Like For Likes

Like For Likes is a nostalgic, heartwarming Korean romantic comedy released in 2016. The film features an outstanding ensemble cast, led by veteran actors Mi-yeon Lee, Choi Ji-woo, and Ju-hyuk Kim. Directed by Hyun-jin Park, Like For Likes takes viewers on a satisfying emotional roller-coaster, painting a vivid picture of contemporary love in the digital age. It skillfully mixes comedy and romance with doses of drama, as it explores the dynamics of human relationships and the complexities of modern dating.

The narrative weaves its way through three interconnected love stories that revolve around six different characters, all living in bustling Seoul. These characters are spectacularly diverse in their personalities, professions, and predicaments, a feature that serves to enforce the movie's core theme - the universality of love. Their shared connection is their difficulty in expressing their true feelings, something that the internet, through social media, facilitates throughout the movie. Their heart's desires are often revealed through subtleties and hidden within likes, comments, and sharing online content rather than through direct communication.

The first love story is about No Jin-woo, played by Yoo Ah-in, a star TV drama screenwriter who lives a secluded life. He crosses paths with Joo-ran, essayed by Lee Mi-yeon, a financially struggling, single mother who runs a failing small restaurant. The shy Jin-woo finds it difficult to express his feelings to Joo-ran, so he uses social media platforms to mask his feelings of affection.

The second plot narrates an unlikely romance between a humble airline stewardess, Na-yeon played by Choi Ji-woo, and a megastar actor, Seong-chan, portrayed by Kim Joo-hyuk. Seong-chan, a popular celebrity with adoring fans across the world, falls for the modest Na-yeon. However, he fails to express his emotions in person and attempts to articulate his feelings online.

The final storyline centers around Soo-ho, a prodigious songwriter played by Kang Ha-Neul, who has been living in a world without sound due to his hearing impairment. He shares a peculiar relationship with his landlord's daughter, a no-nonsense temperamental cooking show producer, Jo Gyung-Ah played by Esom. Their unlikely friendship eventually evolves into something more beautiful, again mediated by the digital world.

Like For Likes focuses on the characters' attempts to express their affection towards another person through "likes" on social media, when vocalizing their emotions is too challenging. This underlying concept resonates with today's internet era, where social media channels form an integral part of communication, subsequently highlighting the upsides and downsides of online dating and romance in the digital age.

Set amidst the scenic beauty of Seoul and buoyed by a delightful soundtrack, the film offers an aesthetically pleasing visual experience, adding to its warm charm. The movie's appeal lies equally in its wit and humor, complemented by the genuine chemistry shared between the characters.

An intriguing blend of romance, comedy, and drama, Like For Likes takes its viewers on a humorous, sweet yet poignant journey, exploring how love can blossom in the most unexpected places and taking a close look at the hurdles and joys associated with revealing one's affections towards another person.

In terms of performance, the all-star cast perfectly shines in their respective roles, perfectly depicting the complex emotions lower feelings of affection bring. The on-screen chemistry between the actors adds depth to the narrative, making it a delightful watch.

The fascinating theme, engaging plot-lines, credible performances, soaring emotions, and quirky humor all contribute to making Like For Likes a memorable romantic-comedy that successfully carves a niche for itself in the genre. It's a cinematic treat for viewers who enjoy intricate love stories and provides a thought-provoking commentary on the influences of technology in our quest for love and connection.