Penny Pinchers (Korean Movie)

User Rating

Current user rating: 90/100 (1259 votes)

You need to enable JavaScript to vote

Profile

Movie: Penny Pinchers (English title)
Revised romanization: Tikkeulmoa Lomaenseu
Hangul: 티끌모아 로맨스
Director: Kim Jung-Hwan
Writer: Kim Jung-Hwan
Producer: Ku Jung-Ah
Cinematographer:
Assistant Director: Park Ju-Young
Release Date: November 10, 2011
Runtime: 114 min.
Genre: Romantic-Comedy
Distributor: Filament Pictures, CJ Entertainment
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Even though Ji-Woong (Song Joong-Ki) is a college graduate he still calls his mother for money. Ji-Woong doesn't have a job and it's not easy for him to find a job with his lackluster resume. He lives in a cheap rooftop apartment in a low income area and is five months behind on his rent. Yet, Ji-Woong isn't despondent over his life and, in fact, lives his life like a playboy. Ji-Woong likes women and he doesn't mind wooing women with lies if he thinks it will get their attention.

Hong-Sil (Han Ye-Seul) is a bit of an oddity. She doesn't have any friends and lives her life extremely frugally to save money. She'll rummage through abandoned homes, looking for items to resell for a profit. She also collects glass bottles for recycling and takes a handful of sugar packs from coffee shops whenever she buys coffee. Hong-Sil also lives in the same low income area as Ji-Woong and her rooftop apartment is directly adjacent to Ji-Woong's.

One day, Hong-Sil learns that her neighborhood will undergo redevelopment and the tenants will receive 7 million Won ($6,000 USD) to relocate. Hong-Sil then thinks of a new way to make money. She knows the guy across from her apartment is delinquent on his rent and his landlady is about to kick him out. Hong-Sil then offers to pay for the five months of late rent payments if the landlady will evict Ji-Woong and writes her father's name down as the tenant. The landlady happily agrees.

Now that Hong-Sil has gotten the relocation fee for both apartments she comes across another problem. Where to put her money? Her father is a chronic gambler who frequently comes by for money. Hong-Sil then sees Ji-Woong sleeping outside of the apartment he was recently evicted from. Realizing that he has nowhere to go, Hong-Sil invites Ji-Woong to sleep in a tent in front of her rooftop apartment if he'lll follow her for two months. Ji-Woong readily agrees to do so. He soon learns news to make money and also forms a bond with the quirky Hong-Sil.

Notes

Korean title changed several times prior to the movie's release. First early working title was "Taeeonagin Haetjiman" (literally "I Was Born, But"), then changed to "Tikkeulmoa Taesan" (literally "Many a Litttle makes a Lot") then finally revised to "Tikkeulmoa Lomaenseu" (literally "Many a Little Romance").
Filming took place from March 5-May 16, 2011.

Cast



Han Ye-Seul	Song Joong-Ki
Hong-Sil	Ji-Woong

Additional Cast Members:

Lee Sang-Yeob - Gwan-Woo
Shin So-Yul - Gyung-Joo
Lee Jae-Won - Tae-Woo
Lee Yong-Joo - Chang-Geun
Kim Hong-Fa - CEO Nam
Kim Ji-Na - Mi-Ro
Han Sa-Myung

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

2012 (4th) Okinawa International Movie Festival - March 24-31, 2012 - Laugh Category *Japan Premiere
2012 (14th) Udine Far East Film - April 20-April 28, 2012 *European Premiere
2012 (13th) Jeonju International Film Festival - April 26-May 4, 2012 - Outdoor Screening
2012 (7th) Korean Film Festival In Paris - October 30-November 6, 2012 - Landscape

Comments

Tami Nov 10 2019 2:46 am I really loved this movie. Song Joong Ki was excellent and the lead girl was also charming. They made a charming couple. It left a smile on my face and is definitely going on my favorites list.

K❤from india Oct 28 2017 8:36 am They were brother and sister in Will it snow for Christmas...

fvckriz Jul 27 2017 10:22 pm in this movie

me May 09 2017 2:47 pm What a great movie!

