My Sassy Girl (Yeopgijeogin geunyeo)

The American remake, titled My Sassy Girl, with Elisha Cuthbert and Jesse Bradford was released direct to DVD on August 26th, 2008. I love the original and am somewhat nervous about what Hollywood has done with it. (I have yet to actually see the remake.) It seems the studio was disappointed in the project since they did not release it in theaters. None the less, it is well worth the effort to see the original.

Yeopgijeogin geunyeo (International English Title: My Sassy Girl) has a quirky humor and a very Korean sensibility. It pokes fun at some Korean movie and pop culture stereotypes. The story has a special charm that can be appreciated no matter where you come from.

When I watched it the first time, though, I nearly gave up on it. Half-way through I was angry at the girlfriend and didn't like her at all. I wondered how much more Kyun-Woo could endure. I wanted to shake him and tell him to run away at top speed. Testing my own endurance by finishing the movie, I learned that the characters and their relationship should not be judged until the end. Yeopgijeogin geunyeo won my heart in the end and is now a special favorite.

He plays Kyun-woo, the hapless boyfriend. This movie shot his career into star status. He also sings pop music, but so do many Korean actors. He is sweet-natured, charming and the perfect straight man in this comedy.

Cha Tae-hun Filmography

Ba:Bo (2008)
Bokmyeon dalho (2007) Highway Star (International: English title)
Hanbando (2006)
Parang-juuibo (2005) My Girl and I (International: English title)
Sad Movie (2005)
Tu gaijeu (2004) Two Guys (International: English title)
Nae yeojachingureul sogae habnida (2004) Windstruck (International: English title)
Haepi ero keurisemaseu (2003) Happy Erotic Christmas (International: English title)
Cheotsarang sasu gwolgidaehoe (2003) Crazy First Love (International: English title)
Yeonae soseol (2002) Lover's Concerto (International: English title)
Yeopgijeogin geunyeo (2001) My Sassy Girl (International: English title)
Hallelujah (1997)

She plays the "The Girl". She gives us a fiery, imaginative girl who puts poor Kyun-woo through the ringer. Ji-hyun's performance in this movie is delightful and emotional.

Jun Ji-hyun Filmography

Superman ieotdeon sanai (2008) If I Were Superman (Singapore: English title)
Daisy (2006)
Nae yeojachingureul sogae habnida (2004) Windstruck (International: English title)
Inyong shiktak (2003) Uninvited (International: English title)
Yeopgijeogin geunyeo (2001) My Sassy Girl (International: English title)
Siworae (2000) Il Mare (International: English title)
Hwaiteu ballenta-in (1999)

Korean movies have become very popular and there are several Hollywood remakes in the works. The first one, The Lake House (2006), stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. It is a remake of Siworae (2000), aka Il Mare (International: English title).

A spooky romantic thriller, Jungdok (2002), has been remade with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lee Pace. The title will either be Possession or Addicted. According to IMDB it is slated to be released this year.

Janghwa, Hongryeon (2003) is a popular Korean horror movie. The international English title is A Tale of Two Sisters. For the remake Arielle Kebbel and Emily Browning are cast as the sisters and David Strathairn will play their father. The Uninvited is still in production and planned for a 2009 release.

For more information:
IMDB
Addicted to Films
Hollywood Remakes Korean Movies

Top Six Korean Movies
Unusual Film Adaptations of Literature
Top Five Anime Movies

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