"Moment to Remember" hard to forget
Joelle Halon
Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: Entertainment
Every once in awhile, a movie comes along that haunts your memory and offers much to discuss. There are times, too, when a movie comes along and packs such an emotional punch it keeps you engaged and in tears from beginning to end.
John H. Lee's "A Moment to Remember," a 2004 South Korean film, is that type of movie: Powerful and emotionally haunting.
Based off the Japanese drama "Pure Soul," "A Moment to Remember" covers love and loss when female protagonist Su-jin, played brilliantly by Ye-jin Son, slowly succumbs to Alzheimer's disease while in her early thirties. Her husband, Cheol-su, played by Woo-sung Jung, stands by lovingly as he tries to hang on to her.
"A Moment to Remember" unfolds much like a romantic novel, with each chapter exploring a different aspect of Cheol-su and Su-jin's relationship.
The first quarter has a romantic comedy-drama feel as it chronicles Cheol-su and Su-jin's meeting and courtship. During this portion of the film, the discovery is made that Su-jin had to return home to her parents because of an affair. While wandering at night, she meets Cheol-su, an architect, at a convenience store over a case of mistaken soda identities.
Parts two through four take on a more serious tone as the couple's marriage, Su-jin's discovery and hiding of her Alzheimer's prognosis and Cheol-su's discovery of Su'jin's secret, takes center stage.
Although slow at times, the last three-fourths of the film really tugs at the heartstrings. Son's acting was superb as she expertly played Su-jin in the prime of her life until she was debilitated by the disease. Son's facial expressions and subtle actions really made the character believable, so much so that it was painful to watch such a bright soul slip away.
Son dominated this film for her presence and her skill clearly stood out.
Jung was also outstanding in his role as Cheol-su, who experiences substantial growth throughout the film. Cheol-su grew from a man with extreme emotional and anger issues to a caring soul. Jung made Cheol-su's growth believable and his grief over his wife was truly genuine.
John H. Lee's "A Moment to Remember," a 2004 South Korean film, is that type of movie: Powerful and emotionally haunting.
Based off the Japanese drama "Pure Soul," "A Moment to Remember" covers love and loss when female protagonist Su-jin, played brilliantly by Ye-jin Son, slowly succumbs to Alzheimer's disease while in her early thirties. Her husband, Cheol-su, played by Woo-sung Jung, stands by lovingly as he tries to hang on to her.
"A Moment to Remember" unfolds much like a romantic novel, with each chapter exploring a different aspect of Cheol-su and Su-jin's relationship.
The first quarter has a romantic comedy-drama feel as it chronicles Cheol-su and Su-jin's meeting and courtship. During this portion of the film, the discovery is made that Su-jin had to return home to her parents because of an affair. While wandering at night, she meets Cheol-su, an architect, at a convenience store over a case of mistaken soda identities.
Parts two through four take on a more serious tone as the couple's marriage, Su-jin's discovery and hiding of her Alzheimer's prognosis and Cheol-su's discovery of Su'jin's secret, takes center stage.
Although slow at times, the last three-fourths of the film really tugs at the heartstrings. Son's acting was superb as she expertly played Su-jin in the prime of her life until she was debilitated by the disease. Son's facial expressions and subtle actions really made the character believable, so much so that it was painful to watch such a bright soul slip away.
Son dominated this film for her presence and her skill clearly stood out.
Jung was also outstanding in his role as Cheol-su, who experiences substantial growth throughout the film. Cheol-su grew from a man with extreme emotional and anger issues to a caring soul. Jung made Cheol-su's growth believable and his grief over his wife was truly genuine.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Trisha
posted 3/20/10 @ 2:22 AM CST
I followed your advice and ordered this movie from ebay.
BEST.
MOVIE.
EVER.
It even made my fiance cry & he never shows any emotion.
Wow!
Just. (Continued…)
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