I'm reviewing this as a BDSM'er, but the story is way more significant than this subject alone.

I've been watching many movies that abuse the world of BDSM and profit from misinformation and porn. It has gotten so bad in the last ten years; BDSM is filled with people who think that domination is about abuse and forceful coercion while it's about just the exact opposite. The dom puts the sub's needs first before their desires. This is clearly shown in the movie with Jiwoo's behaviours and thoughts. She knows what gives him pleasure while she's discovered hers. She kept clear boundaries and put his consent above board in their relationship. When she did fall for him emotionally and breached that boundary even just a little, she felt guilty and ashamed. Jiwoo's friend meets someone to play consensually, and that person tries to assault her sexually. "Just because I'm a pervert, it doesn't give you the right to treat me badly" is such a clear message about consent. None of the BDSM movies I've seen so far has such a clear message about consent. In the age of #metoo, there should be more movies out there like this one to remind people what consent is. I love one BDSM mistress' definition of consent: "a completely mindful, willing, and uncoerced choice to say yes, and the ability to revoke that "yes" at any time without fear of repercussions."
This movie is a shining example of that definition.

Another critical point this movie raised is discrimination against people just because they're different. Just because they don't fall into society's norm, while their personal preferences don't hurt anyone, what right does anyone have in treating them poorly? People with preferences for BDSM are highlighted as that example in this movie, but it could be about anything, LGBTQ+? Autism? Physical/mental disability? I could go on. The stigma of being different is so overwhelming that these people can live with deep shame and lack of self-acceptance when the rest of the "normal" world gets to mistreat them. Ji-hoo's ex-girlfriend's behaviour towards him is a prime example of ordinary people being abusive towards those who are different.

This leads me to the last point; love is about the freedom to be accepted as you are. Why be an ugly duckling when you can hang out with beautiful swans of your kind? Why force yourself to be accepted by those who will never accept you? Do yourself a favour and hang with people who love you as you are. The message in this movie is very logical and mature! I always tell people who hide behind their kink profile with a mask: Own your kink! What is there for you to be ashamed of? Rapists should be ashamed, adulterers should be ashamed, and people who abuse other people emotionally and physically should be ashamed. What's in BDSM to be ashamed of when it's consensual and mutually satisfying without hurting anyone? Many psychological studies agreed that BDSM is healthy when practiced with a partner who respects your boundaries and trust.

I can't say enough about the acting of Lee Jun-Young. It's my first time watching him, and I'm a total fan. I own golden retrievers all my life, and I can say he embodied these dogs' spirit, energy, and gestures 100%. I'm also in awe of Seohyun's acting. She had become such a mature woman and inspiring in her role. In every scene, no small gesture or flinch of a facial expression is misplaced, overdone, or undertones underappreciated. These two should win an Oscar.

I love the music; it's so spiffy and fun! It never fails to fit in perfectly to set the mood from one scene to another.

I didn't know what to expect when I first watched it. I was thinking of 50 Shades or at least Secretary (2002), but this movie exceeded my expectations and surprised me. It has to rewatch value! It took a Korean movie to tackle such a sensitive subject and educate people on what healthy BDSM looks like. My opinion on 50 Shades and 365 days? Hollywood is disgusting for portraying abusive behaviours as love and conflating sexual boundaries violations with BDSM to make money. Ugh.

I'm recommending this movie to everyone who wants to know what BDSM is and who loves a good laugh.
Even for me, dog play is hilarious!