Just Watched: A Man and A Woman

This is rare. I woke up this morning and thought I must watch A Man and A Woman before Bel removes it from Plex. Of course, I was battling with myself, too. I’m not a fan of watching Korean movies. But remembering that Gong Yoo and Jeon Do Yeon are in it, I thought I should give it a try. And guess what? It was worth my time. One hour and 55 minutes worth of my time. I didn’t give up my sleep for nothing! The movie was excellent! I blushed, giggled, shocked, and cried. Yes, A Man and A Woman is worth your time, too!

The story is simple. And the show was done in the most simplistic way yet beautifully choreographed. The subtleness of the two leads really produced the most desirable chemistry you did not expect to see. Despite few nudity scenes, I believe they were necessary to show how important they are to each other. Wait, important is too subtle to describe. Desire. They each desire for each other’s warmth. Why? Loneliness is a scary thing. This is my second movie with Jeon Do Yeon. I first saw her in Way Back Home. I was struck by her soft beauty, elegant and powerful acting. And Gong Yoo… I don’t recall I have seen him in movies. Hmmm, maybe not too many. But in this one, he really stole my heart. He showed me his vulnerability and weakness through his eyes yet gave that happy and warmth smile despite his own problem. If I have my way, I would give Gong Yoo an Oscar!

So how it began? Sang Min and Ki Hong met in Helsinki. They both sent their kids to a camp for special kids. Sang Min felt lonely after her autistic son left. She had doubt for leaving him in the hand of others. Kin Hong noticed her and offered a ride to the camp. On the way back to Helsinki, the road got blocked by snow and they were forced to camp out in a deserted cabin. One lead to another, they both spent a night there. In the arms of each other. The next day, they parted their ways without sharing their names and background. How could they spend one passionate night without introducing themselves? I guess the two were hoping to bury their one-night stand and moving one with their lives.

Fast forward into the future, Ki Hong happened to walk pass Sang Min’s workplace. She is the CEO of a fashion boutique. I feel that Ki Hong planned out this meeting. He wanted to see her. It seems too obvious to just coincidently passing by her boutique. They chatted and moved on. But Ki Hong seemed to be falling for her deeply. He is a married man with a troubled wife and daughter. Sang Min is married, too. Her husband is a success man who wants a good life for his autistic son. Ki Hong couldn’t keep her away and continuously following her around. Even to Busan. Sang Min tried hard to resist but in the end, she, too, fell hard for him. They are both two lonely souls who wish they could put their misery lives behind and stay together.

This is a beautiful movie. Even though the act  is forbidden by any religion, culture and standard, I found myself forgiving these poor souls. These two not only love each other, they seek each other for comfort. A Man and A Woman reminds me of April Snow. Both movies share the same plot: seeking each other for comfort. I must say though that this movie may not be your cup of tea if you despise a cheating act. But believe me, this movie convinced me that their adulterous act is, without a doubt, a good reason!