Salut d'Amour

Salut d'Amour is a heart-warming South Korean romantic drama that premiered in 2015. Tastefully directed by Kang Je-gyu, the film stars well-known actors Geun-hyeong Park, Youn Yuh-jung, and Cho Jin-woong. This multigenerational love story is all about rediscovering love in the twilight years and how it affects those around them. It beautifully intertwines humor, sadness, jealousy, and joy to form a mosaic of emotions that stays with the viewer long after the movie ends.

The movie’s central character is Sung-chil (Park Geun-hyeong), a grumpy elder who works at a local supermarket. A widowed loner, he is resistant to the charms of the world, living a life full of routine and solitude. He is aloof to his surroundings and often at odds with the youthful vigor around him, humorously depicted through his interactions with the younger staff in the supermarket.

The dynamics of Sung-chil's life, however, take an unexpected turn when he meets Geum-nim (Youn Yuh-jung), a new lady in the neighborhood. The love story from here takes off in a slow yet heart-warming manner. Geum-nim's persistent attempts to win Sung-chil's affection breaks down his stolid exteriors, helping him experience life in a different light.

Geum-nim is an effervescent lady full of life. The contrast between the buoyant Geum-nim and gruff Sung-chil forms the crux of the movie, leading to highs and lows that make the narrative engaging. In contrast to the sometimes stubborn Sung-chil, Geum-nim teaches him that one doesn’t need to be young to experience love. The chemistry between the lead pair is palpable, and their strong performances anchor the film, making it a compelling watch.

Another significant character in this narrative is Jang-soo, played by Cho Jin-woong. He introduces an exciting dimension to the plot by playing Sung-chil's superior at the supermarket and serving as the founder's son of the supermarket chain. His constant poking and pestering of Sung-chil adds a great deal of humor to the movie.

The subplot featuring Jang-soo's love story with a younger staff member at the supermarket provides a youthful parallel to the primary storyline of Sung-chil and Geum-nim. It serves to highlight the stark contrast between the vibrancy of young love and the depth of mature affection.

Throughout the film, Kang Je-gyu masterfully illustrates love in different stages of life and demonstrates how one can find happiness at any age. The film serves as a brilliant reminder that it's never too late to experience life and love anew. The movie features thematic elements of persistence, reconciliation with the past, and the possibility of late-life romance.

The film boasts stunning cinematography matched by an equally enchanting soundtrack that creates an atmosphere of sweet melancholy. Notably, the film also successfully manages to strike a balance between sentimentality and humor without falling into the trap of being overly sentimental.

In a nutshell, Salut d'Amour is an emotional roller coaster. It's a wholesome package of laughter, tears, and the simple but moving idea that love has no age. The film is a tribute to longstanding relationships, old age, and the idea that one can find happiness even in the twilight years.

Yet, it's not just a romance film about the elderly; it's a multi-layered narrative that beautifully explores love at different stages, from youthful, exuberant love to mature, deep affection. The characters in the film are vivid, real, and human, making the audience relate to them and their circumstances, especially those who have experienced love at any stage in life.

In conclusion, "Salut d'Amour" is a fine blend of humor and poignant moments. The narrative, seasoned with doses of comedy, drama, and love, leaves the viewer with a satisfying and heartwarming cinematic experience. It's a film that leaves a long-lasting impression and is definitely worth the watch for its stellar performance, heart-touching plot, and amazing cinematography. Whether you are a fan of Korean cinema or a lover of heartfelt stories, this film should find a place on your watch-list.