Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

Jacomedi A Surprisingly Unforgettable Movie!

Taraparain Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Usamah Harvey The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

romeogbrl After seeing the youth oriented t.v. drama "You're Beautiful", I was quite unprepared by the mature tone of "Always". This is a very engaging Korean melodramatic movie which centers on the characters Chul-Min (So Ji Sub) and Jun Hwa (Hyo Ju Han)and directed by Il Gon Song.As a fan of action movies, I cannot help but compare the characters to a certain Luc Besson film, 1994's "Leon". Chulmin is very similar to Jean Reno's hit-man; both are isolated from society and are either socially inept or total outcasts. While Jun Hwa's blindness is comparable to Natalie Portman's innocence in her portrayal of the 12 year old girl, Matilda. There are even scenes in both movies that convey the same atmosphere or vibe. Leon approaching the exit while stalked by a gun-toting Stansfield played by the brilliant Gary Oldman is comparable to a bloodied Chul-Min lying on the fight room floor. The same melancholic chiming music can be heard in the background as these scenes are transpiring which is remarkable considering the contrasting styles of the respective directors.But unlike Besson's film, "Always", at least has a happy ending for both protagonists.The music score is excellent as well as the cinematography. The cast is also very commendable for their individual performances (including the golden retriever playing "Easy/Zinga").Still, it is not completely without flaws. The film has a middle section that is quite plodding in its pacing when Chul-min and Jun Hwa decide to live together. Fortunately, things once again pick up when a revelation about the cause of Jun Hwa's blindness is revealed.This is a really sad and touching film and the ending will truly move even those with hardened hearts. In a nutshell, this is highly recommended.

choryugin gr44 "Always" is just a little bit superior to your regular Asian romance film; on watching the movie, one marvels at the subtle nuances, the low-key expressiveness of the actors. In the hands of an inferior director, the script would have deteriorated into run of the mill mush but Mr. Song Il-gon covers all bases perfectly. I would like to shake this guy's hand personally and thank him for creating this masterpiece.The climax is definitely Jung-hwa's breakdown (near the underpass); to say this scene is one of the most moving pieces of cinema is an understatement. If I was an Oscar jury member, I would hand Han Hyo-joo a Best Actress trophy pronto. That type of unbridled emotion takes a lot of guts and balls to pull off. So Ji-sub is excellent as the hardened ex-boxer, Jang Marcelino/Chul-min. The support cast is also commendable for their individual performances.I'd like to ask a question though: how come Jung-Hwa never figured out Chul-min's face/identity after regaining her sight? She could've done a little investigation; the guy used to be a local boxing champion, surely there's a photo lying around somewhere. In spite of this minor foible in the plot, the superb acting of the cast and the masterful direction of Song Il-gon elevates this from the usual mass of rom-coms and romance dramas. It is such a shame that this was under-appreciated at the box office. "Always" is that rare gem and a definite classic of film drama.

Violet Sakura I loved this movie, the months I was waiting to watch it were not wasted... Han Hyo-Joo confirmed one more time her acting talent and bringing tears to my eyes. If somebody asks me to tell them about this movie in two words, I'll say 'warm sun'... This movie gave so many warm feelings... Director's and cameraman's work is brilliant... The game of lights in this movie, in my opinion, is one of the main positive effects... Because of the light in the movie... everything is printed in the smallest details in my brain... the girls clothes... the guys hair... the sun in the room... the beautiful kiss... the family feeling with the dog... the massage...the drama watching time...their field full of the yellowest flowers...her, touching his face to 'see' him... (I can go on, until I've told the whole movie..thehe). Though the plot is not something brilliant and new for a Korean movie, actors and the crew makes the movie unforgettable, in my opinion.. Watch it, you won't regret!

m-afrodith OK, it is easy to guess the story but I must admit that it is very good directed. The actors are terrific in performance and appearance. Ji-Sub So is very handsome (his face is one of the prettiest Korean faces I have ever seen combining good looking with deep voice and attractive sportive image) and his acting is pretty good, specifically at the end. Jeong-hwa is the sweetest girl I have ever seen in Korean movies and her performance is excellent as well. I thinks she has a big future as an actress. The directions is very touching and manages to describe the depth of the characters. I am a 33-year-old-cynic female pig but I cried because of the movie.