Singles (2003) Poster

(2003)

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7/10
light hearted and funny story about 20sth
monyvr-118 September 2007
Synopsis: "Na Nan has known best pal Dong Mi and Jung Joon since childhood, and now the trio shares the ups and downs of their turbulent single lives together. But everything turned on end when Dong Mi and Jung Joon end up in bed! Na Nan has a job offer and a marriage proposal from the Charming Soo Heon to consider, and her twenties are fast coming to end. What's the generation of soon-to-getting-older youth to do?" I liked this movie a lot. The plot was light hearted and funny, and characters were well developed and are people you can relate to. Na Nan especially shone light on what it means to be single and fabulous (well, not gracefully).
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6/10
Less Fun More Sentiment
m-ramanan6 August 2021
RATED 6/10 Language: Korean

This could have been more funny one... but the sentiment scenes overdosed the movie... One time watchable...
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10/10
A frank, funny look at an under-appreciated Korean demographic
BrianThibodeau2 September 2005
A sparkling, incisive, progressive-minded comedy-drama that leaves much of this genre looking exactly like the disguised condoning of tradition it really is. One can only begin to imagine how entrenched thinkers in Korean society would react to this honest, observant, level-headed look at four late-twenty-somethings for whom life provides obstacles in both career and love that neither regressive-collective cultural thinking nor parents - who barely figure into the plot - can solve. Nan (Chang Jin-young), is a wide-eyed fashion industry drone busted down to Chilli's manager by her sexist middle manager. The shift stings, but also points out realities she's not entirely uncomfortable with. Into her world comes Seo- hoon (Kim Ju-hyeok) a decent-fella securities trader who clearly wants to pursue a relationship despite her reservations. Meanwhile, her best friend Dong Mi (Uhm Jeong-hwa), a web company employee out of work thanks to her own sexist superior, shares a flat with old pal Joon (Lee Beom-soo, in a 180 degree turn from his creepy role in OH! Brothers), who's as unsuccessful at removing himself from bad relationships as she is successful at bringing home a long string of bad boyfriends. That both of these couples should end up together is a given. That the film provides no easy resolutions yet plenty of optimism for these truly modern Korean women is the year's most pleasant K-cinema surprise: it allows the protagonists an honesty and resolve in deciding their own fates that many recent K- comedies seem hell-bent on denying similar characters. Here, marriage to a handsome man and financial success - long the expectations of many young Korean women - are not depicted as an absolute guarantee of security and/or happiness, and turning 30 without being defined is hardly the end of the world, particularly for Korean women who remain adaptable to the changes happening around them, rather than being pressured to fit a mold as their ancestors were. Fine acting across the board, anchored by Chang's captivating, believable performance, raises this far above the low-brow antics too often seen in these kinds of films (CRAZY FIRST LOVE immediately comes to mind). Almost needless to say, but the production design and cinematography are sterling, with warm and inviting environments (including an absolutely gorgeous Seoul) a veritable extension of the optimism with which these characters ultimately face their uncertain future. Must-see contemporary Korean cinema, and easily one against which all similar Korean romantic films should be measured. 10.
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9/10
Excellent Rom/Com
porsche9889200021 November 2003
This movie was a well filmed work of art based on a Japanese novel. It was a hit in the Korean Box Office. There were some funny moments, but not that many. I have to say, this movie reminded me of Madeleine. However, this Romance movie was quite unusual. It wasn't boring, and yet, there was no solid resolution. The story line was very interesting and original. The acting was okay, and the OST was great. If you are a fan of Korean Drama, you'll probably enjoy this little flick. Odd Film
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10/10
Love story about friendship and finding resolution in life's direction
cincypfd17 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie for the first time at the Philadelphia Film Festival in 2004 and I was amazed at how funny this movie was. It is a dramatic comedy where three friends are trying to figure out what to do with their lives and each other. The characters are all in their late 20's and the main character is about to turn 30 and is dealing with a lost job and newfound love. Ah what to do, what to do. As friendship is a key element to this story there are plenty of moments of humor and awkwardness that will perhaps be familiar to many. Without spoilers thats about all I can say, but trust me it's worth the watch. Its very hard to find the DVD, but you CAN find it region free online, but takes some searching.
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8/10
Great fusion of entertainment and quality content
PiranianRose24 October 2007
Released amid a horde of Korean romantic comedies following the success of "My Sassy Girl", Singles--I found--was not simply another manufactured commodity. It broke some major clichés that are risky for any studio film to deviate from. There was realistic acting of genuine human behaviors underneath the surface of light-hearted humor, which may I add, is very funny! I would even consider this film to be a great painting of the common people. A lot of films take the escapist approach to deviate its content from real life; in my opinion that is a perfectly legitimate way to make films, and while Singles certainly has its share of over-the-top moments (which are highly enjoyable), I found it to resemble life more than most genre films. And, if art is to imitate life, then I consider Singles to be a successful work of art. It's great to see films incorporating both wild entertainment AND something meaningful that we can take away from.
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