Post by geode on Jul 5, 2018 13:04:27 GMT
As with many other movies that are remade because the original worked so well, this remake fails to meet expectations. If I had encountered this Korean version first I most likely would have liked it better, but since this was not the case it was impossible to not do a comparison in my mind as I watched it and found it quite wanting. The Japanese version is superior in every regard, acting, direction, cinematography, and the writing.
Although several minutes longer than the original, this version has a simplified story line and really doesn't develop any secondary characters much except a new one, an over-the-top comic uncle. Actually, although there were a few comic moments in the original they came about naturally and were at times subtle. This was especially the case in the comparison of the accounts of the leading characters when they encountered each other at school. In this new one the comedy is anything but subtle and is at times essentially slapstick. The young Woo-jin character is made so much a clumsy nerd that in some scenes he belongs more in a Three Stooges comedy. In the original his social awkwardness stems more from his coping with illness. His illness is central to the plot, but with the exception of a moment or two in this new version, the illness seems barely present at all leaving motivations that drive decisions illogical and not natural.
The movie is padded with scenes that do nothing to advance the plot of develop characters, yet rather key plot details such as the young son's "time capsule" in the Japanese version have been jettisoned and others glossed over. Dialogue defining the relationship which is the heart of the movie is dumbed down.
The secondary characters such as the wise doctor, a caring co-worker, a baker, and the teacher at school all added considerable richness in the Japanese film that is sorely lacking in this one.
I am tempted to say that the director is inept, but I think perhaps it is more fair to say that his approach in this movie is awkward, lacking in style, and inexperienced. He doesn't manage to introduce much depth to the story or characters so ultimately his version is far less touching than the original. A key scene at the end of the rainy season is now barely there, but was an emotional highlight in the Japanese film.
The characters are far more believable in the first film, the remake failing to come close in comparison. I think the actors, director, and screenwriter share blame for this. In particular I found Ye-jin Son's performance flat and not conveying the emotional core necessary to make her character's choices make sense and carry impact. I am tempted to think she was only cast because of her being cute and having a stunning figure.
The Japanese film took advantage of interesting location shooting, in a field of sunflowers and at a local festival. The cultural touches added richness and provided a nice backdrop to the scenes, adding visual interest as well. The Korean version is shot in a "matter of fact" style they could be in virtually any number of places.
In conclusion the original is far better nuanced, making it far more believable, involving, and touching. In watching this new one I found a tear or two coming to my eyes, but realized these were coming due to remembering the same scene in the original film, not the one I was watching.
For those who have not seen either movie I would suggest seeking out the Japanese version first. For those who liked the Korean version I strongly recommend watching the first version as it most likely will deliver what was liked in this one, but in an even greater measure.The Japanese original is superior in every regard. It is a standout in the genre of Japanese romance. The sci-fi element is developed with a real sense of mystery, and it shows a very knowing and mature reflection on relationships.
Although several minutes longer than the original, this version has a simplified story line and really doesn't develop any secondary characters much except a new one, an over-the-top comic uncle. Actually, although there were a few comic moments in the original they came about naturally and were at times subtle. This was especially the case in the comparison of the accounts of the leading characters when they encountered each other at school. In this new one the comedy is anything but subtle and is at times essentially slapstick. The young Woo-jin character is made so much a clumsy nerd that in some scenes he belongs more in a Three Stooges comedy. In the original his social awkwardness stems more from his coping with illness. His illness is central to the plot, but with the exception of a moment or two in this new version, the illness seems barely present at all leaving motivations that drive decisions illogical and not natural.
The movie is padded with scenes that do nothing to advance the plot of develop characters, yet rather key plot details such as the young son's "time capsule" in the Japanese version have been jettisoned and others glossed over. Dialogue defining the relationship which is the heart of the movie is dumbed down.
The secondary characters such as the wise doctor, a caring co-worker, a baker, and the teacher at school all added considerable richness in the Japanese film that is sorely lacking in this one.
I am tempted to say that the director is inept, but I think perhaps it is more fair to say that his approach in this movie is awkward, lacking in style, and inexperienced. He doesn't manage to introduce much depth to the story or characters so ultimately his version is far less touching than the original. A key scene at the end of the rainy season is now barely there, but was an emotional highlight in the Japanese film.
The characters are far more believable in the first film, the remake failing to come close in comparison. I think the actors, director, and screenwriter share blame for this. In particular I found Ye-jin Son's performance flat and not conveying the emotional core necessary to make her character's choices make sense and carry impact. I am tempted to think she was only cast because of her being cute and having a stunning figure.
The Japanese film took advantage of interesting location shooting, in a field of sunflowers and at a local festival. The cultural touches added richness and provided a nice backdrop to the scenes, adding visual interest as well. The Korean version is shot in a "matter of fact" style they could be in virtually any number of places.
In conclusion the original is far better nuanced, making it far more believable, involving, and touching. In watching this new one I found a tear or two coming to my eyes, but realized these were coming due to remembering the same scene in the original film, not the one I was watching.
For those who have not seen either movie I would suggest seeking out the Japanese version first. For those who liked the Korean version I strongly recommend watching the first version as it most likely will deliver what was liked in this one, but in an even greater measure.The Japanese original is superior in every regard. It is a standout in the genre of Japanese romance. The sci-fi element is developed with a real sense of mystery, and it shows a very knowing and mature reflection on relationships.