Movie Digest
What does it take to move forward? What do you have to lose and leave behind? This movie aims to answer all those questions. Ask the Myway in Jeonju, otherwise known as Jeonjueseo Gireul Mutda, follows Sung Hee in her quest to meet the new her. But in this quest to meet the new her, she is trying to forget her old self. Little does she know that this shortcut to her growth and development comes at the expense of several other factors in her life. What is she trying so desperately to forget? How does she aim to do that? What is she aiming to discover about herself through this shedding of her old skin? A tale of self-discovery and growth that is certain to make you think and maybe shed a tear or two. Watch the movie and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
For the most part, the film is a standard Korean drama film. But what makes it stand out from other films is its ability to give its lead character such complexity that we as an audience cannot help but root for her throughout her journey. The story is motivation and is a lesson of self-acceptance and how coming to terms with your past can help you grow rather than burying it and not paying attention to any growth or harm that it may have caused you. Its themes are reflected beautifully in every aspect of the film from its writing to the acting and even the cinematography and composition. The film also has great acting which adds an extra layer and depth to the film and makes it thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing.
The Disappointing Factor
The most disappointing part of the film is that there are moments in the film where the protagonist seems hard to sympathize with and dead set on her goals which makes it hard for us to rationalize her decisions and wants. It also gives us this harsh look at someone who wants to change everything about herself and who she is just so that she can move forward, indicating that the only way to grow is to reject everything about yourself. But throughout the film, the character manages to work through her issues and we as an audience get to understand where she comes from and can learn something from her. There is not much that feels disappointing about this film.
In-Depth Analysis
Identity plays an important role in every person’s life. Who we sometimes determine how we grow and transform. This film takes that concept and delivers it in a fun and entertaining film that is amazing to watch and has a story that a lot of people can relate to. There is no shortcut to growth and development because we need to have all those life experiences that contribute to it. And this film is a perfect look into why we need to take the long rod rather than the short cut.
Star Power
The film is directed by Seung-Hyeon Jin whose direction and filmmaking style heavily relies on complex emotions and a diverse group of characters. This film can masterfully place the actors and scenes in such a way that it builds on the greatness of the storyline and the writing. Not a single scene feels out of place and Seung-Hyeon Jin’s direction is truly a masterful display. Cho Sung Hee plays our main character and does so in an extremely endearing and beautiful way. We root for her character and want her to truly be better and grow as a person. What contributes to this ability to root for her is Cho Sung Hee’s acting and ability to express her emotions beautifully on camera. She has starred in several movies and dramas such as Only Love, There Is a Blue Bird, The Dude In Me, and Salvation. We also have two great supporting roles from Bae Kyu Ri and Jo Myung Haeng. Rather than just being filler characters that do not add much to the story and provide padding to the film, they act as vessels and pathways through which the main character can find herself. Their beautiful acting abilities are a truly wonderful addition to the film. Bae Kyu Ri has starred in dramas such as Devil Inspector, Hearts and Hari, and Single Dad in Love. Jo Myung Haeng was a stunt coordinator and martial arts director in films such as The Cane, Attack the Gas Station! 2, Gangnam 1970, and Dogs in The House. He has starred in films such as Big Issue, A Diamond in the Rough, The Tooth and the Nail, The Servant, and more.
Overall Opinion
With a great storyline with lots to take away from and a cast of characters that is relatively endearing, it is a really good drama film to watch.
