For this week’s Drama and Movie Thursday, instead of focusing on one movie or drama, this week we’re recommending a few movies to give you warm romantic fuzzies, especially since one of our contributors to Kcrush is getting married in about a week. So, in honor of her marriage, let’s all get the loving feeling with some of these movies and dramas! Of course, we can’t name them all, but these are some to get you started.
Love So Divine (Korea, 2004)
Love So Divine is a romantic comedy starring Ha Ji-Won as Bong-Hie and Kwon Sang-Woo as Kyu-Shik. Kyu-Shik is a seminarian who seems to always cause some sort of disaster in his seminary before being sent to the countryside to serve Father Nam. While there, Kyu-Shik meets Bong-Hie, Father Nam’s niece who is also a bit of a disaster and a wild-child. The two seem to constantly bump into each other like fate is bringing them together, causing Kyu-Shik to question his priesthood commitment.
The pairing of Bong-Hie and Kyu-Shik feels awkward at first, but the characters and the actors playing them warm up as the movie unfolds. The story is cute-but-predictable, but it’s worth the fun and laughs that come with it.
Howl’s Moving Castle (Japan, 2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle isn’t a traditional love-story in that it’s not truly a love story. The Studio Ghibli film based on the book of the same name is more about self-acceptance and consciousness, and with this, platonic love as Sophie (as an old woman) helps Howl and company become their true selves while getting Howl back his heart. Miyazaki makes it a point to not include traditional romance in his films, instead focusing on friendship and platonic feelings, but one cannot help but hope Sophie and Howl had a happily-ever-after after the movie ended.
Chobits (Japan, 2002)
Can love between man and persocom exist? Chobits explores this concept cutely and comedically through the series while blurring the lines between human-robot relations.
Humanlike robots called persocoms pretty much run Japan in the series, and the warning of “do not fall in love” is forever evident through the show’s human cast and Freya, the “dead” sister of Chii. As male protagonist Hideki maintains a porn addiction while working and studying for his exams, he is faced with his growing feelings for Chii and Chii’s feelings for him. While it’s not love in the traditional sense, the buildup of feeling for the series protagonists make it easy to keep watching all while rooting for an otherwise unnatural relationship.
Lovesick: The Series (Thailand, 2014)
Based on the online Thai novel Lovesick: The Chaotic Lives of Blue Shorts Guys, Lovesick focuses on Phun (Phumphothingam Nawat) and Noh (Kongyingyong Chonlathorn). Phun has a girlfriend, Aim (Chindavanich Primrose), but his father wants him to date his friend’s daughter. Phun’s sister, Pang (Nuchanart Veerakaarn), suggests he engage in “boy love” in order to avoid dating his father’s choice in mate. Phun and Noh develop an agreement to act as a couple, but they slowly develop real feelings for each other.
Once you get past the first episode, Lovesick has better pacing and storylines even though the acting can be wooden at times. However, the pacing of the budding romance is sweet and realistic and will keep you engaged.
Christmas in August (Korea, 1998)
Life is a portrait in Christmas in August, which stars Han Suk-Kyu as Jung-Won and Shim Eun-Ha as Da-Rim. Jung-Won, a photo shop owner, is diagnosed with an unnamed terminal illness that causes him to navigate the remainder of his life with death not far behind. Da-Rim is an adorable parking meter attendant who falls slowly in love with Jung-Won, only to have her heart broken by his absence. The film thrives on subtleties as it asks the viewer to lean in and notice the little things that mean a lot, especially in the face of death. While the relationship between Jung-Won and Da-Rim develops slowly, viewers may appreciate the blossoming of affection.
Straight from the Heart (India, 1999)
If love triangles are your thing, then Straight from the Heart will definitely speak to you. Starring Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgan as Nandini, Sameer, and Vanraj, respectively, Straight from the Heart explores arranged marriage, devotion, and discovering what love really means. Throughout the journey, emotions run high with different hijinx and moments of sadness and joy, but it’s engaging and sweet.
Queen and I (Korea, 2012)
Time-travel, romance, historical-drama, and action: Queen and I has it all! Starring Yoo In-Na as actress Hee-Jin and Ji Hyun-Woo as Bung-Do the Joseon Dynasty scholar, past meets present as they develop feelings for each other. The drama is engaging throughout with one moment at the end that will surely turn a viewer into a puddle of tears.
What are some of your favorite romantic movies? Share with us what they are and why, and we’ll share your recommendations on a future Movie and Drama Thursday!
— Joelle Halon