Paju

Paju is a demanding film. It would be demanding for native Korean speakers, because the story only gradually reveals itself in fits and starts. It is doubly demanding for English-speakers, dependent on that little subscript to spell out for us the words and context. But as those bits and pieces begin to aggregate in our mind, our internal narrative takes off, bolstered by fine, complex, brilliant acting and superb staging. We see characters at many life stages, with deep and abiding love that makes all things possible. Coupled with that is smoldering, suspicious anger that threatens to demolish the surviving structure of their relationship. They struggle to save the little they can though they don't know why they fight so hard to save it. Be warned: this is no happy-ended romance. But it carries great satisfaction in that ending, and delivers to each character precisely what they need, and deserve.

This movie was hard to understand. The plot was not clear until the end. To make things worse, the subtitles appeared and disappeared too quickly. I had to stop the movie many times just so I could read them and still the plot was hard to follow. The acting was acceptable, however the flashbacks and sex scenes were clumsily handled and didn't make it more understandable. Maybe if I were Korean, or had traveled there, I might have enjoyed it more. Worst of all the scenery was depressing. Was this a war zone? And why were they demolishing perfectly acceptable housing rather than repairing it? And what was the tie-in with the nightclub owner? This movie left me with more questions than answers.Certainly the Korean government would not use this film to promote travel and tourism.

I can hear a former professor of mine shrieking "Accident!" and frowning deeply. This film hinges, really, on an accident, and in that single, nearly overlooked moment is the driver for the rest of the film. I'm not wild about films that rely so heavily on such devices. Still, the situation and the characters are richer, more nuanced than that, and the acting is pretty strong overall. Too many loose ends in the film, but worth watching, I thought.

The lead actress with beguiling looks and melancholy eyes, lead us down uncertain paths. A collage of personal interactions that are subtle and complex. Life is like that, unlike ever after movies.

the movie was not good.....I had to fast forward to see if it would get better....but it did not....so no popcorn for this movie....

Very sad movie but done well. Worth watching. It's a very difficult movie to watch.....but give it a chance.

I appreciate movies that provide insight into youth culture. The acting was good quality. The movie was easy to forget.

It was nice to listen to the language I used to know