SPRING BEARS LOVE (2003) Directed by Donald Yong I. Written by Haung Jo-yun. Cinematography by Bak Ki-ung. A connected series of love notes scribbled in library art books convinces gawky grocery store clerk Hyun-chae (Bae Doo-na) that a mystery man - known only as 'Vincent' - is pursuing a relationship with her.
Meanwhile, an infatuated pal from her high-school days - shy, quirky subway driver Dong-ha (Kim Nam-jin) - relocated to Seoul to ACTUALLY pursue a relationship with her, which she rejects in favor of the erzatz paper chase provided by her mystery man, going so far as to pawn Dong-ha off on her friend at one point. Sweet, low-key, histrionics-free romance with a clever story concept that allows for a second act twist that's exactly what you'll expect and yet far more clever than it really seems. Not without its sentimental moments, but they're far more restrained than similar scenes in many Korean films of this sort. Not unexpectedly, technical production is sparkling, with gorgeous cinematography by Bak Ki-ung and art direction by Park Hyun-joo. Head slapping is nearly non-existent. I give it a 9.
Meanwhile, an infatuated pal from her high-school days - shy, quirky subway driver Dong-ha (Kim Nam-jin) - relocated to Seoul to ACTUALLY pursue a relationship with her, which she rejects in favor of the erzatz paper chase provided by her mystery man, going so far as to pawn Dong-ha off on her friend at one point. Sweet, low-key, histrionics-free romance with a clever story concept that allows for a second act twist that's exactly what you'll expect and yet far more clever than it really seems. Not without its sentimental moments, but they're far more restrained than similar scenes in many Korean films of this sort. Not unexpectedly, technical production is sparkling, with gorgeous cinematography by Bak Ki-ung and art direction by Park Hyun-joo. Head slapping is nearly non-existent. I give it a 9.