Christmas in August

Christmas in August, a South Korean film from 1998, directed by Hur Jin-ho and elegantly enhanced by the performances of Han Suk-kyu and Eun-ha Shim, encapsulates a classic tale of romance, but it is also much more than just that. It is a profound exploration of life – how it exists in the ordinary, in the humdrum, in the somber realities, and even in the face of death. It reminds us of the importance of the present, and the bittersweet nature of transient moments and relationships.

We are introduced to the lead character, Jung-won, played by Han Suk-kyu, who lives the simple life of a photography shop owner in a small district of Seoul. The film offers a vivid depiction of Jung-won's routine existence, interfacing with various customers, developing photos and navigating the hustle and bustle of daily life. Han Suk-kyu nails his performance, embodybing the essence of an everyman facing more than just the everyday struggles. His character's simplicity and ordinary life is what makes him so relatable.

Soon, Jung-won's life takes a turn when he encounters Da-rim, a parking agent portrayed by Eun-ha Shim. Da-rim appears to be no more than a customer at first, coming into the photo shop to develop the pictures she uses for her job - documenting illegally parked cars. The beauty of the film lies in the way their relationship builds slowly, emerging from everyday conversations and ordinary interactions around the analogue duties of a photography shop. Eun-ha Shim portrays Da-rim with an effervescence that lights up the screen, portraying a sense of genuine emotion that is both heartwarming and poignant.

Beyond the central romance, the film provides a perceptive insight into a slice of life in a typical South Korean community. It does not fail to depict the cultural nuances and the hustle of life in Seoul. The supporting characters, including Goo Shin, who plays Jung-won's soft-hearted father, round out the narrative with their individual charm and quirks delivering a perfect picture of an idyllic community.

Throughout the film, Hur Jin-ho's directorial technique is elegant in its simplicity. He pays attention to the minute details, the smiles, the pauses, the seemingly inconsequential words that over time construct an overarching narrative of unspoken affection and resonance. The judicious use of silence at certain points in the film not only contributes to its aesthetic but also intensifies the emotional depth.

Christmas in August, despite its title, is not a conventional holiday movie. The title is a reflection of the film's central theme, representing the idea of celebrating the present, regardless of the time and regardless of the circumstances. The subtle references to Christmas – a timelessness, a hopefulness, a celebration of life and relationships, interwoven into the structure of the narrative, add a unique charm to the film.

A distinguishing feature of Christmas in August is its intentional avoidance of melodrama. The tragic element is well-articulated but not overplayed. The film explores the themes of mortality and the impermanence of life, yet it keeps its narrative rooted in the mundane and the ordinary. The resultant mood of the film is realistic— a bittersweet, melancholic tonality that wonderfully underscores the inevitable realities of life.

On the technical side, the film benefits from exceptional camera work and a mellow soundtrack that superbly complements its narrative. The lighting and framing of most scenes bring out the brilliance and the beauty inherent in regular life, faithfulness to the underlying principles of photography which is part of Jung-won's livelihood.

Altogether, Christmas in August is a must-watch film that captures a captivating love story while simultaneously offering deep insights into human existence and the poignant beauty of every moment. Its themes resonate regardless of a viewer’s personal experiences, making it a timeless cinematic masterpiece.