Smoreni Zmaj
Ye-jin Son is an angel sent to Earth to make movies for crying. Scene where she grabs his Coca-Cola, drinks it whole and burps is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Although story isn't original and there's quite a lot of movies made about same topic, the way this one is done is more than beautiful. Acting and directing are excellent, but two and a half hours is really too much. Although I was not bored at any time, I had the impression that the film lasts for an entire eternity. Since the film is able to keep the attention of the audience, or at least mine, from the beginning to the end, the duration should not be a problem, but in my opinion this length is unnecessary for a particular story. If I watched it in the cinema, I doubt that I would endure to the end. And end... I fell apart... literally.8,5/10
Derek Childs (totalovrdose)
Traveling to the cinema in South Korea must be one of the single most excruciating pastimes when one considers the emotional features their country is known for producing - imagine, 200 South Koreans, sitting in a room with a massive screen, bawling their eyes out, as the most melodramatic material plays out before them. A Moment to Remember is beautifully representative of this, and though some have previously criticized the feature as resembling The Notebook, not only is the film vastly different, it is also superior.Based upon the Japanese TV program Pure Soul, the feature opens immediately with Su-Jin (Son Ye-Jin), a young woman who experiences forgetfulness on a daily basis. As she later admits, it was her poor memory that led her to meet Cheol-Su (Jung Wu-Sung), who she later has difficulty placing when she happens to bump into him once again. Ms. Ye-Jin is absolutely phenomenal in this role, the desperation and tearfulness she articulates while trying to remember something, coupled with the blankness in her eyes when a memory has completely been erased, making for a truly heartbreaking experience. This is furthered by the performance of Mr. Wu-Sung, both of the leads having superb on-screen chemistry that brings the gorgeousness, and the agony of their relationship, to life.The visuals, from the lavish openness of the natural environment Cheol-Su intends to build their dream home upon, to the hominess of their residence, is sublime at capturing the affectionate beauty of the world that exists around the characters. The costumes brilliantly suit the leads as well, both in their occupations, and their personal lives, but it is the attire they wear to their wedding that is easily the most glamorous, capturing the romantic atmosphere of this touching moment.Although Su-Jin's memory deteriorates over time, rather than the tragedy been an instant occurrence, we, the audience, helplessly and painlessly watch as the gorgeous couple begin to experience the unforgivable pain that comes between them, their love, and their memories, though Cheol-Su's determination to remain by Su-Jin's side is possibly the most painfully beautiful occurrence of all. It should already be colossally obvious that this feature is bound to cause some tears, the later stages of the feature especially requiring tissues.Originally loathed by some of her co-workers for instigating a relationship with a fellow individual in their department, Seo Young-Min (Baek Jong-Hak), a married man, prior to the commencement of the film's storyline, as Su-Jin's memory begins to fracture, and Seo ventures back into her life, desperate to rekindle their affair, Su-Jin begins exhibiting difficulty attempting to differentiate the past, from the present.Though Su-Jin later stipulates how Cheol-Su never vocally admitted his love for her, the tears he sheds, after admitting he couldn't cry no more after experiencing a painful upbringing, brilliantly visualizes the agony he suffers each time he looks at the woman he loves, only to have her look at him like a stranger. The performances by the other cast members assist in further drawing the viewer into the world of the characters, and though the doctor who discovers Su-Jin's condition, D Lee (Kwon Byung-Gil) is blunt and unforgiving in his description of her mental affliction, he captures the unsympathetic realism that so many doctors demonstrate in reality.The script, which accentuates the dramatic elements, alongside using occasional humor, is delightful, and the soundtrack, that is designed to help the audience comprehend the feelings taking place during the accompanying moments, is equally excellent. Occasionally cute, touching, sad, but always honest in its depictions, A Moment to Remember is not a film that can be watched - it has to be, for it is dramatic excellence at its finest.
