Project Makeover

Project Makeover, also known as "Go Go Sister", is a 2007 South Korean sci-fi romantic comedy movie directed by Kim Chang-rae and starring So-Young Ko, An Jo, and Geon Yu. The movie managed to uniquely blend the genres of romance, comedy, and science fiction by portraying the concept of time travel in a light-hearted and entertaining manner.

The movie revolves around the life of its lead character, Na Jung-ju, played by the talented So-Young Ko. At the age of 30, she is bitterly distraught with how her life has panned out. She yearns for things she could change in her past. Jung-ju is particularly upset about her first love who broke her heart and set her life on a course she detests. She believes that if she had never met Jo Hani, her first love, played by An Jo, her life would have turned out differently.

One fine day, a mysterious opportunity arrives at her doorstep that allows her to travel back in time, giving her a chance to mend the past and correct her life’s trajectory. She sees this chance as an opportunity to change the direction of her life and to fundamentally redefine her destiny. She decides to go back to when she was in high school, a period she believes is responsible for her current dismay.

After she time travels, Jung-ju finds herself back in her teenage years, where she sees Jo Hani, her first love, yet again. The aim is to avoid Hani at all costs and prevent her teenage-self, from falling in love with him, in hopes that she can dramatically change her present life’s circumstances. While her goal is driven by resentment and bitterness from her present-day life, she embarks on a hilarious sequence of adventures in her teen days, filled with laughter, love, and separation.

Meanwhile, Geon Yu stars as Yoon Bong-goo, a comic book artist and a borderline hermit by nature. Ironically, he used to be the dorky kid way back in high school, who had an unrequited love for Jung-ju. As fate would have it, Jung-ju in her past encounters Yoon in his teen years, stirring up old and new emotions.

Project Makeover adds layer by layer to its narrative by presenting Jung-ju's peculiar dilemma of having the power to influence her past while dealing with the repercussions in the present timeline. The movie oscillates between past and present primarily from the perspective of Jung-ju. Through her eyes, we experience the struggles, victories, losses, and joys of being a teenager all over again, while carrying the wisdom of an adult.

Director Kim Chang-rae skillfully injects comedy, drama, and comical gravity into the plot, rendering an emotional appeal that is intrinsically woven into the storyline. The director's astute and keen observation of high school life is evident in the details of scenes depicting adolescence, teenage love, peer pressure, competition, and insecurities, thereby making it relatable to the audience.

Performances by So-Young Ko, An Jo, and Geon Yu, among others, are compelling and add life to their respective characters. So-Young Ko exceptionally portrays the contrast between the young immature Jung-ju and her older, more wise self. An Jo, with his dashing yet innocent appearance, perfectly fits the bill as the irresistible first love of many a teenage girl.

On the other hand, Geon Yu's portrayal of the geeky, bespectacled Yoon who is hopelessly in love, never fails to leave the audience teary-eyed. Supporting performances by the high school counterparts of these characters also add to the depth of the film.

With subtle comedic timing, witty dialogues, relatable character arcs, and an unexpected exploration of time travel, Project Makeover is more than just a romantic comedy. It’s a journey of self-exploration, acceptance, and the courage to confront the past to transform the future. The movie is also a tribute to first loves, friendships, and the essence of adolescence that leaves a lasting imprint on our lives.

In a nutshell, Project Makeover is a charming and hilarious take on the classic tale of high school romance interpreted through a lens of science fiction time travel. The movie reminds us that while the past shapes our present, it’s up to us to carve the future. It’s a must-watch film for lovers of romantic comedies and time-travel fantasies. A journey filled with laughter and tears, it’s a tale that will ring true with anyone who’s ever wished for a chance to redo their past.