A Good Day to Have an Affair

A Good Day to Have an Affair is a 2007 South Korean romantic comedy-drama expertly directed by Jang Moon-il. The film stars Kim Hye-su, Jin-Seo Yoon, Jong-Hyuk Lee and the talented supporting casts whose performance placed them among the finest in Korean cinema. The film's narrative is both smart and steamy, exploring love and infidelity with equal measures of humor and heartbreak.

Set in the energetic city of Seoul, South Korea, A Good Day to Have an Affair presents two pairs of adulterous lovers who have no prior link but cross paths unexpectedly. The story smartly intertwines these unrelated lives in a remarkable way that yet feels very real and grounded.

Kim Hye-su stars as a mid-30s married woman titled “Dew” in the online chat rooms who embarks on an affair to cocoon herself from the realities of her stagnant marriage. She enstraps a younger man "Thunderbird" (Lee Jong Hyuk), a university student who is tormented by his poor financial condition. Their connection is immediate but challenged by their personal fears and societal norms. Dew’s character is magnetic in her vulnerability and resilience, drawing the audience in as she treads the complex quagmire love life has woven for her.

In contrast, Jin-Seo Yoon plays the role of a delightful housewife referred to as “Small Bird” in cyberspace, who finds herself in an affair with a passionate writer codenamed "Fox" (Hwang Jung-min). Small Bird is bored with her life and finds escape in her affair which makes her feel alive. The performances of the actors display a rich balance of emotion, attraction and the intricacies involved in relationships beyond conventional boundaries.

A central theme within A Good Day to Have an Affair is encapsulated in the double standards and hypocrisy of modern society when it comes to monogamy and infidelity. Through the vibrant characters, the film dissects their personal motivations for seeking extramarital affairs, which is rendered especially interesting because it is set in a society that frowns upon such indiscretions.

As the title suggests, the movie adopts a light-hearted approach at the onset but gradually emphasises the emotional toll that secret affairs can take on lovers. It pushes the boundaries of conventional love stories and explores themes such as love, passion, betrayal, disenchantment, and the inherent human desire for companionship.

Both central affairs are uniquely distinctive, beautifully narrated, and stem from varying personal motivations. Moreover, the underlying raw emotions of loneliness, frustration, and the need for affection bind these characters across the narrative arc. The film features an array of engaging sub-plots and twists that keep the audience intrigued.

Despite the delicate subject matter, the director has depicted the situation with subtlety and sensitivity, avoiding cliches and stereotypes associated with extramarital affairs. The film is complemented by its stunning cinematography and production design that capture the beauty of Seoul while opening its gritty underbelly. The movie's original soundtrack further enhances its appeal, mixing an array of tunes that align well with the rollercoaster of emotions its characters experience throughout the narrative.

One of the key aspects of A Good Day to Have an Affair is the profoundly comedic tone used to sugar-coat the bitterness that stems from the agonizing reality of adultery. While it explores the often tabooed theme of infidelity, it masterfully embeds humor, ensuring the audience is entertained, even amid the tumultuous rides of its protagonists.

The superb performances resonated with audiences, leading to the film's substantial success at the box-office upon its release, garnering nationwide acclaim for its blunt, honest storytelling and the memorable performances of its main leads.

In conclusion, A Good Day to Have an Affair is a thought-provoking, deeply layered and at the same time thoroughly entertaining film that offers an insightful glimpse into the subdued voices in marital relationships and the unconventional pursuit of happiness. The film is definitely a worthwhile watch for anyone intrigued by the complexities of relationships and the personal battle between moral constraints and emotional desires.