BEST TEARJERKER KOREAN MOVIES

by: Maria Jeona Collado

         You are probably tired of watching movies with the same storyline such as happy endings, old and rich relationship, breakups, evil mother-in-law, etc. But, Korea’s movie industry always adds a touch of “wow” to their films and dramas. And once again, they have produced two of their biggest tearjerkers in cinema. No matter how you try to control your tears, you will still end up wiping off your endless tears with the last ply of your tissue. 

The first one is “우리들의 행복한 시간” with two English titles such as “Our Happy Time” and “Maundy Thursday”. The latter English title explains everything since the story mostly occurred on Thursdays.  The story discloses the worlds of two suicidal people who found and created reasons to live. Yu Jeong (Lee Na Young), who wanted to run away from her sickly mother, attempted to commit suicide three times but failed. Yun Su (Kang Dong Won) was sentenced to death for a crime he has allegedly committed and wanted that day to come swiftly. Both faced a dark past and regretted being born. But, both of them gathered every piece of their missing lives as they started to open up their stories to each other. As they went along counting the days until his death, Yu Jung introduced the real world to Yun Su, who thought that happiness doesn't exist in the world.  At the same time, Yun Su helped Yu Jung realize that life is never unfair and that she should treasure every moment with her loved ones; something he has regretted all his life. 

 Another moving movie is “7번방의 선물” or “Miracle in Cell No. 7” which is quite similar to “Our Happy Time” since the story also revolved around a prison cell. This is a story of a father and a child who were separated because of a wrong accusation. Ryoo Seung-Ryong, plays the role of Yong-goo, the father, is wrongly imprisoned for murder. Though mentally challenged, Yong Goo loves his child, Ye Seung (Kal So-Won), so much that he will do everything to make her happy all the time. In prison, he met other prisoners and built unconditional friendship with them. Ye Seung is a fallen angel that totally changed and colored the lives of the prisoners. The inmates in cell no. 7 helped Yong-goo be with his daughter by hiding her in a big package and letting her sleep in the jail with them. This act is too risky for them; if they get caught, all of them will be in trouble. But, for them, there is no reason not to make a miracle in that room since he has only shown good deeds and care to them. All of the people in that room have created a miracle to each other; thus, giving hopes and building a new and bright world to their doomed lives. Years have passed, and still justice hasn’t prevailed. His daughter, played by Park Shin-hye, became a lawyer and fought for the innocence of her father. The movie was filled with laughter inside the cell and ended up moving your hearts. You would probably hate how the movie ended and you will realize that justice is rarely achieved.

            Both movies are certainly effective since they absolutely touch everybody’s heart even the cold-hearted ones. Though tragic, both movies have built hope and true love to an obviously miserable place—the prison. If you are seeking for an unusual melodramatic movie, the two movies mentioned will best suit your heart’s desire. Warn you, they never failed to make those tears come out.

Feel free to post your thoughts about the movie after watching them!