Hello Stranger

This is a must-see movie for anybody who likes rom-coms. The mood in the movie is light and funny throughout. It is modern Harry Met Sally, updated for new generation. The peek into characters from a different country is an added bonus.

Of course as is the case with most of this kind of movies, it is a little formulaic and contrived and you can guess the directions the plot will take from the start. But it is more about the journey than about the destination. You know it is a bit far-fetched but you really don't care.

Both the leads have done an amazing work with any going overboard.

Somehow i had totally forgot that i had already watched this movie a long time back and last night when i started watching it again, the old memories were back and yet, i was keen to finish it. To explain in two cents, i liked this movie due to its plain, simple, easy to follow script and there are no hiccups to worry about.

Story is old and there are already many movies based on same theme directly or indirectly. However, what difference i found in this melodrama against others is the unknown identity of two leads the whole way and there was not much pressure to repent in past or think through future. After all, why always a movie should contain elements as to what will happen and if it happens and all such load.

At-least one time watch.

I guess I got to be the first one to review this movie then. Hello Stanger is probably the highest grossing movie of this year (2010) in the Thai Box Office and probably among of the top five of all time, so something must be right to make this movie to famous among its viewer and for me something was really right.

Synopsis: A cliché love story about two lonely people befriended in the foreign land. The name of the movie came as they refuse to tell each other name so that they don't have to care about one another but just part-time friend whom happens to travel and exploring Korea together.

Made by the GTH production house, for Thai people – this is like saying the movie came from Pixar – a quality production house that assure its viewer the quality of the flick. Despite being new to the industry with less than 10 years experience four movies from GTH made it to the highest grossing movie of all time.

The movie doesn't try to be anything else rather than the romantic comedy and from my point of view that what the movie deliver best. The movie consist some consistence witted humors, and some of the scene that will make your eye watery from the beginning to the end.

With Korean Fever on the rise (Korean Fever is a phase describing the popularity of Korean cultures, series, movie, K-pop singers etc on young people on other countries) this movie came exactly at the right time. It will truly help if you watch a lot of Korean Series, then you will know what they are talking about.

Another thing that I truly love about this movie is the casting. It is a perfect fit and it felt so natural. I guess since he is the one who wrote this movie he know exactly what to give to get the character and how to portray it. Yes, that right the main protagonist is the one who wrote this movie. I also love the casting of the female protagonist Noona, she was awesome in everyway even thought this way her debut in film industry. Surprisingly she also did an OST for this flick, which is truly touching.

Anyway overall I highly recommend this movie to anyone who have a good sense of humor and wanted to relax, and then this movie is definitely for you. Try it, truly worth it.

Recommendation: I definitely add this to my DVD collection.

Reason To Watch: Its Humor, Korea, and Actors.

Reason Not to: Personal dislike of this genre of movie, otherwise I don't see a reason not to at least try to watch it once.

Rating: 8.0/10 (Grade: A-)

A rarity these days for film-makers to be proficient in varying genres. Director of acclaimed horror films "Shutter" and "Alone" carves a niche in his first romance comedy showcase that is very much fun and laughter inducing. Fans of Korean pop culture and TV dramas will not want to miss this.

Frankly speaking, upon knowing that Director Banjong Pisanthanakun (of Shutter and Alone fame) is doing a romance comedy, I'm really not that surprised. In fact I held high hopes as I've seen what he's capable of with his comedy-horror film segments in "4bia" and its sequel "Phobia 2". With a very good mix of humour and spooks for these two short films, he finally ventures away from horror for the first time with good results.

Capitalising upon his good comic sense of humour, he has written some very engaging screenplay together with his male lead Dhanasevi, which probably explains why he seems so natural in his wonderful role performance as the irritating cynic who meets a pure-hearted homely girl crazy over Korean dramas in South Korea.

Besides the hilarious and sparkling presence of Dhanasevi, new face Sophon (a.k.a NooNa) earns a great first feature grade for her film resume. Appearing blissful and bubbly while maintaining a girl-next-door image that appeals to the boys out there, she is one mesmerising newcomer to watch out for. When it comes to the sentimental scenes where she has to get wet in tears, she pulls it off like a seasoned natural (possibly with an acting coach as credited in the film).

Likely to be a reflection of the current Korean television drama craze that has overwhelmed Asian countries like Thailand, it sets off to be some sort of a Korean drama spoof attempting to poke fun at it through the cynicism of Dhanasevi. When paired with Korean drama lover NooNa, their interactions give rise to an influential synergetic ensemble that easily captivates our hearts. Thanks to some really interesting writing, this film is filled with several comical scenes that got us blatantly laughing out loud.

It's really all about the fun we enjoy from them.

Of course, what's a rom-com without the soppy melodrama? Unnecessarily long to cause a minor draggy feel, this is where we discover the Director's limitations of inexperience with romance. However, the romance plot elements somewhat reflect scenarios that are often common of couples in real life. Their development gets me nodding in agreement at times as I can totally relate couples around me to them, a credit that I have to give Pisanthanakun for.

Standing amidst the extensive humour, fun, and melodrama, one gets truly influenced to hold desires to visit South Korea with a prominent feature of South Korean culture and her scenic urban cityscape and snowscape.

Fun-filled culture exchange makes for good film material.

Set against the bustling streets of South Korea, Hello Stranger delivers a charming mix of romance, humor, and heartfelt reflection on love found in unexpected places.

The film follows two Thai strangers who meet during separate trips to South Korea. Initially reluctant companions, their shared misadventures gradually evolve into an emotional bond. The film cleverly uses the "strangers in a foreign land" premise to explore themes of loneliness, serendipity, and the fleeting nature of human connections.

Visually, the film makes excellent use of South Korea's cultural landmarks and urban landscapes, adding vibrancy and novelty to the narrative. The setting functions as more than just a backdrop-it emphasizes the characters' displacement while providing opportunities for comedic and romantic encounters. The chemistry between Chantavit Dhanasevi and Nuengthida Sophon is natural and engaging, striking a balance between playful banter and moments of vulnerability.

The script blends situational comedy with emotional depth, ensuring the humor never overshadows the evolving intimacy between the leads. While some scenes lean into romantic comedy conventions, the sincerity of the performances elevates the film beyond formula. The emotional climax, infused with bittersweet realism, underlines the idea that not all connections must last forever to be meaningful.

Ultimately, Hello Stranger succeeds as both a lighthearted romance and a poignant commentary on love, timing, and the serendipity of chance encounters.

Rating: 8/10 - A warm, witty, and visually engaging romantic comedy that captures the magic of unexpected bonds and the beauty of impermanent connections.