Modern Boy (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3

Kim Hye Su (Actor) | Park Hae Il (Actor) | Jung Ji Woo (Director) | Kang Woo Suk (Producer)

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Customer Review of "Modern Boy (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version)"

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Average Customer Rating for All Editions of this Product: Customer Review Rated Bad 8 - 8 out of 10 (1)

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Kevin Kennedy
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February 23, 2009

This customer review refers to Modern Boy (DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)

1 people found the following helpful

Romantic tale of the Korean resistance movement Customer Review Rated Bad 8 - 8 out of 10

"Modern Boy" is a richly atmospheric and romantic tale, a kind of Korean "Casablanca". Lee Hae Myung (Park Hae Il) is a 'modern boy' in 1937 Korea, seemingly untroubled by the country's Japanese occupation. He dresses exquisitely in the latest fashions, has his hair stylishly coiffed, and drives the fanciest car. The pampered son of a wealthy businessman, Lee works in a cushy government job and carouses with the Japanese district attorney, his friend Shinsuke (Kim Nam Gil).

One evening Lee and Shinsuke head to a nightclub to see the singer Laura (Kim Hye Su), who has become the talk of the town. Upon seeing Laura's sexy song stylings, Lee falls head over heels in love. But there is more to the sultry singer than meets the eye. Lee soon finds that Laura has a myriad of different identities and is involved with the resistance movement opposed to Japanese occupation. As Lee pursues his infatuation, he finds himself becoming uncomfortably drawn into the resistance movement. Will Lee follow his heart or his collaborationist instincts? Will Laura give up the cause to find a new life with Lee?

The recreation of 1937 Korea is stunningly achieved. Kim Hye Su delivers a forceful, sexy performance. It is easy to see how Lee (or any other red-blooded male) would be mesmerized by her magnetic appeal. Somewhat less believable is Laura's love for Lee; Lee seems too pampered to interest Laura. Nonetheless, the epic sweep of this tale, coupled with its period glamor and glitz, makes "Modern Boy" irresistible.

The Supplements DVD is almost as interesting as the movie itself. It shows how blue-screen technology was used to create the historical street scenes and the rigorous dance training that Kim Hye Su underwent, as well as the recording sessions for her songs. She proves to be a very capable dancer and singer. Two minor notes: The movie prominently features Laura's rendition of the song "Why Don't You Do Right?". However, Laura could not have sung those lyrics in 1937; they weren't written until 1941. Similarly, in one nightclub scene, we hear bebop jazz. However, the bebop style was not invented until the 1940s.

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