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| From left, actors Sung Hoon, Kim So-eun, Kim So-hye, Lee Pan-do and director Kim Jeong-kwon pose for a photo during a press conference for the new film "Are You in Love" in Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Movie Ondo |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Fantasy romance "Are You in Love" tells the story of two people who fall in love with the help of a magical book.
"Are You in Love" stars Kim So-eun playing So-jung, a bright optimistic baker who works at a cafe during the day and at night takes care of her mother, who is suffering from dementia.
One day, a mysterious guest leaves So-jung a magical book titled "Are You in Love," which brings her closer to the cafe's owner Seung-jae, played by Sung Hoon. The two later develop a romantic relationship.
The film tries to mix too many genres such as fantasy, comedy, romance and drama. None of them work well in the film, giving it a lurching, lifeless quality.
On the idea of including scenes about a mother-daughter relationship, director Kim Jeong-kwon explained that he wanted to stress that Seung-jae's love toward So-jung is not based on sympathy.
"Everybody in this world bears pain and endures pressures in life. I wanted to highlight this in the story without making it too dramatic or sad," he said during a press conference held at Lotte Cinema World Tower, Tuesday.
"I wanted to tell a light-hearted story that captures slice-of-life moments like Murakami Haruki's book."
Despite concerns over the spread of coronavirus, the film's distributor went ahead with holding a press event to promote the film. They gave out face masks to reporters who visited the theater.
Actor Sung Hoon said director Kim was the biggest reason for him to join the project. "I've been acquainted with the director for a while, and I had trust in his sensibility," he said.
"My character Seung-jae was not initially drafted to be a tough guy when I first read the script. I tried to mold the character with my style while I was acting."
Actress Kim burst into tears while looking back on her time working with late actress Jeon Mi-seon.
"The film was shot in 2017, but I remember we had great chemistry on set. It was really easy to fall into the role of her (Jeon's) daughter, and we were able to film all our scenes with ease," she said.
"The most memorable scene for me was when I was washing her feet. After hearing the news of Jeon's passing, I was depressed for quite a while. Even today after watching the film, I feel sad."
Jeon, who played her mother suffering from dementia in the film, was found dead in an apparent suicide in June 2019. She had suffered from depression.
Sung Hoon mentioned the timing of the film's release, premiering in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus fears.
"We recognize that this is a difficult situation for all of us as the coronavirus races around the world. No matter how hard it is, we should carry on and live our lives. Even if you come to the theater wearing gloves and masks will help ease your worries," he said. "It's a film that will make you feel light and make you laugh."
"Are You in Love" will hit local theaters on March 25.
