Mood of the Day

Mood of the Day is a 2016 South Korean romantic-comedy film directed by Jo Kyu-Jang and features the stars Moon Chae-Won, Yoo Yeon-Seok, and Kim Dae-Ryung. Emphasizing the idea of love at first sight and the inherent struggles with modern relationships, it revolves around the central characters who find themselves caught up in an unexpected journey of romantic self-discovery.

The story centers around two main characters, Soo-Jung (played by Moon Chae-Won) and Jae-Hyun (played by Yoo Yeon-Seok). Soo-Jung is an ambitious and dedicated marketing executive at a home shopping network. She is presented as a sophisticated and level-headed woman who values her independence and prioritizes her career over her personal life. On the other hand, Jae-Hyun is a successful and charismatic entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for his next adventure.

These two characters with entirely distinct personalities and life paths cross when they find themselves on the same KTX train from Seoul to Busan. Though both are traveling for business, their journey takes a remarkable turn as Jae-Hyun, a hopeless romantic and believer in serendipity, can't help but be enticed by Soo-Jung's charm and wit, and is determined to win her over.

Despite Soo-Jung's initial reluctancy due to their starkly different views on love and relationships, the movie brilliantly details their emotional progression throughout this journey. As the plot unfolds, the audience witnesses the way these two characters, who at first seem to share nothing in common, begin to intertwine their lives, brought together by their mutual experience and realization of their own vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Alongside this main story, there's a parallel narrative concerning their work life and the pressures they face, which only adds to the complexities of their emotional journey. Soo-Jung is dealing with issues at her workplace, where she must fight against the odds to secure an important contract that could propel her career whereas, Jae-Hyun is trying to strike a significant business deal that could elevate his business.

Director Jo Kyu-Jang does a fantastic job of creating a genuine atmosphere of romance within the modern Korean cosmopolitan backdrop. The cinematic techniques to portray the vibrant cityscapes and the intense close-ups to portray the character's emotions all make for a visually enthralling experience. On top of that, the soundtrack, comprised of tasteful selections of Korean pop and ballads, significantly enhances the overall sentiment and mood of the film.

Moon Chae-Won, best known for her roles in Korean dramas, does a commendable job of bringing Soo-Jung's character alive. Her performance effectively captures the character's transitions from being a focused career woman to someone who finds herself questioning her beliefs about love and relationships. Yoo Yeon-Seok complements Moon with his charming portrayal of Jae-Hyun. Despite the character's seemingly easy-going nature, he superbly presents the nuances that reveal a depth of sincerity and kindness.

Apart from the lead actors, the film also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Kim Dae-Ryung in a noteworthy performance. They not only add to the plot but also deliver moments of comic relief throughout, creating a well-balanced narrative.

The essence of Mood of the Day is its exploration of casual encounters and the possibilities of unexpected love and connection. It lays bare the essence of modern relationships and the vulnerability of individuals who mask their loneliness and fear of falling in love behind a facade of independence and self-confidence.

In conclusion, Mood of the Day strikes a fine balance between humor and heartfelt emotion, resulting in a charming and feel-good movie that aims to leave audiences thinking more deeply about love and the unpredictability of life. Not only does it take viewers along the stunning visuals of Seoul and Busan, but it also dives deep into the complexities and intricacies of modern love. Passionate performances by Moon Chae-Won and Yoo Yeon-Seok, coupled with the heartwarming storyline, make this a must-watch for any fan of romantic comedies.