[FILM REVIEW] Love in the Big City (2024)

It almost seems like the typical love story at first – boy meets girl in a big city. Set in the backdrop of busy Seoul, Jaehee meets Heungsoo while studying French in university. Coming from two totally different backgrounds, the two characters navigate through university, heartbreak, and adulthood together. 

Love in the Big City, directed by E.oni, is based on a 2019 novel written by Park Sang Young. The movie shares the story of Jaehee and Heungsoo and their lives as roommates over 15 years. The movie also features a star-studded cast. Kim Goeun, best known for her role in Goblin and more recently, Exhuma, takes the big screen as Jaehee. And Noh Sang-Hyun, who plays her counterpart, Heungsoo, rose to fame through Pachinko. Kwak Dong Yeon, everyone’s favorite crybaby in Queen Of Tears and Lee Sang Yi, from Hometown ChaChaCha also make appearances as potential love interests.

The First Meeting 

We are first introduced to Jaehee, a free-spirited young woman. She makes a memorable first impression in university with a motorbike and a cigarette in hand. However, her confidence makes her an easy target and word quickly spreads around about her romantic escapades.

Despite being in the same class, Heungsoo and Jaehee never cross paths. Until one fateful night in Itaewon, where Jaehee sees Heungsoo kissing their teaching assistant from university. The next day in class, rumors start spreading like wildfire about their teaching assistant kissing a tall man with monolids, a description that matches Heungsoo. Before the class can put two and two together, Jaehee makes a scene, telling Heungsoo that she had a lot of fun last night and that they should meet again. 

Both riddled by rumors, they become friends and eventually, move in together and start their journey as roommates. 

Found Family

Over bowls of ramen and soju bottles, their friendship deepens as they learn more about each other. Jaehee shares that her parents sent her abroad to Paris when she was 16 and never once visited her. Meanwhile, Heungsoo feels that he can never live up to be the son his mother wants him to be. 

To protect each other from unwanted advances, Jaehee pretends to be Heungsoo’s overprotective older sister, while Heungsoo acts as Jaehee’s girl best-friend. When needed, they make calls to one another to escape from uncomfortable situations. 

Navigating through their troubled university days and eventually adulthood, the duo face their own set of personal struggles. Jaehee faces her own share of troubled relationships, while Heungsoo struggles to find his true passion in life. Despite the ups and downs, they remain supportive of each other. Watch the movie and find out if they get their happy ending! 

Movie Review 

I walked into the cinema with zero expectations and encourage everyone to do the same. Jaehee and Heungsoo are characters that reflect our own qualities. They are selfish, they make mistakes, and they live their life to the fullest. Everyone was equally immersed in their story, with the audience gasping, laughing and even shedding some tears during key points of the movie. 

On a deeper level, the movie is also a refreshing portrayal of womanhood and sexuality. It highlights a woman’s right to her body, workplace harassment, and the ongoing struggle to accept your own identity. These topics were gracefully weaved into the storyline without diminishing its importance, allowing viewers to reflect on their own experiences in society. 

Most importantly, it is a beautiful story about the love you find at the most unexpected moments in your life. 

Love In The Big City is an ode to youth and a celebration of genuine friendship beyond societal stereotypes. Just like the bowl of ramen the characters shared on a rainy day, this movie is sure to warm your heart. Book your tickets below! 

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

Terms & Conditions Apply.

Running Time: 118 Minutes

The Seoul Story’s Rating: 5/5 

Written by: Angelina Chan 

Photos by: PurplePlan

The Seoul Story – Connecting K-Pop Fans Since 2011
WEBSITE | TWITTER | LIKE US | WATCH US