A Movie Review of Christmas in August

Every August, Korean movie fans think of this beloved movie. We still reminisce about Jeongwon's gentleness and Darim’s innocent first impression. Released in 1998, Christmas in August remains a timeless favorite among Korean romance movies.

Jeongwon, a man in his thirties, runs an old and small photo studio. He is always gentle. Living with his elderly father who passed down the studio to him, Jeongwon never loses his gentle demeanor,even when dealing with customers who aren't satisfied with his pictures. Even when he turns down Darim’s sudden request, his gentleness persists.

Darim, a parking enforcement officer in her early twenties, is slightly clumsy with her make-up. Her job requires her to drop by the studio to print photos of illegally parked cars. The first time she meets Jeongwon, she has some urgent films that need to be developed, but Jeongwon’s studio is closed. As soon as she spots Jeongwon coming back from someone’s funeral, she starts to grumble, pushing him to print her photos immediately.

After Jeongwon refuses, Darim waits under a nearby tree. Jeongwon apologizes by offering an ice cream. This small gesture marks the beginning of their relationship. But the movie doesn’t spiral into their love. From the beginning, it subtly reveals Jeongwon’s struggles scene by scene; we see him take pills and visit the hospital, hinting at underlying issues.

As the movie progresses, those close to Jeongwon realize that he is quietly preparing for his death as he starts losing his gentleness, drinking with his friend and teaching his father how to operate a VCR. The people around him naturally come to understand that his death is coming, except for one person, Darim.

Meanwhile, Jeongwon and Darim grow much closer. During the dog days of summer, Darim visits Jeongwon’s studio and every time, he welcomes and entertains Darim. However, as they get closer, his health deteriorates, though Darim is unaware. Eventually, the inevitable day arrives.

Jeongwon collapses in his house and is hospitalized, forcing him to close his studio. Unaware of his condition, Darim continues to visit the studio several times, only to find it closed each time.

With no smartphones or personal cell phones, in the 90s, what could these two people do? If you are curious about it, you can catch it on Netflix, but it’s best experienced without digital distractors, like Jeongwon and Darim lived their lives.

Have you watched an old but highly-rated movie? Did it leave you satisfied?