Lee Eun Ju's Tribute - Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2001)

Perhaps as it is almost both sad and ironic to say, that I may never have watched this movie, if not for the death of its actress - Lee Eun Ju. Perhaps it is true that an actress or actor, truly becomes famous upon the day of their death. However, I am sure it is not what Lee intended to do and the true cause of her death will always remain a secret as none of us will ever know, apart from herself. Sure their are rumors of this and that, but I would remain remember Lee as an inspirational new age actress that is both daring and surprising rather than Lee being suicidal. However, as much as I want to just review this movie, it is utterly impossible for Neo to not think about the LOST of such an actress and the impact she has upon Korean Cinema. Actually, let's focus on this movie, as this is without doubt a romantic drama with a twist. However, the twist is not just a twist, but a twist that will shock you and surprise you in the manner that will make you think about LOVE. What is the purpose of Love? Do you really truly love someone for who they really are?

I remember someone I met last week, ask me, Do you even know what is love? Although I do have a somewhat knowledge of it, I somehow just answered - I don't know. People constantly contradict themselves - why can someone hate someone so much and still can become lovers? As the movie would say, do you believe in love at first sight? Silly as it seems, perhaps, it really works, but who knows. However, is love at first sight even LOVE? Isn't that just liking someone's body and face? This movie stretches the audience mind to really think about not just LOVE, but the question of why? Perhaps, there isn't anything such as true love in this world, as the nobody can ever be perfect, but then again, who determines what is perfect anyway? What I feel about Love, is not at first sight, but when it goes to the level, where you understand each other, appreciate your partner's style as she will do the same, you are able to truly be yourself and perhaps - trust. This then lead to what Seraph would say - FATE is chance of building a bridge to LOVE. I certainly believe that, afterall, even you reading my review now, displays a sign of fate - whether it is friendship or love. Fate is of course very important, but seriously what is the point of fate, when none of you act upon it and this leads to what Wong Kar Wai's ideals of missed opportunities. The importance of fate can be discerned in the very scene that the teacher introduce the class, of how, that the world is a big place, and Korea is a small place out of a big world, and the City is a small place and this school is a small place and finally this classroom is a small place and this very small group of people that meet eachother is what we call - FATE.

Alright, after a long paragraph of Neo's honest opinion on the topic of love and fate, let's go on with it. Afterall, whoever is reading this today should realise that it is fate that got you to this site. The story will basically about: Experience this one of a kind romance that begins after 2 college students fall head over heels in love and pledge to stay together forever! As the girl disappears without leaving behind any explanations, the boy is forced to go on with his everyday life and finally marries 17 years later. After one of his friends reawakens his memory of his lover a miraculous chain of events is set in motion that leads to unforeseeable twists & surprises that will exceed your wildest imaginations!

The movie dues with issue of homosexuality, of how a heterosexual guy who love his first love so much, that he lost her due to a horrific crossing the road accident and where 17 years on, he feels that a guy student in his class is his first love recantation. Believe it or not, this movie challenges the conventions and postmodern theory of fluid identity in showing that gender is in fact a performance. Afterall, apart from the looks, what differ betweens a female and male? This leads to the central question of the movie - is there such thing as loving someone FOREVER? Is true love really loving the person for who they really are and am?

As to the performance, Lee Hyun Bun performs, in a top notch manner, as he expresses and crosses the boundaries of society in a pretty convincing and yet daring role. His chemistry with both sexes is natural and combining a layered performance from teenager Lee Bum Soo, not only showing good potential but also showing emotional depth within his inner self and confused mind from reluctance to acceptance of himself. It is almost sad to say that Lee Eun Ju, does not have the main role, but her limited screen presence, portray her character in a daring manner, and showing her at times insecurities at love and also her deep feelings for Bun. One memorable seen in the movie, is without doubt the chance and fate meeting of the two, under an umbrella and heavy raining. Perhaps, this is what Neo feels as romantic.

As we approaches to the end of another review, Neo feels somewhat both excited and unhappy at the same time. This movie reminds Neo about fate and love, but also sadden him with the feeling of Korean actress Lee never gonna perform again. However, this only leads to the true reason of why Neo writes reviews, because, nobody knows about tomorrow - anyone might die, I might die, what is important is not whether you die or not, but whether you leave a legacy behind and in writing reviews, Neo hopes that he did something that will make a no matter how small impact on this world as well as a legacy, so that if he does die tomorrow, his life will be without regret. Newayz, let's get to the end of this sad moment, and think about how everyone of your friends and potential partners you meet is due to fate, and if you truly like someone, don't just leave it to fate, as nothing is worst than feeling regret and on top of that, as Seraph would say - Fate is a chance of building a bridge to LOVE.

Once again, Thanks - Lee Eun Ju!

Cast: Byung Hun Lee | Bum Soo Lee | Eun Joo Lee

Reviewed by Andrew (Neo), February 2005

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