Sweet & Sour

"Sweet & Sour" is an intriguing South Korean romantic film that elegantly weaves together elements of romance, comedy, and drama. Written by Lee Gye-Wook and directed by Kae-Byeok Lee, it premiered in 2021 and quickly climbed to the top of Netflix's must-watch list. The film features a stellar ensemble cast that includes hallyu stars like Jang Ki-Yong, Chae Soo-bin and Krystal Jung—all of whom transform into their characters with infectious charisma and skilful acting prowess.

The film follows the life of a young man named Jang Hyeok (played by Jang Ki-Yong), an engineer striving to balance his professional and personal lives. He finds himself in the horns of a dilemma when his life intertwines with the lives of two women—Da-eun (played by Chae Soo-bin) and Bo-yeong (played by Krystal Jung).

Infused with heartfelt emotions and the complexity of relationships, "Sweet & Sour" initially sails on the waves of romance as it portrays a young couple in love—Jang Hyeok and Da-eun. Both are perfectly relatable characters—Da-eun is a caring nurse while Jang Hyeok is an ambitious engineer who battles the demanding corporate culture in South Korea. They fall for each other and soon move from the sweet, honeymoon stage of their relationship into a more comfortable everyday routine, where it doesn't take long for the small cracks to appear.

On the other hand, there's Bo-yeong, a new work colleague who is not just attractive but also shares similar goals and aspirations with Jang Hyeok. The sparkling chemistry between Bo-yeong and Jang Hyeok adds an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline and introduces elements of the love triangle to the mix.

Strong visuals are one of the striking features of "Sweet & Sour." Director Lee harnesses a vivid colour palette to elicit emotion and drive the narrative. Bright, pastel colours flood the scenes depicting the early periods of Jang Hyeok and Da-eun's relationship, presenting a world consumed by bliss and romance. As the relationship goes through its paces, the colours gradually transition into darker shades, reflecting the increasing tension and conflict in their relationship.

The casting in "Sweet & Sour" is brilliant. Jang Ki-Yong as Jang Hyeok perfectly personifies the contemporary corporate worker—from his struggles with maintaining a work-life balance to his navigation of the tricky corporate ladder. Chae Soo-bin enhances the film's allure in her role as Da-eun, portraying the role with the right blend of innocent charm, vulnerability and determination that make the character relatable. Notably, Krystal Jung is fantastic as Bo-yeong. She skillfully portrays her character's ambitious and vivacious spirit, making her a source of rich narrative and character intrigue.

"Sweet & Sour" explores themes like the difficulties of maintaining long-distance relationships, the sociocultural pressures of the corporate world, the realistic portrayal of everyday life in hustle-driven South Korea, and the importance of communication in relationships. It's a movie that resonates with many because of its genuine reflection of real situations and relationships.

It dips into the confluence of romantic thrillers and heavy dramas, presenting a real, authentic exploration of contemporary romance that many films of this genre often sideline or ignore completely. It revolves around the nitty-gritty of life, relationships, and how easily romance can sometimes intertwine with career ambitions. It's not the typical rom-com we get to see—it's innovative, and most importantly, believable.

In conclusion, "Sweet & Sour" is a beautifully layered narrative that perfectly encapsulates the roller coaster ride of modern-day romance. It is a mirror to our lives—a reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the complexity of human relationships in the era of hyper-connectivity and ambition. The movie’s visual charm combined with poignant storytelling will absorb viewers into its world, leaving them contemplating their understanding of love and relationships.