Lover (1996)

The very first affair drama set the standard real high...

A topic brushed under the rug or villainised in society : cheating. Because the response is either "wife, its your fault" or "husband, you chose wrong". "Lover" shows the side of the protagonists and that the falling out of love is no one's "fault" or "wrongdoing", it is a human process that can be overcome by right communication and trust, but is caused when society doesn't encourage an emotional connection between people but commodifies them in to a set of formalities. Through the fantastic and realistic acting of the lead actors, one can not only live through all their emotions and thoughts, but also get a glimpse into the society of the Korean 90s and its conservative values, contrasting the financial and cultural progress. The characters are well built, fully fleshed out, and suit the actors to a tee. The music (most prominently Carry N Ron's I.O.U) suits the time well and is nostalgic, although some variety would have been wished for. The story is not predictable - but not in a shocking "plot-twist" way, but a natural, "such is life" way. All in all, for a nostalgia trip as well as for a little educating lesson on Korean society (as well as 90s Seoul Satoori hehe) recommend this!

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