Pure Love

Pure Love, a 2016 Korean film directed by Lee Eun-hee and starring Kyung-soo Do, Kim So-hyun, and Joon-seok Yeon, is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama that beautifully captures the naiveté, innocence, and sentiments associated with the adolescent phase. The movie seamlessly blends elements of drama, romance, and friendship, to create an emotionally charged setting that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.

The story, primarily taking place in modern-day Seoul, commences with a radio DJ broadcasting a 23-year-old letter he received from an anonymous sender. This letter, nostalgic in nature, transports us back to 1991 in a small seaside town where the original narrative unfolds.

Kyung-soo Do plays Bum-sil, a soft-hearted and reserved young man who works as an errand boy at the local repair shop. Sharing a strong bond with four other friends since childhood, Bum-soo's peaceful life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Soo-ok, depicted subtly by Kim So-hyun.

Kim So-hyun portrays the role of sook-ok, a cheerful girl with a debilitating leg condition, who moves to the village to recover. Despite her handicap, she manages to stay hopeful and optimistic, resulting in a character that is both inspiring and beautiful. She becomes an integral part of the group and shares a unique bond with each of the friends, creating a deep-seated love interest for Bum-sil.

The film further depicts the dynamics of the group of friends, namely Gil-ja (played by Joon-seok Yeon), Gae-deok, and San-dol, each carrying their unique identity and aspirations. Together, they go through the struggles, joys, and realities of youth, paving their path towards adulthood.

As the film progresses, the audience navigates the intricate web of emotions, relationships, and situations presented by the narrative. The film elegantly explores themes of unrequited love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and the painful transition from adolescence to adulthood.

The film also flawlessly exploits the backdrop of a serene seaside village. The cinematic landscapes, vibrant personalities, and straightforward lifestyles of the villagers contribute to the raw and real emotional underpinnings of the narrative.

Kyung-soo Do, most known for his role in EXO, gives life to Bum-sil with his nuanced performance. His portrayal of the good-natured, suburban boy-next-door character with an invincible love towards Soo-ok is simply captivating. On the other hand, Kim So-hyun breathes freshness and depth into her performance as Soo-ok, despite her character's physical impairment.

Joon-seok Yeon is notable in his role as Gil-ja, exchanging comical quips with his friends and adding some light-hearted moments to balance out the movie's overall ambience. With these performances, the film is an accurate and emotive portrayal of youth in its most pure, raw and vulnerable form.

Pure Love is not just a simple coming-of-age story; it's a remarkable meetup between the past and present, innocence and maturity, and pain and happiness. Director Lee Eun-hee expertly employs flashbacks to keep the audience hooked on the storyline while also revealing layers of the characters' development.

Ultimately, Pure Love is a film driven by its characters and their emotions. It's a profound exploration of the simplicity of youth, coupled with the complexities of unexpressed feelings. The plot challenges viewers to reflect on their past, making them question their choices and actions. The mastery lies in not only its ability to echo a nostalgic chord within viewers but also its legacy of leaving a long-lasting impact on them.

With an immersive storyline, thought-provoking themes, visually pleasing cinematography, and strong performances from the actors, Pure Love is truly a must-see for individuals who love movies focused on both the simplicity and complexity of human emotions. The movie, while centered on poignant moments, also celebrates the beauty of friendship, unfulfilled romantic aspirations, and the courage to face life's challenges—an absolute visual treat for cinematic lovers. Pure Love is certainly a timeless ode to first love and friendship, set truly in the heart of the viewers.