Watch Our Sunhi

Our Sunhi is a 2013 South Korean drama film directed by Hong Sang-soo, starring Jung Yu-mi as the title character, Sunhi, a young woman who returns to her alma mater to ask her professor for a letter of recommendation for graduate school. However, her visit sets off a series of encounters that lead her down a path of self-discovery.

The film begins with Sunhi approaching her former film professor, Choi Dong-hyun (Kim Sang-joong), for a recommendation letter. Choi is hesitant at first, as he remembers Sunhi as a difficult student who often clashed with him. However, he eventually agrees to write the letter, setting off a series of events that sees Sunhi encounter three men from her past - her ex-boyfriend Munsu (Lee Sun-kyun), her old flame Jaehak (Jae-yeong Jeong), and her former professor Changsook (Kim Yeongjae).

As Sunhi spends time with each of these men, she is forced to confront her own insecurities and desires, as well as the conflicting roles that she plays in their lives. With Munsu, she discusses their past relationship and where it went wrong, while also discovering that he still has feelings for her. With Jaehak, she reflects on their brief but intense romance, and how it impacted her life in ways she never expected. And with Changsook, she grapples with the idea of being an artist, and questions whether or not she has what it takes to succeed.

Throughout the film, Sunhi's interactions with these men are complex and nuanced, allowing the audience to see her as a multifaceted and flawed individual. She is simultaneously assertive and vulnerable, confident and unsure of herself. Her interactions with Munsu are particularly revealing, as they show the complicated dynamics of a broken relationship - the love and hurt that still remain, as well as the bitterness and blame that can arise.

As the film progresses, the men in Sunhi's life become increasingly intertwined, with each of them affecting the others in unexpected ways. Munsu and Jaehak get into a heated argument, with Sunhi caught in the middle, while Changsook offers advice to both Sunhi and Munsu, despite only having met them briefly. These interactions highlight the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, and how even the smallest actions can have profound consequences.

Our Sunhi is a subtly woven film, with Hong Sang-soo's distinct directorial style bringing a quiet elegance and depth to the story. Through his use of long takes and minimalist cinematography, he allows his characters space to breathe and explore their emotions in a way that feels natural and unforced. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with moments of humour interspersed with moments of genuine pathos and insight.

Perhaps the strongest aspect of the film is its portrayal of Sunhi as a fully realized character, rather than a mere plot device or love interest. Jung Yu-mi's performance is nuanced and understated, conveying a range of emotions with subtle shifts in expression and tone. Her interactions with the male characters are complex and layered, and the film resists the urge to neatly resolve their relationships or give Sunhi a clear-cut arc. Instead, it allows her to continue on her journey of self-discovery, with all its uncertainties and ambiguities.

Overall, Our Sunhi is a beautifully crafted film that explores the complexities of relationships and identity in a way that feels refreshingly authentic. Its characters are flawed and human, its dialogue is sharp and insightful, and its direction is understated but powerful. It is a quietly compelling film that rewards careful attention and rewards multiple viewings, and is sure to leave a lasting impact on those who encounter it.

Our Sunhi is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.