Hello Stranger

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.

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.

This reviewer had always dreamed of meeting his true love while touring the streets of Paris. How romantic would that be, to experience love at first sight while strolling in the City of Love. Language barriers aside, this would be a dream come true for any die hard romantic. But what if this idealistic reviewer were to meet a fellow Singaporean who spouts the ever familiar Singlish phrase "What are you doing here ah?" – would things as romantic as he hoped things to be?

There is a similar situation in this Thai movie. Just when you thought that the Thais have nothing new to offer except horror flicks, Muay Thai action movies and kitschy comedies, here comes a refreshing romantic comedy set in Korea. Yes, the very accessible movie takes place in the country that has its boybands and girlbands taking over the international pop industry by storm.

The plot is simple: A guy and a girl visit the Land of Kimchi separately, and eventually bond together after coincidental encounters, sharing of rooms and confessions of heartbreaks. Do they end up going back to Thailand together to share a "happily ever after" together?

Director Banjong Pisanthanakun (Shutter, Alone) ditches his familiar horror genre to helm this entertaining holiday romance which will be a hit for all you couples out there – there is a reason why the 127 minute movie made big bucks in its home country and became the highest grossing movie of 2010.

One hundred and twenty seven minutes? Yes, you read that correctly – running at over two hours long, this movie goes on quite a bit before you get to find out whether there will be happy ending for the two protagonists. Call this reviewer a unromantic Scrooge who has no one to share the lovey dovey moments with if you will, but there are many unnecessary plot developments which make this movie overlong.

Grudges aside, this Korea funded popcorn movie is still a joy to sit through, largely thanks to its appealing cast. Headlining the production are Chantawich Tanasewi and Nuengtida Sopon, who are extremely pleasant as leads. Tanasewi exudes a boyish charm which makes him instantly likable, while Sopon has a sophisticated personality which makes her girlishly charismatic. The two of them are the kinds of friends you want to travel with, and that makes this journey extra enjoyable.

As romantic comedies go, you shouldn't expect much in terms of characterisation or plot developments. The filmmakers have played the game by the book and managed to chart a predictable itinerary around Korea. While it serves as a great date movie, the production also serves as a visual guide around some of Korea's prettiest sights (that's probably why the Koreans have decided to fund this project as well).

What's particularly interesting though, is how the filmmakers have managed to portray a picture of how the Korean pop culture has taken over the world by storm – watch how a certain Bae Yong Joon is spoofed in a restaurant scene. You'll chuckle at the rather genius move taken by the scriptwriter, and hope that one day, it will be you experiencing an overseas romance as picture perfect as this.

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After a Long Time, I Watched a Heart Touching Romantic Movie. This Movie Tells a Beautiful Story about Two Peoples who don't know each other Fall In Love. Its Climax was So Unexpected. I liked that male Character who Plays that Lead Role. His Name was Chantavit Dhanasevi, One of the Best Actor in Thailand Performed Very Well !! And Also The Female Lead Nuengthida Sophon Perfomed Well Too. I'll Give this Movie 10/10 for Best Story,Screenplay,Performance, Climax. Romcom Drama Fans Check This Out ! Because This Movie is So Underrated !. A Worth Watch Movie !!