Watch I Wish I Had a Wife

"I Wish I Had a Wife" is a heartwarming romantic comedy from South Korea, released in 2001. The film revolves around the story of Bong-soo, a mild-mannered high school teacher played by Sol Kyung-gu, who has been divorced for years but is still in love with his ex-wife. Despite wanting her back, he's too shy and too much of a gentleman to express his feelings. Meanwhile, Jung-hwa, a young divorcee played by Jeon Do-yeon, is dealing with her own struggles as a working single mother.

As fate would have it, Bong-soo and Jung-hwa meet by chance and strike up an unlikely friendship. Bong-soo is drawn to Jung-hwa's carefree spirit and her ability to make the most of her situation, while Jung-hwa is impressed by Bong-soo's kindness and earnestness. They soon discover that they have a common problem: they both miss having someone to share their lives with.

In a moment of whimsy, they come up with a plan to solve each other's problems. They decide to become 'platonic soulmates' - a term that Bong-soo coins - which basically means that they will act like a married couple without actually getting married. They'll split the bills, do household chores together, and attend social events as a couple. The idea is that they'll have someone to rely on and someone to share their daily life with, without any of the pressure or complications of a romantic relationship.

Things start off well, and Bong-soo and Jung-hwa both find themselves genuinely enjoying each other's company. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other. They realize that their original plan of staying strictly platonic might not be as simple as they thought.

"I Wish I Had a Wife" is a charming film that explores themes of loneliness, companionship, and the search for true love. The chemistry between the two leads, Sol Kyung-gu and Jeon Do-yeon, is palpable and the audience can't help but root for them. Their characters are well-written, with both Bong-soo and Jung-hwa having their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The film doesn't shy away from showing the challenges that come with being a single parent, and it highlights the importance of having a strong support system.

Throughout the movie, there are plenty of comedic moments that will have viewers laughing out loud. Director Park Heung-sik does an excellent job of balancing the film's quieter, more introspective moments with the more lighthearted scenes, creating a film that is both entertaining and poignant. The story is a relatable one, appealing to anyone who has ever felt lonely or unsure about their own romantic prospects.

Overall, "I Wish I Had a Wife" is a delightful film that manages to be both sweet and funny. It tackles serious themes with a light touch, and the performances by Sol Kyung-gu and Jeon Do-yeon are excellent. The film is a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship, showcasing the joys that come from sharing one's life with another person. It's a feel-good movie that will leave viewers with a smile on their faces long after the credits have rolled.