Always (Korean Movie)
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Current user rating: 91/100 (398 votes)
Profile
- Movie: Always (International English title) / Only You (literal title)
- Revised romanization: Ohjik Geudaeman
- Hangul: 오직 그대만
- Director: Song Il-Gon
- Writer: Song Il-Gon, Roh Hong-Jin
- Producer: Moon Bomi
- Cinematographer: Hong Kyung-Pyo
- World Premiere: October 6, 2011 (Busan International Film Festival)
- Release Date: October 20, 2011
- Runtime: 108 min.
- Distributor: Showbox/Mediaplex
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
Plot
Cheol-Min (So Ji-Sub), a man with a dark, mysterious past, picks up a part-time night job as a parking lot attendant. He sits in the tiny pay booth in the parking lot and stares at the small television. A woman named Jung-Hwa (Han Hyo-Joo) walks into the booth. She offers something to Cheol-Min and sits next to him. Cheol-Min realizes the woman is blind and she is confusing him for the parking attendant who worked their previously.
Nevertheless, the woman comes back on another night to watch the same television drama series. She constantly asks Cheol-Min questions on what is happening on the television screen. Cheol-Min starts becoming attached to the woman. Their past is tied by a life altering incident.
One day, Cheol-Min accompanies Jung-Hwa to a musical. Afterwards they have dinner together. Jung-Hwa asks about Cheol-Min's past. Cheol-Min ruthlessly berates Jung-Hwa for asking about his past. Their relationship becomes frozen.
Several days later when Jung-Hwa's boss follows her home and tries to sexually assault her Cheol-Min busts through the door. He beats Jung-Hwa's boss savagely and attempts to comfort Jung-Hwa. They move in together and start to live as a couple. But can their happiness last?
Notes
- Filming took place March 31-June 30, 2011.
- So Ji-Sub took boxing lessons to prepare for his role in "Always".
Cast
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| So Ji-Sub | Han Hyo-Joo |
| Cheol-Min | Jung-Hwa |
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| Yun Jong-Hwa | Kang Shin-Il | Park Cheol-Min | Jo Sung-Ha | Jin Goo |
| Min Tae-Sik | Choi | Coach Bang | section chief Choi | pottery store owner |
Additional Cast Members:
- Oh Gwang-Rok - Park Chang-Soo (man wanted by loan sharks)
- Kim Jeong-Hak - team leader Ma
- Kim Mi-Kyung - Sister Joanna
- Wie Seung-Bae - marital arts champion
- Jung Jae-Jin - shift old man
- Min Kyeong-Jin - janitor
- Yum Hye-Ran - beauty parlor owner
- Ahn Se-Ho - broker
- Choi Gyo-Sik - real estate agent
Trailers
Image Gallery
Film Festival
- 2011 (16th) Busan International Film Festival - October 6-14, 2011 - Opening Film *World Premiere
Press Conference (Busan International Film Festival)
Press conference took place after a press screening of "Always" at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival on October 6, 2011. Appearing as speakers are the movie's director Song Il-Gon, lead actress Han Hyo-Joo and lead actor So Ji-Sub . AsianWiki editor Ki Mun was there and transcribed/translated the session.
- Song Il-Gon (director) - I feel nervous because this movie is being shown for the first time and I'm curious how people will react. Me, So Ji-Sub, Han Hyo-Joo and all the staff members tried to make this movie with all of our hearts. I'm honored to show this movie here.
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - Hello, I'm Han Hyo-Joo who played Jung-Hwa in the movie. I'm also nervous since this movie is being shown for the first time. We made this movie with all of our hearts, so hopefully the public will like the movie.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - Hello, I'm So Ji-Sub who played Cheol-Min in the movie. I just watched the movie for the first time, so I'm still trying to get over the emotions. I'm curious what people will think about after the movie. I think our movie is a classic, heart-breaking movie, but also a very warm movie. Thank you.
- Press Question - To the director, this movie seems different from your previous movies. When you made this movie what things did you focus on?
