Virgin Theory

Virgin Theory is an intriguing South Korean romantic comedy released in 2014. Directed by Ahn Cheol-Ho, the movie features an engaging ensemble cast led by Hwang Woo Seul Hye and Kim Sa-Hee. With a quirky yet relatable premise, the film cleverly navigates the diverse themes of love, friendship, and the cultural view of virginity.

The story revolves around the protagonist Mal-Hee (Hwang Woo Seul Hye), a 29-year-old technical college lecturer who has yet to experience a romantic relationship. She is unusually shy and reserved when it comes to issues related to love and relationships. Known as the 'Virgin Gangster,' she is often the butt of jokes among her students and peers due to her naive perceptions about relationships and her undisguised status as a virgin. There’s a kind of protective, hard shell built around her, a defense mechanism generated by societal pressures and unmet expectations.

Mal-Hee’s one loyal ally is her childhood friend and same-aged roommate, the highly attractive and outgoing Hwa-Yeon (Kim Sa-Hee). Hwa-Yeon is the polar opposite of Mal-Hee, being an adventurous and confident woman who is far more experienced in love and relationships. She’s the classic ‘been there, done that’ character, having had numerous relationships in the past, and acts as sort of a mentor, offering her guidance (unsolicited at most times) to the clueless Mal-Hee. The twosome portray a beautiful unorthodox friendship that transcends their individual flaws and significantly contributes to the narrative's development.

The crux of the story unfolds as Mal-Hee, pushed by Hwa-Yeon, embarks on a journey to step out of her comfort zone and find the right man to consensually lose her virginity to. This decision engenders a series of humorous events and chance encounters, presenting audiences with a hearty blend of eloquently articulated comedy and tenderly portrayed emotions. With every interaction she has on her virginity mission, the spectacled Mal-Hee, initially uncomfortable and clueless, gradually evolves from her shell.

On this roller-coaster ride, Mal-Hee meets Seung-Hwan (Kim Joo-Hyuk), an art professor who is also a confirmed bachelor. The exchange between the two characters, both naive in their own ways about the opposite sex, breaches into a novel bond that takes the narrative forward. Each character's contrast becomes an underlying theme of the movie, which is smartly paralleled into the larger narrative construct of this film.

"Bomui Walrya," or Virgin Theory as it’s commonly called, does an excellent job in showing a coming-of-age story in a manner that’s raw and real, which could strike a chord with audiences. With its unique take on the exploration of virginity, the film maintains a sensitive stance on the conservative views of Asian society towards relationships, disentangling them through the eyes of the protagonist.

The performances of the primary cast are commendable. Hwang Woo Seul Hye shines in her role, perfectly capturing the soul of a naive young woman on a path of self-discovery. She's dynamic, magnetic, and fabulously awkward. Kim Sa-Hee's captivating screen presence and on-screen chemistry with Hwang also adds a delightful layer to the narrative.

Overall, Virgin Theory asserts a genuine voice about the themes it proffers. It breaks barriers to deliver a sweet, funny, and indeed thought-provoking exploration of female sexuality, virginity, and friendship. Perfectly blending romance, humor, and a plethora of emotions, the movie carries an engaging storyline with unfiltered dialogues and memorable characters. Its universal appeal lies in its heartwarming portrayal of life, love, and the relationship between two very different women. This movie is certainly recommended for those with an appetite for light-hearted, relatable rom-coms from foreign cinema.