* Also known as Our Happy Time/ 우리들의 행복 한 시간
After reading Our Happy Time by Gong Jiyoung (Thank you, Fully Booked, for being instrumental in getting this book to my stash!), I immediately Googled if this story was made into a movie because one cannot let pass such an amazing plot.
(Actually, when I was almost finished with the book, I recalled reading a manga with a similar plot with the title Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan, which is actually an adaptation of the Gong Jiyoung’s work. But anyway…)
I found out it was made into a movie in 2006 with the awesome Kang Dongwon and Lee Nayoung as main casts. And though it was enticing enough to watch, in anticipation of these two great main actors, I really couldn’t bring myself to watch it just yet because I know how it will turn out for me; and that I need to be ready. (Wow, sorry, I’m emo like this.)
Since it’s a long weekend, I decided that now is the right time to see it and as expected, there was a (thorough) tug in my heart as I went through the whole plot.
This movie tried its best to be faithful to the book, however, summarising the events in the book is a pain, considering the movie is already two hours long. But then, it still tried to put in as much detail as it can.
I don’t know if it’s because this was released in 2006 that’s why the musical scoring wasn’t much of a big deal in the other scenes. Regardless, though, I think one of its strong points is the simplicity in its storytelling wherein it allows the audience to process through the emotions each scene brings.
*SPOILERS*
Surprisingly, the movie has consistently appealed to me the way the book and the manga did wherein it gave me an avenue to recognise and continue to think about my stand regarding death penalty, chances, forgiveness, and my attitude towards others.
Hope you can see the movie for yourself and see how compassion, love, and concern, will make you think twice of not giving up – on yourself and on others.
4/5
steady life on the go 