- Song Il-Gon (director) - It took one week to write down the original script, but after that, I wanted to make the movie a love story with a city backdrop. The idea for the film started from Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights." Charlie Chaplin loves a blind woman and would do anything for her. The idea started from that. It's one of my favorite movies. The background of the movie is 2010 in Seoul. A man loves a woman and sacrifice himself for her. A woman waits for him sincerely and loves him deeply. The movie is very classic and a simple story which has been made in various forms for a long time, so I cared most about the characters. How the main characters Ha Jung-Hwa and Jang Cheol-Min move the audience. This movie relies on these 2 characters a lot. They (at least one of them) appear in every scene in the movie. Their emotions are the basis for the movie - past, present and future. The most important thing was to contain the most sincere emotions in every scene.
- Press Question - This movie is the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival and the first movie shown at the newly opened Busan Cinema Center. How do you feel about that?
- Song Il-Gon (director) - Our team came here yesterday and we were surprised. I think the Busan Cinema Center is an important place - a new symbol for Korean cinema history. I am honored "Always" is the first film shown here.
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - I'm honored and excited to show the movie here to the large group of press members gathered here. On the other hand, I do feel more nervous and responsible.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - I'm also honored, but at the same time feel even more burdened because of that. I'll try to enjoy the moment.
- Press Question - I'm thankful I watched a romance film that I could shed tears with and at a time when there's not a lot of romance in films. Is the ending supposed to be a happy ending? While shooting, how did So Ji-Sub and Han Hyo-Joo empathize with their characters?
- Song Il-Gon (director) - From the beginning, the movie was set for a happy ending. Like So Ji-Sub mentioned, I want to make a film which makes people feel warm. I thought the most important part was to make it fit as a contemporary film and have the proper emotions for the present day. From the ending scene I built the screenplay.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - Before playing Jang Cheol-Min I talked to director Song Il-Gon. How to play a person in love with a blind woman. After some thought I came to conclusion that love doesn't have any particular reasons. I did find it difficult to maintain the emotions for Jang Cheol-Min.
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - It was difficult for me to express. Jung-Hwa went through a difficult past. Under this situation, it's more difficult to be cheerful than in tears. Keep the cheerfulness while being blind ... all these things. It was hard to portray. On the shooting set, Song Il-Gon and So Ji-Sub led and helped me a lot a lot so I thank them.
- Press Question - To director Song Il-Gon, compared to your previous movies is there anything you found more difficult to make in "Always?"
- Song Il-Gon (director) - I think I'm still a young director. I debuted early, about 10 years ago. I think I made movies I dreamed about - without restrictions. I think "Always" continues that. I think the movie's style might be different from my past work. Though, I don't think style is particularly important. More important is Cheol-Min and Jung-Hwa's relationship & how their simple love story can reverberate with the audience. I think style can differ according to content.
- Press Question - 1.) For Han Hyo-Joo. What was the most difficult thing you did for the melodramatic parts and performing as a blind woman? Also, what were some major differences between your past bright & cheerful characters from TV dramas and this movie? 2.) For So Ji-Sub. This is the first time you performed in a melodrama. What do you want to show most from your acting? Movie also contains action scenes and you getting beat-up. Was that difficult?
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - Acting as a blind person was more difficult than I imagined. It was very difficult to portray someone unable to see when I can see. Small mistakes and people wouldn't find my performance believable. I worried about that. As time passed I became more comfortable in my role. I felt happy. Compared to my previous roles, Jung-Hwa is more of a woman. She is in love. In my prior TV drama roles they were also in love, but that love included the family. This movie deals with a love relationship with one person from beginning to end.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - I think acting for action films and melodramas is the same, but I realized how difficult it is to perform in a melodrama movie. For TV dramas, you maintain certain emotions for a short period, but for this movie the emotions stayed for the entire film. Doing action scenes became harder for me. One month prior to filming the movie, I practiced for the action scenes and, in the process, injured ligaments in both of my wrists. But I'm fine now.
- Press Question - You (Song Il-Gon) mentioned you were inspired by the movie "City Lights" by Charlie Chaplin. Compare your film to "City Lights" and how satisfied are you with the results. Also what are some differences between the two films?
