Watch Always

Always is a heartfelt and captivating Korean romance film released in 2011. Directed by Song Il-gon, the movie stars So Ji-seob, Han Hyo-joo, and Kang Shin-il in the lead roles. With its touching storyline, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, Always takes audiences on an emotional journey filled with love, sacrifice, and second chances.

The film follows Cheol-min (played by So Ji-seob), a former boxer who has lost his sight due to an accident. Now working as a parking lot attendant, Cheol-min leads a solitary and secluded life, isolated from the world by his disability. Despite his hardships, he maintains a resilient and independent spirit, never expecting anyone to pity him.

One fateful day, Cheol-min crosses paths with Jung-hwa (played by Han Hyo-joo), a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship. As fate would have it, Jung-hwa is also visually impaired. Seeing her mistreated by her boyfriend, Cheol-min decides to intervene and helps her escape the toxic situation. An unusual bond forms between the two, as they find solace and understanding in each other's company.

As their friendship deepens and they spend more time together, Cheol-min and Jung-hwa begin to fall in love. However, their journey is not without its challenges. Throughout the movie, they face societal judgments, inner demons, and personal obstacles that test the strength of their relationship. Yet, despite these hurdles, they continue to lean on each other for support and find comfort in the beautiful moments they share.

One of the notable aspects of Always is its remarkable cinematography. The film features breathtaking visuals that capture the essence of its characters' perspectives. Through clever camera movements and usage of light and shadows, the audience is immersed in the sensorial experiences of both Cheol-min and Jung-hwa. These visual techniques effectively emphasize the importance of their disabilities in shaping their daily lives and emotional states.

In addition to its stunning visuals, Always is a movie that thrives on the exceptional performances of its cast members. So Ji-seob delivers a compelling portrayal of Cheol-min, instilling the character with a mix of vulnerability and strength. His portrayal beautifully captures the internal struggles, resilience, and growth of a man fighting against his limited sight and shattered dreams.

Han Hyo-joo gives an equally powerful performance as Jung-hwa, showing the character's complex emotions and growth over time. Her chemistry with So Ji-seob is palpable and helps to create a genuine and heartfelt connection between their characters. Kang Shin-il also deserves praise for his portrayal of Cheol-min's close friend and mentor, Kim Gyung-suk, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

Always explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of human connections. It delves into the profound questions of what it truly means to see and be seen, going beyond the physical limitations of its characters. The movie encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of empathy, understanding, and the strength that can emerge from unexpected relationships.

Overall, Always is an emotionally resonant Korean romance that touches the hearts of its viewers. With its heartfelt performances, stunning cinematography, and poignant storytelling, it invites audiences on a profound journey of love, acceptance, and second chances. The movie serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, growth, and the possibility of finding connection and happiness in unexpected places.

Always is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.