User reviews

A very entertaining movie to say the least. I immensely enjoyed it. However, hearing all the negative reviews about this movie I went in watching it with low expectations and that is what saved this movie for me. If you are expecting another "my sassy girl" masterwork, then you'll be sorely disappointed. This movie definitely is not on the same level as MSG. However, it has its moments and the movie doesn't take itself seriously (except for a few overly melodramatic and sappy scenes). So everyone needs to stop comparing to MSG and accept it for what it is. It's a fun movie to watch and the lead actress is entertaining as ever.

This film is about a rogue/overzealous police officer named Kyungjin (the very attractive Gianna Jun) who mistakenly takes a person in, thinking he stole a lady's purse. He is Myungwoo (Hyuk Jang), a new physics teacher in the local girl's school. They improbably become boyfriend and girlfriend and the first half of the film has a breezy quality, mostly comedic with some dashes of gritty action. The film turns sentimental in the second half, kind of unexpectedly. The closest I can enable some understanding is the Patrick Swayze film "Ghost". To say more would give the film away. Its a date movie, and it has its moments. Ms. Jun is a very good actress, she more than carried the film and she enjoys popularity in Korea. Be prepared to laugh and even to cry. Not great, it has its charms and it is worthwhile viewing.

Windstruck (2004)

Starring: Jeon Ji-hyun, Hyuk Jang Directed by: Kwak Jae-young

I don't normally do spoilers, but potentially some people may feel I've revealed too much in this review.

* WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS *

As Windstruck reunites director Kwak Jae-young with Jeon Ji-hyun from the extremely popular My Sassy Girl, there will always be a comparison for fans between the two. But whilst My Sassy Girl was outstanding and indeed led to the massive break for Jeon Ji-hyun, Windstruck pales in comparison with the former, and indeed, some may end up disappointed.

Windstruck tells of a novice cop, Kyungjin (Jeon), who mistakenly arrests a stranger, Myungwoo (Hyuk Jang), believing him to be a purse snatcher. Once the mistake is realised, they both start dating, with Myungwoo feeling he has to come to the rescue of his maverick girlfriend. Sadly, one time too many and it all goes wrong as Myungwoo is killed.

Windstruck isn't as well written as MSG. Whilst there is plenty of detail in the film, with great attention paid to sets, costumes, camera angels and so on, it lacks the overall substance to carry the story. Indeed, it's hard to work out what really is the theme of the movie. The characters aren't developed enough and I didn't find enough chemistry being built up in the story before Myungwoo's death.

Windstruck is effectively broken into two parts. The first two-thirds of the movie is much about their relationship blossoming, the last third is about how she copes with his death. In their blossoming relationship, you see sparks of the humour and cleverness that made MSG a success. The ending has the melodramatic tone that actually is somewhat clichéd. But the way it's been set up, neither part ever reaches what you'd think is a completeness, and you end up thinking, we could have had more.

And that's what really bugs me about this film. It is really two full length films, spliced and edited into one. It could be a very funny falling in love romcom, or it could be a very good drama about coping with death. But wrapping the two movie themes into one leaves you thinking it didn't have enough substance. Plus the whole thing could have been more cleverly edited.

Having seen all of Jeon Ji-Hyun's movies to date, I can say that she is a very talented actress. However, the shortening and splicing does mean that I don't feel her talent has been fully used. And much the same for Hyuk Jang.

Overall, there isn't enough magic for it to match MSG nor the brilliance of Jeon Ji-hyun's other films. But having said that, for most, it is still a pretty good film and it's still worth a watch. One for a windy day.

The wind hits your face, but you shrug off the chill and continue on your way. Never once does the thought cross your mind that it might be someone you loved who is now dead and gone.

Windstruck is definitely not a comedy. Romance, Drama yes. Funny at parts, undoubtedly. But NOT a comedy.

Ji-hyun Jun and Hyuk Jang are the perfect pair and full of chemistry (although some disagree with me). The movie is sad and tear-jerking at several different scenes. I won't pretend that I know the director's style, and instead comment on the movie itself unlike most of my colleagues here.

The humor was great, and Hyuk Jang is shockingly refreshing acting opposite Ji-hyun because he actually has a backbone and is funny by himself, not funny to laugh at because he is so pitiful as in "My Sassy Girl." Unfortunately the humor goes away about half way in, and the remainder is quite depressing, with only a glimmer of hope left at the end.

