?
Country: South Korea Year: 2001 Genre: Romance
This film offers up a deep exploration of love and self-worth. I’m pretty sure anyone who has ever been in a relationship will be able to see themselves in these characters one way or another. Yoo Ji Tæ is sensational in his role as a man who feels too deeply, but must learn to accept the things he cannot change. With amazing support from actress Lee Young Ae, his performance is nuanced, reflected and memorable, by far one of his finest portrayals in my opinion. He captured the emotion of each and every scene: the happiness, the frustration, the healing superbly. Of all his films One Fine Spring Day is perhaps my favourite and one I can highly recommend for anyone who wants a bit more than your average fluff.
Synopsis:
Popular television announcer and radio DJ, Ko Sun-young, is hosting her midnight show Music & Movies for the last time. In the morning she plans to fly to the US with her sick daughter in search of treatment that can cure the child’s illness. While she’s on the air, Sun-young receives a cryptic text message from a man claiming to be her biggest fan. Little does she know her nightmare was only just beginning.
Country: South Korea Year: 2010 Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Granted, Midnight FM is not the most original movie you’ll ever see, but it’s worth a watch if you’re a fan of the action thriller genre (or a fan of the ever popular Soo Ae). I of course loved it for the great 'umphhh' Yoo brought to his role. Playing against his usual archetype, I found him eerily convincing as the deranged psychopath who terrorizes a horrified Sun-young. In spite of my gripes with the script, Yoo’s total embodiment of the role had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what the heck his character was gonna do next. Definitely a thrilling watch for movie night with the guys (or gals).
Synopsis:
Jang Do-young (Kwon Sang Woo) is a homicide detective with a violent temper and a massive chip on his shoulder. After the murder of his younger half-brother, Do-young is forced to partner with straight-laced, by-the-book prosecutor Oh Jin-woo (Yoo Ji Tae) to bring down the crime boss who ordered the hit. It’s an unlikely partnership because the men are day and night, but united in achieving their common goal, Jang and Oh are forced to put their differences aside. The question remains, however: can they?
Country: South Korea Year: 2006 Genre: Crime
If you’re a fan of the gangster genre, then this should be right up your alley. I love the testosterone driven world of gangster flicks. Why I put off watching this movie for so long, I don’t know but once I started watching I was hooked. A lot of it is due to the genius casting of Yoo Ji Tae and Kwon Sang Woo. The men have great chemistry and play extremely well off each other... in a way that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Kwon is also not too bad on the eyes. I certainly enjoyed Running Wild for its dedication to the genre, and once again Yoo brings something fresh and 'unputdownable' to yet another role that goes against his type. Watch this if you’re in the mood to get pumped.
I hope you’ll enjoy these films if you choose to watch them. Now my work here is done. Go watch some movies! :)
