2024 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for Kim Go-eun, who continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances. Following her role as a shaman priest in the horror film Exhuma, she returns to the screen in Love in the Big City, a refreshing romantic comedy directed by E.oni. Kim takes on the role of Jae-hee, a defiant and unconventional young woman, in this adaptation of Park Sang-young’s novel, which also serves as the basis for a new K-drama series.
The film centers around Jae-hee and Heung-soo (played by Steve Sanghyun Noh), a gay man and aspiring writer, who meet while studying French at university. Jae-hee, recently returned from France, stands out with her rebellious attitude towards societal norms. Her hard-partying ways and casual approach to relationships stir up gossip among her peers, but Jae-hee remains unapologetically herself. In one memorable scene, she silences her detractors by boldly flashing her chest to her entire class. Kim’s portrayal of this headstrong character recalls the iconic performance of Jeon Ji-hyun in My Sassy Girl, but with a modern twist.
Heung-soo, on the other hand, struggles with his sexuality, fearing the judgment of those around him. His sole attempt to come out to his mother was met with fervent prayers for his “cure.” Despite his internal conflict, he finds a true friend in Jae-hee, who not only accepts him but also shares his nightlife-loving lifestyle. To escape the harsh criticisms of society, the two decide to live together, forming an inseparable bond that helps them navigate the challenges of modern urban life.
As both characters search for love in their own ways, the film delves into whether their unusual living arrangement can last. While the premise of a free-spirited woman and her closeted best friend may seem familiar, E.oni’s direction elevates the narrative, transforming what could have been a lighthearted comedy into a powerful social commentary. The film deftly critiques the rampant homophobia and misogyny that pervades Korean society, exposing these issues in various settings, from workplaces to social media and personal relationships.
Jae-hee and Heung-soo are more than just symbols of societal critique; they are fully realized characters with depth, making Love in the Big City not only an intelligent and emotionally resonant romantic comedy but also one of the most impactful films of the year.
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