Take Care of My Cat

This movie works on two levels, basically the story that happens and also as a subtle progressive social commentary about the state of korea and how women are somewhat confined and the "minor" injustices they face all the time. I wouldn't go so far as to call it feminist because what alot of the movie is dealing with is just the basic struggle for existence, and how each of the girls can fit into the world somehow.

The story at first begins somewhat boring as its unclear what the purposes of the movie are, but around 20 minutes into the movie when Hye-ju rejects JiYoung's gift of the cat, and then later fails to meet her on time at a restaurant, it is clear that the movie is finally starting to move with its plot in some noticeable direction. And the way it does so is very smooth and well directed you slowly become immersed in the intricate details of thier world, which is a fundamental quality of a of a good movie. As a drama, it does its job of immersing the viewer in the emotions of its characters. I think it is a definitely progressive style drama as many other coming of age styled dramas are, and is enjoyable to watch throughout because you are always getting a realistic look at modern korean life as the story moves.

Worth watching!

'Take Care of My Cat' is a thoughtful, sensitive and perceptive look at the lives of a group of young Koreans living in Inchon (Seoul's port city) as they undergo the difficult transition from students to workers. The characters of the different girls, and the changing interactions between them, are depicted with considerable skill and subtlety, as the film observes how the proliferation of mobile phones in society has not necessarily eliminated loneliness, and explores the (neo-Loachian) idea of the difficulty in maintaining relationships that straddle class boundaries. For a European, the film also provides an interesting portrait of contemporary Korea; awash with modern technology, but nonetheless still suffering from a relatively impoverished urban environment. The details are convincing and fascinating; the themes universal and profound, yet the film makes its points lightly and with grace. The result is genuinely moving experience. Definitely recommended.

This film had a pensive effect on me. For some reason, it reminded me of F*cking Åmål, (don't go All-American/FakeChristian/MidWestern hypocrite on me and report this, it's the official IMDb title --> http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0150662/), perhaps it is the theme of childhood or teenage-ship which runs through both of them. When I watched F*cking Åmål, I strongly felt that it showed a world of teenagers lost to me now forever and 'Goyangileul Butaghae' is actually about that, so there. It's quite a film with a lot of recognition, even if one is not a twenty something female, but a European male from a different age group altogether. For the first minute that I watched it, I didn't realize that it wasn't a European film. I was just zapping. And I'm kind of sorry that I didn't tape this one. Because the film's beautiful sadness or melancholy, is striking indeed. It's really a film which you wanna own on DVD or tape. Quite nice to get a peek inside Korean teenage-twins life, the harsh differences (the policeman telling an orphaned girl who just lost her grandparents due to a collapsed roof too that she should count herself lucky to be rid of a burden) and the similarities (the way they deal with boys etc).

Okay, maybe I just liked this film because it's about five attractive girls and I'm male but that's not all of it. Like the other users said, its atmosphere, the 'odeur' is so beautiful. The ending (it was my favorite type of ending. Don't worry, I won't tell;) ) screams for a sequel! I wanna see more! How about 'Tae-hie and Ji-young's Travel Adventure'? And where can I get the music?

The Melancholic Alcoholic.

This was a very insightful movie, as far as the tensions that might come between old friends, and the hardships that come with growing up. The plot is a little slow moving, but then, so is life. It may seem like the story goes nowhere, but really there's a very profound ending, even though you won't spot it if you're looking for a movie with all the cliché storyline signs: Villain, some horribly horrible task befalling the main character, and at the end everyone saves the day. It's not an action movie, and it's not about superheros~ It's about life, and so the movie moves and looks and feels the way *real* life does.

This fairly low-key drama that follows the lives of a group of young girls after they graduate from high school is well-crafted and affecting. The IMDB stats confirm what is only to be expected: namely that you will especially love this film if you're a twenty-something female.

Incidentally, the average standard of Korean film amazingly high. My own policy is that any time I get the chance to see a Korean film, I do so. Regardless of whether it is a thriller or a comedy or a drama, I'm rarely disappointed - what is on offer is often excellent, and scarcely ever less than okay.