Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

This was so heartrending I never want to watch it again, however Im thankful to have watched it. It's beautiful in a way that breaks you.Failan is the sweetness that is this movie, and Kangjae is the helpless violence. Together this makes for a very touching movie. I watched it a few months ago but I still feel sad inside about it when I think about the story.I stupidly came in thinking it would be a story where the woman changes the mans life for the better. The synopsis was a bit misleading for me, I think that's what made it even sadder. She does change him however. Its amazing how so little has such an impact, when they never met. This isn't your typical romance. There are brutal things so faint of heart I would advise to be wary. However its worth the pain, because its so beautiful.

This has got to be one of the most breathtaking and emotional movies to come out of Asia ever.I am not one who usually gets all emotional and mushy about movies, but this one hit the spot. The story is amazingly touching and you really get to feel with the two lead roles, portrayed by Min-sik Choi and Cecilia Cheung.It is particularly refreshing to see Cecilia in a more serious role, compared to most of the dripple that is spewed out of the Hong Kong cinema. Don't get me wrong, Hong Kong movies are nice, but they just have that whole 'not-so-serious' feel to them most of the time.I believe this movie have brought tears to the eyes of many of the viewers, and by rightly so. It is really a good movie, and one that any movie enthusiast should see at least once. I have seen it a couple of times and it doesn't get old.Get some tissue, sit back comfortably and get immersed into the story of Failan. It will move you, I guarantee.

I bought the 2-disc Korean DVD based on the reviews in IMDb. The film is a gently paced but gritty drama set in Korea.The lead actor portrays a petty gangster and this role within the film provides the gritty subtext. The lead actress beautifully portrays the character called Failan whose unfortunate circumstances lead her to endure hardship. Her character provides much of the romance and many of her scenes are shot within an idyllic location which are beautifully captured.Pros - Beautiful, moving film, with a great soundtrackCons - Wanted to see more of Failan's characterOverall - One of the finestI would recommend the Indian film Chandni Bar for anyone who liked Failan*************************************************** Spoilers *************************************************** The scene involving a shot of a toothbrush was deeply moving!Followed by the shots of the train (What is it about trains and separation!)Followed by the climax******************************************************* ******************************************************

OK, I'm not a person that likes slow movies nor do i burst into tears because it is sad but.... after i've seen Failan i just can't get this movie out of my mind. It was so heartmoving and so sad... I ALMOST cried.... I was surprised that a movie so powerful and moving can be made by an Asian country (well Korean movies IMO are the best in the world right now.) and this was all before Taegukgi,Oldboy and so on.... The director of this movie does a fantastic job of describing ones character in Kang Jae and Failan, and it made me think how sad i would be if i was in Kang Jae's place. A MUST SEE!!I admit this movie is not for everyone because it is REALLY slow and the story of both characters unfold after like 45 minutes. But if you want to see a movie that truly touches your heart then this is the movie for you. The acting is SUPERB in both Choi Min Sik and Cecilia Cheung (the acting itself will move you.) Plus all the other characters in this movie does a brilliant job. I don't know why this movie never got popular but it definitely deserves some media. Goes down on my Favorite top ten list of all time ^^.