Daedosiui sarangbeob

Watching the movie after the series is a bit strange. They changed a lot and compressed a lot and took out a lot. I know the story is based on some famous novel(s) so now I'm wondering what's in those novels because these two characters in the movie are giving me different vibes from the series, so my advice would be to separate them completely. It's just the bare bones of the series. There's a lot more of and about her here, whereas in the series she gets married pretty quickly and mostly disappears and there's less of him here. Be basically has two relationships, one of which is completely different from the series, although it's the guy he's kissing while meeting her. I am a little baffled by these changes and I don't understand the reasoning. But yeah, its heart is in the right place and these two here shine through the screen and their friendship is epic, which it wasn't in the series, so it is a nice watch on its own. It feels like it shows a lot more of the homophobia in Korea, but maybe it feels that way because it's compressed. He is a lot more unhappy and guarded than in the series, where he had a more bubbly personality, albeit still closeted. Nam Yoon-su ruined me.

So yeah, I keep picking at the differences, although I said I shouldn't because it doesn't help. It's a good movie. I enjoyed it. But damn Korean men are scary. And they gossip a lot and they bully and sl*t-shame. In and out of the office, at school, etc. Geez...

I was surprised to see negative comments, I personally enjoyed a lot the movie and thought the emotions were well transmitted, and definitely a lot more than the tv show (even though there are a lot a of improvements by the end), each character showed depth and both were central to the story. Both made me feel what they were feeling. I wish to see more movies like that. It feels (to me) that it could be happening in the real life compared to a lot of bl or even normal drama.

Love in the Big City is a serendipitous encounter that brings two kindred spirits who teeter on the fringes of normative culture together, exploring friendship, sexuality, and the comfort of being themselves at a pivotal time in their young adulthoods. An enjoyable, sometimes funny, trek through early twenties rebellion of vices, dating, hooking up, partying, and growing up. Ours protagonists find themselves both escaping from and finding paths of self exploration and reflection. Great to see two very talented actors, Kim Go-eun and Steven Sang-hyun Noh, on the same screen giving all of their energy to these free spirited characters.

It was hilarious yet deeply moving - the perfect mix of comedy and trauma. Everybody needs a Jae to their Heung. That scene after the hospital visit following the big fight was pure love and the karaoke moment was just the cutest. The film reminds you that while there's always someone out there for you, it's just as important to thrive right where you are.

What stood out most was how, despite their own struggles, Jae and Heung's deep platonic bond gave them a steady anchor. Their friendship pushed me to look deeper into the reality of the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea - a perspective the movie nudges you toward without being heavy-handed.

By the end, it was so satisfying to see real growth in both main characters.

The pacing of the film relatively smoother and natural, and isn't as dramatic unlike the drama. I'm not sure which is more more truer to the book as I haven't read it yet. The nuances between the protagonist and her friend is more developed here and is the major focus on the film, and the film very mildly and conveniently addresses the struggles of the gay community.

The film is still thoroughly enjoyable overall but lacks the emotional impact and rawness that was portrayed in the drama version. Many dialogues mute the protagonists voice and we fail to understand what is going on his head with all the situations around. Would very much recommend the drama over the film, but do give it a shot once you are done with the emotional turmoil the drama variant hit you with to tone down trauma!

The ML did show some reservations though at times in his portrayal of a gay character, or maybe it's the dedication of Nam-Soo-Hyun in the drama version which is speaking, but nevermind I just wished to address it. Would've liked if the core focus of the book had been more impactfully addressed.