Cast and crew
Sosuke Ikematsu, Choi Hee-seo, Joe Odagiri, Kim Min-jae, Kim Ye-eun
Target audience
Those who prefer light-hearted romance movies
Movie digest
Takeshi is a Japanese novelist who loses his wife. Since then, he has been taking care of his son alone. Sooner, he leaves Japan with his 8-year old son, Manabu, hoping to find solace from his estranged elder brother Joru. There to the shock of the father and son, they find out that Toru is involving in illegally exporting cosmetics. And within some time, Toru’s partner steals the revenue and escapes. This makes Toru ponder over a different platform for profit so that he can help his brother too. They go to the countryside where they bounce on Seol, whose music isn’t going great. Her manager also forces her into a relationship. Things take a twist when her agency does not want Seol. Eventually, she and her sister meet the Japanese brothers on a train, and they journey together. Just like any conventional plot, Takeshi and Seol start falling in love with each other. Now they have to cross the cultural barriers and the scars of their past. Concerning the supernatural factor, Koto Serizawa takes up the role of an angel.
The feel-good part
The way the two families embark on a new journey through a twist of fate is well depicted. The simple moments of life are expressed beautifully in the movie. One can relate to the lives of the lead characters, and director Yuya Ishi deserves credit for that. The beautiful romance between Takeshi and Seol is one of the major strengths of the movie.
The disappointing factor
Takeshi is introduced as a writer in the movie, but the movie has only explored little about this talent. The editing, though good, could have been little more trimmed. Besides, the supernatural factor could have had a convincing impact on the characters of the movie; the director could have given importance for the supernatural element just like the importance given for the subtle romance between the lead actors
In-depth analysis
The entire concept of the supernatural element looks somewhat diverted from the flow of the movie. Even the movie has some inadequacy before its ending. About cinematography, Kim Jong-sun showcases the visuals without any exaggeration, and it is in harmony with the movie’s overall tone. The editing is slow-paced and is in tandem with the narrative.
Star power
Sosuke Ikematsu and Choi Hee-Seo, in the lead roles, have done an excellent job. Their chemistry uplifts the movie to a great extent. We need to mention the supporting characters for their brilliant job, and they add the much-needed pace to the movie. Joe-Odagiri enacts the easy-going, generous person will aplomb. Kim Ye-Eun’s role as the younger sister has a major role though her presence is less in the movie. The way she blatantly says aloud what everyone is thinking deserves attention. The kid that takes the role of Manabu definitely deserves credit because though he does not utter a word in the movie, his expressions say it all.
Overall opinion
Apart from a couple of flaws, The Asian Angel is a gripping narrative of people on a new journey in life. Life gains a lot of meaning when you share your sorrows with others; this is convincingly told in the movie.