- Song Il-Gon (director) - "Always" is different from "City Lights." "City Lights" is a movie I admire. I wanted to make a love story between a man and a woman. Charlie Chaplin is one of the directors that I respect the most, so it's impossible to compare to his movie "City Lights." I'm not sure how satisfied I am with "Always." I want to hear what people think about the movie. There are some parts that as a director I'm not satisfied with. Time, editing and ... but I can say So Ji-Sub, Han Hyo-Joo and the staff did their best. The movie's storyline is simple, but the emotional line is very important.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - I like the scene where I am working out. As an actor, I have never been satisfied with my acting.
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - As an actress, it is difficult to be satisfied with my own acting. I like the kissing scene the most. I felt the kiss scene come out so beautifully.
- Press Question - In the movie, there are some sex scenes. Did you have to prepare for the sex scene beforehand and were there NG (not good) shots for that scene?
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - That's quite a provocative question. There wasn't any preparation. The director focused on the emotional feelings between two people. Shooting schedule took place according to the story's timeline. Before the bed scene we had a kiss scene. I didn't have any awkward feelings or difficulties. And no NG.
- Press Question - Tell us what were good things about working with each other.
- So Ji-Sub (actor) - Before the movie, I had an impression from TV that Han Hyo-Joo had a bright and cute character. On the shooting set, I saw her acting for the first time. She is quite cautious and had deep thoughts about acting, especially when compared to her age. I got along well with her.
- Han Hyo-Joo (actress) - I'm honored to have worked with So Ji-Sub. On the shooting set he led me and took good care of me. Even though he was in a difficult position, he didn't show it. I hope to pick up that trait.
Comments
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Categories:
- South Korean films
- 2011 South Korean films
- Films
- 2011 films
- Romance films
- 2011 Romance films
- K Romance films
- Tearjerker films
- 2011 Tearjerker films
- K Tearjerker films
- Boxing films
- 2011 Boxing films
- K Boxing films
- Blind films
- 2011 Blind films
- K Blind films
- Showbox/Mediaplex distributed films
- 2011 Showbox/Mediaplex distributed films
cuaks Says:
May 15 2012 9:54 am
hello, did anyone know what is the singer/band name and song title of the opening song when SJS picking up water galoons? I'll be thankfull ..
cuaks Says:
May 02 2012 1:08 am
hey I like this movie so much, can ANYONE tell me who is the singer / band or the tittle of the first song at the opening when SJS picking up a water galoons ? thx I'll be pleased ..
Mason Says:
Apr 23 2012 10:15 pm
TOTALLY WORTH TO WATCH
Im a big fan of HHJ. This is my first time to see her act with more mature role. I really love her acting. For the storyline, viewers should expect wat's gonna happen from trailer, they will fall in 'LOVE' and 'SACRIFICE' for each other. It still great to see the different elements and the scenes of the movies. Gloomy scene mix with beautiful landscape. Totally luv the two main characters. So Ji Sub is like a boss, tough and strange, but in his heart, there is a warm heart feeling that lives inside of him.
The downside is the bed scene, Han Hyo Joo AHHHH!!! You really break my heart <33333
Btw, plagiarism? All the love elements come from Shakespeare, so people should rather they say all movies copy Shakespeare instead x.x..........
kob Says:
Apr 17 2012 3:15 am
In the movie, what concert they see ? the song is good. plese tell me.
gal Says:
Apr 16 2012 10:15 pm
In reply to smileyme's post, dont criticize Han hyo joo if u think u can act better than her.
zarima USA Says:
Apr 09 2012 5:31 am
i finished watching it,,, and am really impressed and a heartwarming movie,,,, and its nice and it feels good that the ending is a HAPPY ONE ,,,, KUDDOS to all the people behind,,
geeK Says:
Apr 05 2012 8:00 pm
A good and enjoyable film. An interesting mainstream offering from Song Il-gon. It is a story about love and it's straightforward,and it worked because of the main leads. Excellent performances especially from Han Hyo-joo, but I would have preferred it if they had explored more of Jung-hwa's struggles, an orphan slowly losing her vision in her backstory, they did satisfactorily so for Cheol-min's road-to-redemption story. I love the director's long and silent shots. Overall, I would recommend "Always" as there is something refreshing about it and it is a bit different than your average Korean melodrama.