Overall, I think the movie deserves a 10 out of 10, but I don't think that I ever want to see it again. Until I really want to cry....

This film had much promise. Some nice overhead shots of the city, a funny first encounter between the two main characters, but then it alternates between comedy, crime drama,romance and fantasy. The attempt is made several times to tug at the audience's heartstrings but how many times can this feat be successfully pulled off? By the last half hour, I just wasn't buying the "whimsy" anymore. The movie gets a marginal rec based on a good effort and an uproarious scene that takes place in the police station between a gangster and Myungwoo. Looking forward to seeing "Daisy" a film whose screenplay was written by Jae-young Kwak. If he directs again, let's hope that he'll be a little more focused and book more time in the editing room.

It's no secret that Korean romantic comedies of late have been in sad phase. Right after MY SASSY GIRL broke out in 2001, every romcom seems to imitate that incredible pic in various degree (the latest one, 100 DAYS WITH MR. ARROGANT, is a total crap). What makes it wrong is that Kwak Ja-young, SASSY's writer-director, tries to imitate his own masterpiece with this mediocre & overlong effort, complete with the Sassy Girl herself, Jeon Ji-hyun. And it is inevitable that people would compare both pics.

The story is about a brave-in-borderline-crazy female police officer who in the line of duty bonds with a weaker male teacher. They fall in love, but fate has it that they have to separate.

The 1st part of the movie is funny, but not as hilarious as SASSY. The 2nd part is full-on drama. The last part, well, I'm not sure where the last part actually begins. It has too many endings, too many climaxes to really work.

However, Kwak's subtle touch is there and the "dancing in the rain" send-up is funny. But this doesn't justify its 124-minute running time.

Jeon, probably the most gifted young actress in the world today, is back with her sassy persona, which is great, actually. And the lead actor, Jang Hyuk is game too. But he's no Cha Tae-hyun (SASSY's lead actor), either. And the chemistry's not there.

Oh, talking about SASSY, if you're one of the movie's fans, don't miss the final minute of the movie. I wouldn't know what your reaction would be, but it'll surely make you smile. To me, it (and the two leads' performance) almost save the movie. Almost.

**1/2 out of ****

This movie is simply excellent. The story may be the typical Korean melodrama, but it's still a touching one nonetheless. A must watch for fans of Korean movies.

For fans of My Sassy Girl, Windstruck is also a must watch as Jun Ji Hyun is great in it. While some may say that this movie does not live up to its hype as the sequel to My Sassy Girl, I am inclined to disagree. The plot is in its own right beautiful, and there is no reason why not to catch this movie just because it is a supposed "clone" of My Sassy Girl. There are numerous easter eggs and references to My Sassy Girl here, and while I concede that some do not serve any real purpose in furthering the plot, most of them are pretty interesting, and would be instantly noticed by fans of My Sassy Girl.

It is rather long though, and at times can appear to be rather drawn out. However, it still rates as one of the best Korean movies I've ever watched.

Asians tend to like melodramatic romantic movie and this is one of them. It's basically a sorta a prequel to "My Sassy Girl" except some parts from the flashback in "My Sassy Girl" doesn't fit. And some characters seems to have moved around or at least the actor and actresses in the movie that is also in the other movie. The scenarios is sort of the same except the main guy protagonist this time is played by Jang Hyuk who I am a fan of as an actor. And is a way way much more likable character than Gyun-woo(Cha Tae-Hyun). Even if his character is less tough compared to the girl he falls for. If your one of those audiences that thought "My Sassy Girl" is ridiculous with it's scenarios. This one takes it to a whole another level and it can get pretty lame sometimes. It becomes really cartoon like sometimes with it's dialogues. The first half of this movie is the build up of the relationship between Ko Myung-Woo(Jang Hyuk) and Yeo Kyung-Jin(Gianna Jun) who is a female cop in this. And it shows why she acted the way she did with getting drunk and all but some aspect just seems a bit forced in out of nowhere. Not that I think the director planned for a prequel while making "My Sassy Girl" or anything like that. If you enjoy slightly cheesy fantasy and yet realistic style comedic romantic comedy this one might be for you. Which is like in "My Sassy Girl" which I think it's a slightly better flick.

