Watch The Happy Life

The Happy Life is a 2007 South Korean film that tells the story of a group of middle-aged men who used to be in a rock band together, and reunite after over twenty years apart. Directed by Lee Joon-ik, the film stars Jin-young Jung, Kim Yoon-seok, and Kim Sang-Ho. The story begins with the three main characters, Jang-soo (Kim Yoon-seok), Gi-yeong (Jin-young Jung), and Sang-woo (Kim Sang-Ho), who used to be in a band together, but have lost touch over the years. They were never able to achieve much success as a band, and their lives have taken different paths. Jang-soo is now a construction worker, Gi-yeong is a failed businessman struggling to make ends meet, and Sang-woo is a divorced family man who works as a security guard.

However, when they find out that their former bandmate Jeong-hoon (Joo Jin-mo), who went on to become a successful solo artist, is planning a reunion concert, they decide to get the band back together for one last performance. Despite initial reluctance, they begin to rediscover their passion for music and start practicing again, immersing themselves in their old songs and memories.

As they rehearse, they also begin to confront their personal struggles, including relationship issues and financial struggles. Jang-soo is facing the possibility of losing his job, Gi-yeong is facing eviction from his apartment, and Sang-woo's wife wants a divorce. Additionally, they must deal with the reality that they are no longer young and that their dream of making it big in the music industry has long since passed.

Throughout the film, there are moments of humor, as well as poignant and emotional scenes that explore the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of music to bring people together. The characters' struggles are relatable and the film tackles issues that many people face in their lives, such as mid-life crises, financial worries, and relationship breakdowns.

One of the highlights of the film is the music, as the actors actually play the instruments and perform live on camera. The songs are catchy and uplifting, and it is clear that the actors put in a lot of effort into their performances, both in terms of the music and the acting.

The Happy Life is not just a film about a group of middle-aged men trying to relive their glory days, but a touching and heart-warming story about the enduring power of friendship and the importance of chasing your dreams. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the strong performances and the film's ability to balance humor with moments of genuine emotion.

Overall, The Happy Life is an enjoyable and engaging film that will leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired. Whether you are a fan of music or not, this film is a testament to the universal appeal of the human experience and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.