Baby and I: Great watch for a decade old film

Baby and Me / Baby and I :*** stars

Korea | Comedy | Drama

Cast: Jang Keun-suk; Park Myeong-su (voice); Song Ha-yoon;

Duration: 96 Mins

Release: August 2008

Plot: (Wiki)

A high school student, Han Joon-soo (Jang Keun-suk), is a troublemaker. He always quarrels with his parents and does not obey them. One day his parents are sick of his bad behavior and run away from home, leaving only a videotape and $100, stating they would come back when Joon-soo got his act together. Shrugging it off, he decides to just throw a small party with his friends, Ki-seok (Ko Gyoo-pil) and Choon-seung (Choi Jae-hwan), in his empty house. While buying alcohol at a grocery store, a baby with a note is left in his cart. The note claims the high school senior, Han Joon-soo, is the father of the baby and the mother could not take care of him anymore. The baby’s name is revealed to be Han Woo-ram (Moon Mason). Joon-soo finds himself stuck with the child, he tries abandoning Woo-ram multiple times, but always fails. Without anyone to help him, other than Kim Byul (Song Ha-yoon), a smart girl who has a crush on him, Joon-soo resorts to bringing the baby to school and his part-time jobs.

Review:

Maybe I expected too much from the movie, and it was the best in its time an era but the movie to me seemed a very simple plain everyday slice of life film. It was good to see the characters had their own individuality. The makers also managed to maintained humor while still focusing o the message, which can be very tricky but executed exceptionally.

The fact that they introduced characters left and right was Ok because they, they had already provided the needed information. The only issue I had was Kim Byul character wasn't given enough screen time, and even if she was around in spite of being the smartest of them all there was much for her in the script. When she was present in the opening scene I viewed her as the main character and got attached to her, and was left with little room for Han Joon Soo the actual lead character.

I have no idea how they got the kid to do everything but it was hilarious to see him with the voice over, which makes up to 60% of the best scenes. The baby creates the illusion of fun, entertaining movie that never shatters.

What I would have loved to see more focus on Kim Byul and her relationship with Han Joon-soo, but was completely disappointed there. But we did get subplots about their parents and their interactions with each other at the local bath. And it supported enough to the story filling int he much needed gaps.

The film's climax was difficult to swallow but left me with a good aftertaste. I would love a second movie to the film so that we can find out more about them in the same entertaining manner.

Verdict : Its a fun watch I am glad to have not missed it but I would have loved to see some more of the interaction between the leads on a emotional level.

*** stars

#AsianMovies