alishalee
My Little Bride was the first foreign movie I have ever seen. I couldn't speak one word of Korean and couldn't watch it in its original language. I just so happened to find it up on YouTube with English subtitles and thought I would give it a try. I was 15 and once the movie had finished, I couldn't believe what I had been missing out on. From the moment it began, My Little Bride had me in fits of laughter. Funnier and more charming than any English speaking language film I have ever seen. It made me want to cry, It made me want to laugh and most of all it made me smile! My Little Bride is a witty, charming romantic comedy fresh from South Korea (I say fresh because it still manages to live up to its names more than 11 years after its release). This is a must see for anyone who loves a movie that can make you feel good! Please do not allow the fact that the movie is in Korean put you off! The subtitles are not distracting, especially not when you have something like My Little Bride to entertain you!
Meganeguard
After learning that his "grandfather," actually an old friend of the family, is dieing, Sangmin hurries home from his study abroad. However, although the situation seems quite dire, Sangmin seems to have really missed the sight of Korean women so he scopes out every pretty one that walks by. Noticing a pretty high school girl, Sangmin places his mobile phone on the floor to get a shot up the girl's skirt. However, instead of taking the situation lightly, the girl kicks the phone at Sangmin. The girl turns out to be Seo Boeun a young fifteen-year-old girl with whom Sangmin had grown up and with whom, despite their seven-year age difference, he had been quite close.Making the standard statements about how nice Boehun has grown, Sangmin and Boehun make their way to her family home where her grandfather, Sangmin's family friend, her parent's and Sangmin's parents await. There they learn that Boehun's grandfather had promised Sangmin's grandfather that their children would be married, however, because they only had boys, the responsibility of marriage falls on Sangmin and Boehun's shoulders and hilarity ensues
or not.Boehun and Sangmin are of course quite against the marriage, but do it anyway to please the old man's wishes. Skipping out on a honeymoon to Jeju Island to spend some time with her base playing kim bap, Korean sushi, loving does her best to avoid Sangming. However, after they move in together, their relationship blossoms and they begin to feel affection for each other, but of course they must keep it a secret and this, and many of the other parts of the film, fall into cliché of the typical Korean romantic Comedy.While My Little Bride is a heaping bowl of saccharine sludge, It does win a few points for starring Moon Geun-young, who with her energetic performance and highly expressionistic face adds a few bright points to an otherwise boring film.
amerh
Several reviewers took exception at this film's depiction of marriage between an adult (a college student) and a 15 year old high school student. I feel the subject was handled with a lot of sensitivity. Arranged marriages are still frequent in many parts of the world, and deserve a movie about them. Millions of very young women still tie the knot before they are 18, in Asia or the near-east or Africa. Why should the subject be taboo? The film does not condone the practice, as a matter of fact it shows how wrong it could be. The pleasure comes from watching these two young people make what they can with a situation they are not completely responsible for. Although the film is light and often funny, it has its share of pathos. Many will recall the awkwardness of first relationships, they are even more awkward in an arranged marriage.This movie is very likable. The two stars are fun and charming. The tone is breezy throughout, but very realistic. Many of the clichés are there (THe karaoke scene, the dream scene, the misunderstanding(s) at school...), but they are treated in such an offhand way that they don't feel calculated. For a first film, Ho-joon Kim's direction is assured and precise. One of the best Korean comedies I have seen lately, recommended to put a smile on your face, and make you think...
dennisyoon
Sang Min is the typical young college man and a wanna be playboy and Bo Eun is a darling little high school sweetie who has a crush on her school's pretty boy jock. They are like brother and sister since their families go back to their grandfathers' friendship. Grand dad makes Sang Min and Bo Eun marry to uphold a promise he made to his best friend to tie their families together. They both disagree for practical reasons but old grand dad still has some tricks up his sleeve and the love story begins...High school teen and college twenty something collide in sweet and funny little twists and turns. What seems so irrational to unknowing youngsters is plain for the elders to see. Although the premise of youthful marriage maybe unusual for some, the film is a really innocent and charming love story. You'll fall in love with Sang Min and Bo Eun and you'll appreciate the love you have. The leads do a great job and the supporting cast is highlighted by the Homeroom teacher who has plenty of humorous run ins with Sang Min. 8/10
AD
