My Dear Desperado (2010)

Strictly average movie

It is a performances centric movie

The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

I thought this movie was going to be a very barely movie to pass the time. To my surprise, it turned out a lot better than I thought. The premise might not be all that original, but the build up is actually entertaining and romantic at the same time. It follows the formula of going in the romantic comedic direction for the first half than serious and shows pain through the characters for the second half. But in this movie it really works. I really like the interaction between the two leads. One being a low life thug and the other being a woman who is looking for employment. I was surprised at how much I was into and enjoyed the quirky elements in this film. The relationship in this movie really does work and it's actually quite realistic when it comes to attraction. Not only that, they are a likable duo. Overall this is a film that I surprisingly enjoyed way more than I thought I would.7.5/10

Glancing at the cover, I expected it to be a typical korean romcom but found traces of both but not enough to be either. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much but was left surprised as it draws away stereotypes and clichés and brings a interesting take on a love story. The plot is built around Sae-Jin and her progress through the world of unemployment tasting the lows of unemployment and society's look on them. Inevitably she meets Dong Chul who's a gangster and also her neighbour but is wiser than he looks and inevitably a love grows between them. Yet their lives play out only intertwining when Dong Chul begins to help Sae Jin in her quest for employment and his deeds begin to grow until the satisfying end in which I was taken back somewhat as the film that started slowly and slightly disjointed became something greater. As a huge fan of korean cinema, one weakness is often the ending doesn't quite live up to what preceded it, yet My Dear Desperado's ending is up there with films like JSA and Memories of Murder, though not in the same tone, you can't help yourself but smile

I really like this film. It has a good comedic thread and still maintains a great drive and occasional authenticity. I really love the scene on the train when the couple are travelling to her folks. The close up of the carriages moving at the start of the scene is so wonderful and pure cinema.Does anyone know the image of Che Guevara behind the gangster bosses room? It is so funny when he tries to imitate it.I would love to be able to access this image.I like that we get to see the brutal side of the gangster figure when he is goaded into a fight.This film overall is light and redemptive and very funny. Cheers and enjoy the movie.

My title says it all. It is a romantic encounter between one not very lucky yet deep down kind-hearted gangster and a nice girl from the country.By the way, if you search the net, this movie is listed under many other titles, such as Gangster Love, Gangster Lover, My Dear Desperado, etc.I recommend this movie for those who like light romance, but no deep passion. So if you liked "Mr. Handy/Mr. Hong", "Lost and Found", "Temptations of the Wolves", this is your type of movie (plus some violence).The story is quite simple and predictable, thank God there are no deadly diseases and nobody dies (only the bad guy). I found the plot compelling and sweet. It is not a tear jerker, just a movie that will leave you with a nice uplifting feeling and a positive message.I would change the ending though. I would make them get married or move in together - just one more final scene to make sure that everyone is happy (including female viewers).