Watch How to Use Guys with Secret Tips
- 2013
- 1 hr 56 min
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6.4 (590)
How to Use Guys with Secret Tips is a 2013 South Korean romantic comedy film that follows the story of a struggling assistant director who seeks advice on how to be successful in both her career and love life. Directed by Lee Won-suk, the cast is led by Oh Jung-se, Yong-Joon Ahn, and Sung-Woo Bae. The film received positive reviews and was praised for its unique and humorous approach in tackling the stereotypical gender roles and expectations in Korean society.
The film centers around Choi Bo-na (played by Lee Si-young), a young assistant director who dreams of becoming a successful filmmaker. However, her lack of experience and confidence often undermine her abilities, and she is constantly belittled and dismissed by her male colleagues. Her boss, Director Nam (played by Park Young-gyu), is particularly critical of her work and frequently ignores her suggestions.
Desperate to prove herself, Bo-na turns to a book titled "How to Use Guys with Secret Tips," which promises to teach her how to manipulate and control men to get what she wants. The book's author, a mysterious man named "Dr. Swalski," urges Bo-na to use her feminine wiles and follow his tips, which include wearing revealing clothing and acting helpless.
Initially hesitant, Bo-na decides to give it a try and starts putting the book's advice into practice. To her surprise, she begins to see results in both her career and personal life. Her male colleagues start treating her with more respect and taking her ideas seriously, and she even catches the eye of Lee Seung-jae (played by Oh Jung-se), a handsome but arrogant commercial director whom she has a crush on.
As she continues to follow the book's guidance, Bo-na realizes that the advice she has been taking was not exactly what she needed. The lessons she learns from experience are much more valuable than the manipulative tactics she was taught. With the help of her friends and newfound confidence, Bo-na finally finds success and happiness in her career and love life.
One of the strengths of the film is its refreshing take on gender roles and expectations in Korean society. The female protagonist, Bo-na, is portrayed as a strong and ambitious woman who faces discrimination and sexism in a male-dominated industry. However, the film does not simply dismiss men as the sole cause of her troubles. Instead, it explores the complex dynamics of relationships and the pressures both men and women face in trying to conform to societal norms.
The chemistry between the two main leads, Oh Jung-se, and Lee Si-young, is also noteworthy. Oh's portrayal of the arrogant and self-centered Seung-jae is both charming and frustrating, and his relationship with Bo-na is filled with hilarious miscommunications and misunderstandings. Lee's Bo-na is a relatable and endearing character who undergoes significant personal growth throughout the film.
The film also features some impressive cinematography and creative visuals, particularly during the sequences in which Bo-na follows the book's advice. The use of animation and special effects adds to the film's comedic tone and injects some much-needed energy into the story.
Overall, How to Use Guys with Secret Tips is an entertaining and insightful romantic comedy that subverts gender expectations and offers a nuanced exploration of relationships and the pressures society puts on men and women. The film's unique storyline and engaging performances make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
How to Use Guys with Secret Tips is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.