7.5/10

i saw this movie in Chinese so its probably a little different because translations r always a little different, but the movie is a great romantic comedy. yes, it is a bit too long at times and some scenes r obviously commercial, but its still a good film. the first hour mainly focuses on comedy and the relationship between the 2 characters. the second hour is mainly drama and how the main character deal with the tragedy.

at first i didn't expect much from this film at all, it looked like any other korean romantic comedy for teens, but it turned out much better than i expected.

I've watched both movies and Windstruck is better!!! I liked My Sassy Girl but Windstruck was the much better emotional roller-coaster. Their love seemed much more real and intense. It's a story about great and true love transcending death. And the fact that even through all the heartache, being able to let go of the pain and to find the strength to live again.

Others may not like it as much, but you don't give it a fair chance. Just because My Sassy Girl came first doesn't make it better! I highly recommend this movie whether you've seen My Sassy Girl or not! And Yes Its no My Sassy Girl, Its Windstruck! A great and different love story. So stop comparing the two.

I evaluate the film by how the director manages to realize his idea. In this sense 'Windstruck' didn't completely success so after all I was a bit disappointed by Kwak's latest film. This however doesn't mean the movie was that bad. It's really watchable and it's definitely a must-see for those who liked 'My Sassy Girl' no matter what people say, just go and see it, I just did so and I'm happy I did it. As many already noticed 'Windstruck' is a prequel to 'My Sassy Girl' which was definitely the best movie by Kwak Jea-young so far. And it could be a very good film, perhaps not worse than 'My Sassy Girl' itself. However it quite failed to do so and the result wasn't that good as it was supposed to. On the other hand I admit that it's not that easy to create a good prequel to a film of this genre ('romantic comedy') not to mention that it's generally very difficult to create a good film of this genre what Kwak managed to do with 'My Sassy Girl'. One of the problems is the story and characters. Jun Ji-hyun in a role of a policewoman didn't look exactly convincing even though her acting was really good. Also some rather banal and pointless situations typical to silly Hollywood 'romantic comedies' (in fact lots of them) made this film quite a disappointment compared to 'My Sassy Girl'. Although there were really good moments and as I already mention this film is not really bad. It's just not as good as it could be and I'm sure Kwak has made conclusions about his latest work. Of course this doesn't stop him being a great director and I'm sure we'll yet see more great films by him in the future.

I won't repeat what others have said previously, the praises have been stated already and the criticisms are mostly from those who obviously just cannot appreciate something of this genre. The MSG comparisons are ridiculous and need to stop, and besides too many criticisms are from people who are simply disappointed that they wanted something like My Sassy Girl and didn't get it. Yes, there are some MSG references included for the amusement of fans, but this is no prequel. This film stands on its own, and does it beautifully. I don't understand those who say the two stars have no chemistry; I thought the chemistry was natural, not only totally believable but FEELable. Generally I'd say you would have to be a heartless, soulless, kitten-drowning troll not to enjoy this movie at all. But it's certainly worth the watch to find out.

Okay just like anyone even I said this is just average and not comparable to my sassy girl but when I watched it the second time, my opinion has changed and I watched it 3 more times later on. This is actually a great film with a great story. As an audience we have to concentrate on the film and not compare to my sassy girl. Only then you'll understand the full potential of the film.

I'm not into romantic genre but I love this one. The chemistry between them was so mesmerising.

Gianna Jun and Jang Hyuk are natural comedians. That makes the pairing work. In the hands of some others it may have seemed painful during the more slapstick parts but with them it's okay. The story about a cop and teacher is watchable if dated. Things seem to jump from one thing to another abruptly crime to comedy to fairytale fantasy to accident. Randomly pieces together. The death is irritating since had no business being there. The second part after the death is weaker. With her death wish shooting. Relieved when she got shot.

Jyeon Ji-Hyeon is the main draw of the film.. The film makes this clear early on by not presenting us a gripping story or depth in characterisation, lol... The film survives on the performance of the female lead.

The beginning of the film feels easy to watch and the subsequent parts suffer from a lack of adequate content. Far from feeling like the makers were using the female lead as a cash cow after her earlier successes, the film builds upon something good for the later portions.

Overall, if you absolutely adore Korean romance dramas, maybe this film is for you. For others, apart from the performances and some beautifully shot scenes, I am not sure what this film has to offer.