How to Use Guys with Secret Tips

How to Use Guys with Secret Tips is a 2013 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Lee Won-suk, starring Lee Si-young, Oh Jung-se, Park Yeong-gyoo, Kim Jung-tae and Kim Joon-seong.

The film explores the life of Choi Bo-Na, an assistant director of commercial films. Portrayed impressively by Lee Si-young, Bo-Na works tirelessly on her film sets but is persistently overlooked for promotions due to her lack of assertiveness and the male-dominated nature of her workplace. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she stumbles upon a self-help video titled, "How to Use Men with Secret Tips."

The self-help video is presented by a peculiar yet charismatic character, Dr. Suwalski, convincingly played by Park Yeong-gyoo. Claiming to have answers to a woman's struggle in a man's world, Dr. Suwalski promises viewers that they will be able to control any man they want if they follow his advice. Intrigued and initially skeptical, Bo-Na decides to try implementing these tips on the ruggedly handsome, popular, yet most frustratingly arrogant actor she has ever worked with, Lee Seung-Jae, portrayed by Oh Jung-se.

Oh Jung-se delivers a memorable performance as Lee Seung-Jae, a self-obsessed actor who initially belittles Bo-Na's capabilities. His character undergoes a notable transformation throughout the film, which forms an essential part of the narrative.

As Bo-Na practices the secret tips from the video, she begins to see impactful changes around her. Men in her life, particularly her boss and Lee Seung-Jae, start to behave differently around her. Suddenly, she is not just the hard-working woman who blends in the background; she is seen, heard, and given the recognition and respect she deserves.

The film is not short on humor. Somehow it manages to incorporate laughter while retaining a serious message on how women are often overlooked or underestimated in the workplace. As Bo-Na's unintended, experiment with her co-workers and Lee Seung Jae starts to bear fruit, the movie takes a more comedic turn, providing a variety of humorous situations that are sure to have the audience chuckling.

Despite the levity, the film doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes such as workplace discrimination, gender stereotypes and the power dynamics involved in traditional romantic pursuits. It exemplifies the societal pressures faced by women, particularly in male-dominated industry, and the efforts they must take to assert themselves.

Sung-Woo Bae also stands out among the cast with his portrayal of a spineless colleague who is constantly pushed around by the director. His character, while providing comedic relief, also adds an extra layer of complexity to the film's exploration of workplace dynamics.

Apart from its splendid performances, How to Use Guys with Secret Tips also deserves accolades for its vibrant and eye-catching cinematography. As the narrative is tightly intertwined with the instructional video, the clever use of bright colors and exaggerated mise-en-scène perfectly contrasts the mundane reality of Bo-Na's day-to-day life. The aesthetic of the movie is highly distinctive and has that characteristic bright, pop-art influenced appearance common in many South Korean films.

Lee Won-suk's film is a refreshing take on the rom-com genre that ventures outside the typical tropes. It conveys a meaningful message about empowerment and self-worth, making it not just a fun watch, but an introspective one as well. This film encourages women everywhere to stand up for themselves, and it sends a powerful message that confidence is the key to success, regardless of gender or societal norms.