Sana Nov 08 2016 4:35 pm one of my favourite movies

ikemen Oct 28 2016 1:02 pm As a full-hearted fan for Han Ye Seul, Im more than happy to see my beautiful and favorite actress on screen again (Watching her is never enough) And Song Joong Ki, not as expected but I enjoy having him than anyone else to cooperate with Ye Seul for this movie. This is a sweet and simple love story that I would watch again and again when I feel like Im lost, useless or broke. Its a little unclear of the relationship between Hong Sil and the financing manager at first; And even Hong Sil's life. They could have made this a drama or a seasonal movie with extended storyline. I love the ending but it is too short to get deep on the feel. Anyhow, Han Ye Seul is still as great as ever!

Rachel Jul 10 2016 12:26 am does anyone know what is says on the tent? if you do please tell me! my twitter is @ohhheejun

Lily Chan Apr 18 2016 4:46 am love is like white flowers.sweet and fresh . Joongki is my favorite actor love u forever

AsianDramaPearls Mar 05 2016 2:52 am I really liked this movie! In fact, I loved it. It had humor, charm, heart and so much more. The lead couple were perfect together. I will definitely watch "Penny Pinchers" again and recommend it to my friends. I'm always happy when I get to add another drama to my "Favorites" list! (I gave this 9.7 out of 10)

Helen Feb 08 2016 3:26 pm I cried during this movie when he got the tree. I loved it!! One of my favorites!! Probably gonna watch it again sometime.

Chubby Dec 30 2014 10:49 pm The overall show was nice. The boy in the movie that lives his life carelessly is very handsome and cool ; I like when he changed to a good person because of the girl and the movie was fantastic but a little vulgar.

ace Oct 30 2014 9:40 am Han Ye-Seul and Song Joong-Ki made this rather simple story a fun watch. I especially liked Han Ye-Seul's practicality and Song Joong-Ki's goofball sense of humor.

im ssad May 29 2014 9:05 am song joong ki is not *perjaka anymore, hes done something whit girl, really? :""

Jannat May 08 2014 6:08 pm Am I the only one who was not impressed by this movie? It was bad... I kept hoping for it to get better but it didn't. Also, I have an exam tomorrow and I spent two hours watching this. Now I can't even use the excuse of watching a good movie instead of studying. oh well ... (Although I have to say both of them are cute).

Zain May 01 2014 8:13 am Second movie of Song Joong Ki that I've watched. From these two movies and his TV series Innocent Man I had admired him even more. He is such a great actor. He fits in very well in the character he's portraying. Aside from good acting I've also learned that he is really witty/smart guy. :D Can't wait to see him again. Hope he's doing good in his military training. :3

Lindsay Jung Feb 16 2014 9:40 am Watching this film made me rethink of how I could save more money by making use of the things I though are already useless. Not my favorite film of Joong Ki but learned some things from eatching this film..

Ozmo Dec 11 2013 12:36 am Watched this numerous times. Song Joong-Ki's character so funny, proving again his talent and ability to master any role, what else would we expect from our Joonggi. Loved the dash to the supermarket for "breath mints" hehe!

ImSimple_One Oct 29 2013 3:27 am It Is Really an Awesome Movie ... Good Job Song Joong Ki Oppa . You Proved that You Have a Talent Of Being an Comedian haha .

I'm Looking forward to your next PROJECTSSS!!.after your enlistment Training Of Yours ..

I WILL WAIT FOR YOU !!!

asia philippine Oct 05 2013 10:55 pm sarangheyo SONG JOONG KI i LOVE U

Gasenadi Jun 17 2013 2:59 am This movie is definitely a repeater, one of those to watch while recovering from a heart-wrenching melo. Of course, Song Joong Ki demonstrated another side of his acting ability. Great comedic timing! (What an awesome actor!) But I was totally surprised by lead actress Han Ye Seul. Although familiar with her previous kdramas, I didn't recognize her. Great role for her, good job! I'm a pushover for the economic plight of young people anywhere in the world, so this was right up my alley.

m Jun 16 2013 6:52 pm Song Joong-Ki!!

miss m Apr 22 2013 11:30 pm i love you song jong ki!!!!!!! wish to see u soon....

asia1 Dec 27 2012 8:05 pm Good movie, I enjoyed it, the main guy was cute, and the scene where he was in the store at the beginning was very funny! :D

jun Oct 27 2012 10:02 pm Not a bad movie on netflix, certainly not frustrating like Kdramas. Han Ye Seul, even dressed down, has the most physically attractive face I've seen on a 30 year old.

