By Niya Diamo
Valentine’s Day is coming and you’re looking to see something romantic, but you’re tired of the classic chick-flicks with predictable plots and happy endings? Why not see something a little different this year? Here are some East Asian romantic films that would go perfectly with the bottle of wine and box of chocolates on that special day.
An Affair (Jeong Sa) 1998 – South Korea
An Affair tells the story of Seo-hyun, an ordinary woman and housewife, trapped in her marriage to a man that can provide everything but love. Her life suddenly changes when she meets her sister’s fiancée and falls for him. Trying to resist her feelings is pointless and attraction evolves into a passionate affair.
The Classic (Keulraesik) 2003 – South Korea
The classic is a powerful and touching movie about two girlfriends, Ji-hae and Soo-kyoung who are passionate about the same boy. When Soo-kyoung asks Ji-hae to write him love letters, he falls in love with her words, sadly written in her friend’s name. Ji-hae tries to avoid him, but their paths keep crossing. One day she discovers a secret box that reveals the story of her mother’s life, quite similar to her own...
Ploy 2007 - Thailand
The death of a relative brings a Thai-American couple, Wit and Dang, back to Thailand after a long time. They check into a hotel where fate brings them together with strangers, making them question their lives and their seven-year marriage that has changed into life without love. After a series of unfortunate events, the couple is faced with two options – to go on their separate ways or embrace each other in the hope of a new beginning.
House of Flying Daggers (Shi Mian Mai Fu) 2004 – Hong Kong
The movie tells the story of two police captains, Leo and Jin, accomplices in a plot to find the leader of a secret rebellious organisation called “The House of Flying Daggers”. Their scheme involves a blind dancer, Mei, who Leo arrests and Jin sets free in order to gain her trust and use her to find the rebels. But things get complicated and their love for Mei might lead them to a disaster.
Lost Paradise (Shitsurakuen) 1997 - Japan
This powerful movie tells the story of Shoichiro, a middle-aged man, whose daughter’s fiancée falls in love with Rinko, a married woman trapped in her depression and hopelessness. Shoichiro meets Rinko to ask her to end the relationship and despite their unpleasant meeting, soon they become drawn to each other and find everything they have been looking for in their lives.
Bungee Jumping of Their Own (Beonjijeompeureul Hada) 2001 – South Korea
This is a touching story about two college students who fall in love, only to be torn by a tragedy. The girl disappears without a word and we find ourselves 17 years later when the boy has got married and has become a teacher. As one of his students reminds him of his lost love, the mystery around her disappearance begins to unravel.Labels: cueafs |