YUIan26 Says:
Mar 20 2012 7:44 am
super Much Watch Film!!
Excellent Acting to So Ji-Sub as well as Han Hyo-Joo..
Very dramatic film.. So sad..
but at least it has a Good Ending..
smileyme Says:
Mar 19 2012 9:55 pm
love so ji sub in this movie he is doing good job portraying Cheol-min character but I'm so disattisfied with Han Hyo Joo's acting she is so NOT naturAL.
I hate her!!
Neri Says:
Mar 17 2012 7:35 am
i ♥ this MOVIE!!!
must watch :P
fang Says:
Mar 08 2012 9:34 am
does anyone knows,what songs which played as a backsound in the opening scene,when SJS took some galoon to the office..i like to hear that song..but,i can't find who sings the song,n what the title of the song..anyone can help me?
st0rmgust Says:
Mar 08 2012 8:34 am
watched this movie & just want to say.. SJS is really good here. HHJ also good too.
the movie is a "Must Watch" I think.. 4 1/2 half star of five :D
NewKDramaAddict Says:
Mar 05 2012 9:35 am
Such a beautiful story with a beautiful ending! So Ji-Sub never disappoints! Han Hyo-Joo, I loved in Shining Inheritance. This is well worth the watch!!
zhA Says:
Mar 04 2012 10:02 pm
I spend a lot of tears to see this film. highly recommended for u all to watch :) :)
Luki Says:
Feb 15 2012 2:43 am
The movie was really good!! SJS & HHJ's acting are really convincing xD
I think the storyline would better suit a drama though,
since there's just too many things happening one after another...
nonetheless, awesome movie!!! I didn't get bored at all!!
arslan khan Says:
Feb 14 2012 3:46 pm
i want to know the name of the song which is played at the end of the movie which is something like DONT GO I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR U....
deny Says:
Feb 07 2012 9:16 am
It was good and interesting. I adore City lights but this movie was simplyer but well done- like a reverance to original.And ofcourse very korean in reveal conections between caracters – this is not this way in Chaplin’s movie. Something about karma – I think it’s the reason. I finaly had a chance to watch this So Ji Sub. I had the feeling in some scenes That his eyes are like of an alien IT.Ha-ha.
ran Says:
Feb 07 2012 3:40 am
great job Han Hyo-Joo
:)
Christy Says:
Feb 04 2012 12:51 pm
Is this movie will be show in Indonesia??I doubt..pleaseeee,make it be show in indonesia..I trust the indonesian will be love this movie so much,especially bcos indonesia loves melodrama..really..and indonesia always loves korean dramas especially the actor and the actress
Christy Says:
Feb 04 2012 12:40 pm
It will be a great film..is this a series drama?or this is kind of cinema movie?is there anyone could tell me?
Jan Says:
Feb 03 2012 12:56 am
I'm really excited about this show. I can conclude that I grew up with the korean hype especially Han Hyo Joo because she ranks as my favourite actress. I have followed her in her splendid acting in Dong Yi, Heaven's postman, Shining Inheritance, Spring Waltz and Ride Away. What I can say for sure is that she moves audiences with her down-to-earth and bubbly personality. She is also very good in acting melodrama such as the one in Spring Waltz. As for Dong Yi, we see a very different side of her. Just today, I read from allkpop that she is going to star in another "dong-yi" sitecom. I have never followed the male actor before but have read what Ryan Gosling who starred in The Notebook; commented on the premiere of this movie, Always or also known as Only You. He said that Hyo Joo acting is very real and moves audiences to tears. And, that is exactly what I feel about her. Finally, I can't wait till this is shown in Singapore #avid fan of HYO JOO
mandy Says:
Jan 12 2012 11:11 am
OMG!!! i so want to watch this.... love love love.....
