TWENTY (2015)

Genre: Comedy/Romance
Director: Lee Byeong-heon
Cast: Kim Woo Bin, Lee Jun Ho, Kang Ha Neul, Jung So-min, Lee Yu-bi, Min Hyo-rin, Jung Ju-yeon
RunTime: 1 hr 55 mins
Rating: NC-16 (Sexual References)
Released By: Golden Village Pictures
Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/its.NEW.contents    

Opening Day: 25 June 2015

Synopsis:  ‘Chi-ho’ whose only virtue is being irresistibly attractive. ‘Dong-woo’ who is torn between his dream and the family. ‘Gyeong-jae’ who only has a brain for study. A super-charming slacker who pursues a life of doing nothing after high school; a retaker who works hard for his dream of becoming a cartoon artist despite the financial harships; a college freshman whose college activities are entirely geared toward attaining his ultimate goal of landing a job in a global corporation... A radiant comedy about three best buddies who turn twenty to share the most embarrassing moment of their lives!

Movie Review:

Twenty is the latest coming-of-age film from Korea. With similar themed films like You Are The Apple of My Eye (2011) andBoyhood (2014) making news and conversations among people across different ages, will Twenty achieve similar commercial success?

While it is easier to sell with romantic love, Twenty places more focus on the friendship and bond between the three boys, Chi-Ho (Kim Woo-Bin), Dong-Woo (Lee Junho) and Gyung-Jae (Kang Ha-Neul). Each of them has a distinct personality and takes on different routes after graduating from senior high school.

Chi-Ho, Dong-Woo and Gyung-Jae each represents a perspective of young adults these days – Chi-Ho bumming around and just trying to figure out what’s next while living off his parents; Dong-Woo hardworking and conscientious to pursue his dreams and make ends meet; Gyung-Jae leading the more normal typical college student life.

The lads make their own fair share of comedy and drama on screen. Viewers can anticipate watching them experience the disappointments, heart aches, struggles with the future and grappling with their identities – which are real and heartfelt depictions of the twenty-somethings.

This movie is directed and written by Lee Byeong-Hun, and Twenty is also his second major feature after Cheer Up Mr Lee (2012). This also explains why Twenty carries an indie undertone, which sets it apart from other typical Korean slapstick comedies.

Although the theme of the movie and the portrayal of what is experienced in the 20s are highly relatable, what the film did not manage to accomplish is to create an impression. The story development was shallow and did not manage to leave a deeper meaning. The comedic and entertainment value of it is also not outstanding, hence it may bore some viewers.

In the film’s conclusion, these three dorky friends do life together once again, despite taking on different paths of life. It seemingly signifies how their friendship stands strong through the test of time. Oh what fun and adventure lies ahead!!

Movie Rating:

(A light-hearted, bittersweet growing up story of the twenty-somethings. The roaring youth, the fearless twenty)

Review by Tho Shu Ling