The Classic (2002) - Review

Since I started with some classic Korean dramas (Sandglass, Autumn in my heart), I thought to continue with a classic Korean movie, “The classic”. Hehe. It is one of the most well known Korean movies, probably you know it too, and it was a hit back in the day. Many of its scenes are iconic and still used as a reference by many filmmakers, as well as its soundtrack. It surely deserves all the praise because it is a heartfelt movie.

What is this about:

A young student, Ji Hae (Song Ye Jin), is writing emails to help her friend pursue her love interest (Jo In Seung), but she is interested in him too. Meanwhile, she finds her mother’s diary and love letters and so her mother’s story and hers unfolds.

My review:

I think it is one of those movies that the less you know about the story the better. Not that it is based on complex story and plot twists, though it has its share, it’s just that the emotion drives the story. So if you want to feel it in its fullest I’d say you don’t have to read any synopses.

This movie has a plethora of elements that have worked very well together, from direction and writing to the performances.

The actress is uminous in the movie.

All the characters are made human and sympathetic, except Ji Hae’s friend who was a jealous irritating girl that needed to be slapped. So, aside that small irritation, everyone had little things that they did and were so characteristic of them, showing that they weren’t just stereotypes serving the story, but three dimensional characters. Although the leads in the flashbacks were more heartbreaking, the ones in the present were also vulnerable and emotional.

The iconic rain scene.

The direction is stunning with beautiful shots filled with emotions. The use of landscape made it part of the story. The director wisely used sometimes the romance, sometimes the humor and sometimes the drama in order to progress the story smoothly and with this interchange of feelings kept the viewer always present.

So beautiful scenery.

Also, the music has been used very successfully and sticks with you. In most scenes the soundtrack consists of classical music, but it has contemporary songs that suit the modern couple very well.

In case I haven't convienced you by now.

The production values are evidently high on this movie. From the colour palette, to the cinematography to the representation of the 70s and 80s, it is apparent that there was much work behind all these.

Why you should watch:

•    One of the best Korean movies and a well deserved classic.
•    Very good directing and top notch production.
•    Excellent performances from the actors.
•    Memorable soundtrack with a mix of classical and contemporary pieces.
•    Romance and friendship are the cores of the story.

Why not to watch:

•    If romantic movies are not your type.

Final verdict:

10/10. One of the best romantic movies I have ever seen. This movie ought to be in every romantic’s movie list. It’s one of these cases where everything has worked out so well and the end result is even better. Highly recommended.