What a Man Wants

What a Man Wants is a 2018 South Korean comedy-drama film directed by Lee Byeong-heon, starring Shin Ha-kyun, Song Ji-Hyo, and Lee El as the lead characters. It's a lively and humorous exploration of relationships, infidelity, and the complexities of human desires.

The film centers around Bong-soo (Shin Ha-kyun), a character who can best be described as a laid-back, free-spirited man. Shin Ha-kyun masterfully plays this character who navigates through life without much thought for the consequences of his actions. He is a taxi driver by profession but was erstwhile a professional chef and finds escape from the dullness of his interpreted reality through various extramarital affairs. He streamlines his life according to his wants and doesn't shy away from stirring the pot of conventional societal norms.

Yang-ja (Song Ji-Hyo), is Bong-soo's exuberant wife who, despite her husband's wayward lifestyle, still clings on to the idea of their marriage, and tries her best to keep the ship afloat. She runs a successful restaurant and becomes the de facto anchor in their tumultuous relationship. Her love for her husband and tireless efforts to mend their relationship signifies an intriguing confluence of despair, hope, and resilience. The dynamic role enacted by Song Ji-Hyo breathes life into the character that evokes empathy and reflection from the audience.

Masterfully played by Lee El, Jenny is a mysterious and seductive character who lures every man that crosses her path. A young and attractive woman who enters their lives and precipitates a series of hilarious, complicated, and pivotal events, fueling the film's main narrative.

Rounding off the cast is Mi-young (Lee Sung-min), Bong-soo's older brother. In contrast to Bong-soo's outgoing and carefree approach to life, Mi-young maintains a more traditional, reserved personality. His life takes an unexpected turn when Jenny storms into their lives.

The narrative of What a Man Wants delves deep into the labyrinth of relationships, portraying them not as black-and-white fabrics, but with all their inherent shades of grey. The movie manages to combine humor with profound insights about human desires, making it a delightful and thought-provoking watch. The portrayal of every character as flawed and imperfectly human creates a sense of realism that is set to resonate with many viewers.

The film is visually appealing, with splendid cinematography that spotlights the natural beauty of Jeju Island where it is set. The island, with its serene beaches and tranquil landscapes, plays a significant part in the movie, almost like an ever-present silent character. It mirrors the jumble of emotions going through the characters' minds — calm and serene on the surface but turbulent underneath.

What a Man Wants, while primarily a comedy, blends various genres and emotions effortlessly. It showcases human emotions and predicaments stripped down to their raw forms. It's a movie that will make you laugh, ponder about life, relationships, and human desires, and perhaps find a bit of your own reflections in the characters.

Lee Byeong-heon crafts an intelligent narrative that keeps viewers invested right till the end. The script, supported by the seasoned acting skills of the performers, does well to maintain a balance between light-hearted humor and intense melodrama.

In conclusion, What a Man Wants is a film that doesn't flinch from portraying the tumultuous and real side of relationships. It dives deep into the emotional complexities of its characters while maintaining a humorous tone, providing a unique cinematic experience full of laughter, introspection, and emotion.