Lonely Eyes

On the second day of Hwang Jung-min films I give to thee, my thoughts on Road Movie.

Road Movie
Directed by Kim In-sik, starring Hwang Jung-min, Jung Chan, and Seo Lin.

Dae-shik (Hwang) is a lonely man. He pushes his lovers away when they want more than sex, and he is the de facto leader of a group of homeless people, but hardly a member of it. After losing big in the stock market, Suk-won's (Jung) life is turned upside down. His wife leaves him, and he winds up wandering the streets. It is there, on the streets, that Suk-won meets Dae-shik, and their friendship begins.

The two men become the best of friends, realizing that neither really needs a conventional life to tie them down. Throughout their travels, they find work where they can, and meet the lovely, yet emotionally unstable, Il-joo (Seo). Il-joo is immediately smitten with Dae-shik, and decides to invite herself to their wandering world.

Things begin to fall apart when Suk-won learns that Dae-shik is gay, and he soon starts to distrust and question Dae-shik's every move. The trio deals with several forms of separation from each other, but Dae-shik and Suk-won are brought back together when Suk-won is in need, and no one other than Dae-shik is willing to help. Then, the biggest problem facing the friends, is whether Suk-won can accept Dae-shik's friendship in light of his unrequited love, and whether Dae-shik is willing to accept Suk-won's insecurities and selfishness.

Road Movie is a great character drama. The direction and story are engaging, and the latter of the two features a few interesting plot twists that forego revelation for believability. Road Movie also touches on cultural issues like homelessness and homosexuality, but never in a heavy-handed or preachy manner, as the drama is first and foremost in the film from start to finish.

I could gush on and on about Hwang Jung-min's terrifically emotive performance, but I won't. Instead, I'll just say that it is a fine performance, from one of the best actors working today. The rest of the performances are really great, but it's Hwang Jung-min's portrayal of a loner-by-choice that talks of love as a disease, and yet, still can't help but feel and care, is what really makes the film. Simply put, Road Movie is a damn good drama.


Check back tomorrow for the third day in the five days of Hwang Jung-min films, and my thoughts on a little movie called Watchmen.