ChampDavSlim
The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.
Teddie Blake
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Erica Derrick
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
jazminderr
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.
norrbu
Watch Failan, for its agony, for the bloom that almost comes and for the dreams that it leaves behind. And for all that, we appreciate our own lives.In Failan, the hero meanders aimlessly. He yearns for respect and seeks to move back to his village, but he knows he's not doing a very good job at it. His heavy wrinkles and aging eyes show his helplessness. He finds meaning through a letter from his wife (who marries him to save herself from deportation though they never meet). But each has the others picture which they hold on to.They have nothing else to hold on to. It allows both to dream, a little. That it never matures is the tragedy.The young girl is an orphan. She is alone and seeks solace in the picture and in writing to her husband (of which she actually mails only one). She shrinks eventually, her solitude too great for her to even smile.Such is life. And to think that neither made the most of it, not because they did not want to, but because they could not. Now that is real. What does one do when perseverance does not pay? It is grim and chancy.
Paul Magne Haakonsen
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.
gorgonite
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******************************************************* ******************************************************
