K-Drama Flashback: ‘Always’

I keep reiterating: Korean cinema is unusually adept at traversing the depths of relationships. It certainly sets a precedent for how to reflect a range of emotions, with the romance genre serving as one of the most notable examples. Korean romantic films are heartwarming enough to soothe your mind and spirit, providing a healing encounter. As visually alluring as they are, they provide value and significance to our watch experiences. One such brilliant effort is the 2011 film Always, the tale of a former boxer, Jang Cheol-min, aka Jang Marcelino (So Ji-sub), a parking valet who had closed his heart to the world, yet one day falls for Ha Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo), a visually impaired telemarketer who keeps her courage notwithstanding a challenging existence.

A Song Il-gon film, Always, beautifully depicts the two protagonists’ delicate relationship and their struggles to overcome hurdles in life. Their love story chronicles the journey of two distinct individuals who meet by coincidence and find solace in each other, highlighting the intricacy of human feelings and the tenacity of true love.

As Cheol-min, whose life has been characterized by tragedy and sorrow, So Ji-sub delivers an outstanding portrayal. We see Cheol-min trying to get by as a parking lot attendant while also accepting his past transgressions. One can truly feel the character’s suffering and despair thanks to the actor’s profoundly real vulnerability in the role. In the course of the movie, Cheol-min finds solace and salvation in his closeness with Jung-hwa. Han and So have an undeniable chemistry, and So captures his endeavor to be receptive to love and forgiveness exceptionally.

As Jung-hwa, Han Hyo-joo truly excels. The image she presents of a blind woman navigating life is both poetic and tragic. Han gives Jung-hwa an unassuming strength that demonstrates her knack for adapting to her circumstances while discovering joy in everyday events. She lends Jung-hwa an air of tenderness and empathy as her connection with Cheol-min evolves.

Always, specifically, has a piece of my heart simply because it covers the concepts of love and sacrifice so well. Cheol-min is deeply in love with Jung-hwa and will stop at nothing to make her happy. His dedication serves as a comforting reminder of the significance of true love in a culture where it is typically portrayed as fleeting and frivolous. Despite the difficulties he encounters, he navigates a harsh and unforgiving environment while putting himself on the line to ensure Jung-hwa can get eye surgery and see the light of day.

It also resonates with the notion of overcoming challenges and finding catharsis through love. Despite having both faced tragedies, Cheol-min and Jung-hwa have chosen not to let them define them. Rather, they overcome adversities and discover love and happiness. The infirmity of Jung-hwa is an especially striking illustration of this. Despite her difficulties, she is determined to take advantage of all that the world has to offer without letting her condition limit her. Similarly, Cheol-min encounters difficulties as a result of his history. But he makes the most of his experiences to improve himself and lend a hand to those who are going through something comparable. His path serves as a reminder that our decisions about how to respond to our mistakes, rather than dwell on them, define who we are.

Always is, in the end, a movie that honors the value of interpersonal ties. The love story of Cheol-min and Jung-hwa is a testimony that no matter how difficult life may be, we are never truly alone. We find meaning and purpose in life through the connections we form with others.

The visuals and cinematography of Always, I must mention, are incredible. The film’s subdued color scheme effectively captures the somber tone of the narrative, and the camera work expertly communicates the characters’ emotional highs and lows. Every scene in the movie is masterfully composed and stunning to behold, from wide panoramas of the city skyline to close-ups of the key actors. The film’s concluding climax, which takes place against a magnificent landscape abounding in the grandeur of nature, is one of its most unforgettable scenes. The film’s evocative score and gorgeous images combine to create a mood of serenity and melancholy that persists long after the credits have rolled.