Shawn Sep 02 2012 9:30 pm Just finished watching this and have to agree with a couple other people here, while not the best I've ever seen it was enjoyable to watch. Once again Song Joong-Ki delivers a really good performance!

My only complaint were the grammatical errors with the English subtitles, at times it got a little confusing about a few thing because of names and places being misspelled.

I'd still recommend it to people who watch these types of movies though.

de Bang Apr 18 2012 6:27 pm a nice film with a cute actor and a beautiful actris i like it so much

))

Harry Apr 04 2012 11:29 am A good korean romantic comedy which I can watch again and again and never get tired.Highly recommended for those like Korean rom-coms.

Neri Mar 22 2012 6:30 am i just finished watching this and i really enjoy this movie :P and you guys better watch this too :)

ifafa Feb 07 2012 8:36 am i really really wanna see this film with lovely Leslie Kim and cute Song Joong-Ki....i'm fan from indonesia

Miss S Dec 11 2011 5:47 am I just got back home a little while ago from watching the film at CGV Cinemas in LA, and I must say I really enjoyed it! Song Joong Ki really shined in this film with his boyish charms and cheeky humor. He was a good counterbalance to Han Ye Seul's more somber performance. I think the two characters balanced each other out because it managed to bring moments of pure comedy and other more poignant moments. I wouldn't say this was my favorite film of the year, but I would recommend it to anyone who wants to watch a refreshing, feel-good movie that isn't too frivolous.

Ki Nov 06 2011 10:38 am Enjoyed "Penny Pinchers"! Movie features a nice mixture of comedy, romance & drama without having that feeling of seeing the "same ole same ole." Prior to watching the movie I did wonder how Han Ye-Seul would fare as a woman that is extremely frugal. After all, she last appeared in a movie as the title character in "Miss Gold Digger" and now plays Miss Penny Pincher.

I don't think Han Ye-Seul will win any awards for her performance in "Penny Pinchers," but she did provide some sparks and smiles with her performance. Her character also is pivotal for the movie in avoiding the "same ole same ole" feeling that a lot of other romantic-comedies have. You don't see many female lead characters in Korea that scavenges for junk or keeps chickens for their eggs! This angle did make the movie feel fresh and brought a lot of charm to the movie.

The other half of the charm was brought about Song Jong-Ki who makes a highly favorable impression as the male lead in the movie. His character isn't a bad guy per se, but far from the squeaky clean fellow we last saw in "Hearty Paws 2." I thought he did an excellant job in bringing out the playboy aspects of his character, while still retaining the good-hearted aspects of his character.

Thankfully, "Penny Pinchers" isn't a me-too film and provides for an enjoyable two hours or so. The movie doesn't quite knock your socks off, but, nevertheless, impresses with it's quirky main characters who are infinitely likable and a handful of goofball moments that brought out loud laughter from the audience. I think for those folks that liked "Castaway on the Moon," "Penny Pinchers" resides somewhere in the same universe (but not as great). This one of those films I would be more than happy to watch over again. Two thumbs up!

zhee Sep 11 2011 4:01 am I CAN'T WAIIIIITTTT <3 soo excited !

cj Jul 20 2011 5:27 pm I'm very much excited for this movie!!! Song Joong ki oppa fighting!!!

eunice Jul 20 2011 5:24 pm Song Joongki!!! so cute!!! can't wait to see this movie :)

rikeo Jun 07 2011 10:47 am This movie is joong ki's first main character movie !!! can't wait it!! hope joong ki will play in other drama as main character to...

Samanta Jun 01 2011 2:08 pm All korean movies and tv dramas i wan't see will be release in summer. I can't wait.

Amaya May 04 2011 3:39 am eh? because of this joong ki is quitting running man. :( anyways, i'll still support him. :)

m2 Jan 12 2011 1:54 pm can't wait to see this movie. I trully looking forward for ur next drama Song Joong Ki oppa, cheers

idakimi Dec 13 2010 7:50 am does it mean that they will be a couple? oh, i'm excited

Penny Pinchers (Korean Movie)

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

Comments

Leave a Comment

Comments