TYJY Says:
Jan 04 2012 11:59 am
This is definitely not plargarized, whats Lafngey Parindey? never heard of it in my life
Kirapachi Says:
Dec 30 2011 7:22 pm
I really wanna watch this so bad!
adele Says:
Oct 27 2011 5:39 am
will this show be shown in Singapore? :(
Kera Says:
Oct 17 2011 5:30 am
I knew this movie because Alex & Horan fill in for the OST.....hope it's good
myjere Says:
Oct 10 2011 2:32 am
i think those who wants to argue about plagiarism should just keep quiet instead of spoiling the whole movie , thank you for your cooperation .
myjere Says:
Oct 09 2011 4:36 am
wow so exciting
David Toms Martian Says:
Oct 08 2011 3:23 am
Most of the Good Flims that comes out of
Hollywood or Bollywood has been copy many times
over and over again in a different titles and actors and actress
but the story seem the same. Every directors, actors and actress
think differently..example the orginal director, actors and actress
direct and acted accordingly to the scrib of the movie but it turn
not so good...so what then new director and actors.actress try their
ways of directing and acting for that original movies then what happened
it was it was a sucess..like the original Robin Hood...
If Robin Hood was to be played in Bollywood directed by Indian Director,And Indian
Actor/Actress you think what will happened...The world is the stage and all it people
are actors or actress each play its own parts of which the story never end...
Anne Says:
Jul 01 2011 4:28 pm
Here's what I have to say about the plagiarism issue.
In my eyes, any type of plagiarism is wrong. It's unethical and shameful to claim someone's hard work and creativity as your own. I am an Indian and I have watched a multitude of Bollywood films for years. I can confidently claim that the level of film-making in Bollywood is generally of a very low standard. More than 90% of the films that come out of Bollywood (including the ones that succeed commercially) are difficult to sit through, if you have half a brain.
Bollywood has been plagiarizing for a long time. Copying Hollywood has been a very popular trend with the makers of Hindi films. If I were to make a list of the number of films plagiarized, the number would surely cross a hundred. With the influx of numerous cable channels & multiplex theaters, the Indian audience is more acquainted with Hollywood nowadays. Hence, these days, the makers choose to plagiarize foreign movies. Korean movies have not been spared from this hideous habit either. "A Bittersweet Life" & "My Sassy Girl" are two South Korean films that come to mind in this regard. Hence it can be concluded that when it comes to plagiarism, Bollywood ranks high.
However, this doesn't give anyone the right to plagiarize from Bollywood. It's still unethical. You can't feel victorious over the fact that you've "stolen from the biggest stealer". Plagiarism has been & shall always be considered stealing.
Now, if we talk about this film, the plot here clearly states "story of an ex-boxer and a woman who is losing her eyesight". The Bollywood film "Lafangey Parindey", released in 2010, is also about an ex-boxer & a women who has recently lost her eyesight. This could be coincidence. One must keep in mind that "Lafangey Parindey" itself was 'inspired' by one old Hollywood film about a blind skater, named "Ice Castles".
When I saw the plot of this film here, the first thing that came to my mind was "Lafangey Parindey". Now, even though the plot of both the films sound suspiciously similar, I am willing to wait for more information about this film. At this point of time, it's immature to conclude anything about this film being a 'copy'.
Let's wait for the release. Then we'll all know whether or not our suspicions hold any ground.
TOK Says:
Jun 16 2011 7:59 am
No. You are wrong. This is different and Original. You can't be such idiot to say that this one copied Bollywood without even watching this. The plot is way different. If anyone thinks this one copied BW, then BW copied 1978 American movie and 1999 Tamil Film according to Wiki. Anyway, this one has two Great actors and since it's Korean film, this must be good at least.
lisa Says:
May 25 2011 10:01 pm
They copied the storyline of the bollywood film Lafangey Parindey...
britjust Says:
May 15 2011 10:44 pm
ha cn't wait...................!!!! i hope it's really jjang,,,[i have high expectition]
Sandy Says:
Mar 03 2011 11:08 am
Omg !!!!!!
Im soo excited for this film !!
kinda wish it was a drama!
lol