Watch The Classic

The Classic is a South Korean romantic drama film from 2003, directed by Kwak Jae-yong. It stars Son Ye-jin, Zo In-sung and Cho Seung-woo. The movie spans two different timelines: one in the present, and one in the 1960s. In the present day, a woman named Ji-hye (Son Ye-jin) travels to the countryside in search of her mother's childhood, hoping to learn more about her own family history. Meanwhile, in the 1960s, her mother, Joo-hee (also played by Son Ye-jin), was a high school student who falls in love with a boy named Jun-woo (Zo In-sung).

The movie explores the parallel love stories of both mother and daughter, and how they are connected across time. Ji-hye discovers her mother's old diary in the countryside, reading about the intense and tragic romance between Joo-hee and Jun-woo. As she reads, she begins to see similarities between their relationship and her own feelings for a young man back in Seoul.

The storyline in the 1960s is one of the movie's most captivating aspects, as it showcases the Korea of that time period, a country that was still recovering from the war and had a lot of social limitations. Joo-hee, who comes from a poor family, is seen as unworthy of Jun-woo, whose family is wealthier and status-bound. Joo-hee and Jun-woo overcome all of society's barriers to their love through the most dangerous situations.

The cinematography is another strong point of the film. The use of color and light is especially notable, as the film portrays the past in desaturated colors, while the present is presented in full color. The use of various shades of green when showing the countryside is breathtaking, creating a serene and emotional atmosphere.

The music in The Classic is also beautiful and memorable. The soundtrack is mostly made up of classical music, which fits perfectly with the film's romantic and nostalgic themes.

The acting in the movie is excellent as well. Son Ye-jin is outstanding in dual roles, portraying Joo-hee's innocence, vulnerability, and determination, as well as Ji-hye's curiosity, heartache, and growth. Zo In-sung gives a strong performance as Jun-woo, showing both his youthful energy and his maturity as a man. Cho Seung-woo, who portrays Ji-hye's love interest, provides excellent support to the storyline, giving the film a light-hearted and humorous side.

The Classic depicts the power of love and the sacrifices that people are willing to make for it. It's a story about self-discovery, forgiveness, and family values. The film is well-regarded in South Korea for its romantic narrative and its ability to leave its audience in tears with its heartwarming, and at times heart-wrenching, resolution.

To sum up, The Classic is a beautiful, touching, and timeless movie, highly recommended for anyone who loves romantic dramas. Its engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and memorable music and performances make it one of the most beloved and iconic South Korean films of all time.