Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: Two people fall in love across space and time by leaving letters at a house they each once owned.
Review: Now this is how you do fantasy-romance right. The filmmakers perfectly capture the subtle nuances that make a romance work. Those longing stares, the emotional resonance, and, of course, the creative use of bringing the characters together through a twist of fate. I appreciate the original and imaginative nature to the story and how it instills a kind of epic-ness you wouldn't typically find in a mundane chick flick. This truly is some next level, beyond time and space shit right here! I already covered the remake, "The Lake House," but that hardly does this film justice especially in regard to the Eun-ju character. Everything from the cinematography, and general aesthetics, right down to the engaging acting is superior to the remake. If you want a serious romance movie that hits all the right buttons, this is a superb choice.
First and foremost, what seals the deal is the dynamic between the leads. Though they share little screen time with one another, you can feel their love for one another which is a hard feat to accomplish. Jung-jae Lee, as Sung-hyun, works well as the every-man who is trying to step out of his father's shadow. To counter him is the sassy girl herself, Ji-hyun Jun (or Gianna Jun), playing Eun-ju. Ms. Jun portrays the loneliness and longing effectively with numerous shots of her simply staring into the distance (which I love!). We feel her pain and the desire for the two characters to finally just meet. There is a certain degree of wholesome innocence to their romance that makes it feel accessible to any audience. As with "The Lake House," the use of written correspondences establishes a timeless style to the storytelling which will allow it to stand the test of time despite having clear dates presented. Enhancing every lonesome stare is the cinematography that showcases Korea's beautiful scenery. I want to meet Eun-ju on that beach! Although I'd hope there would be some explanation as to what is causing the supernatural elements to occur, the film pulls you in too deeply with the romance that you can simply brush it off as to whatever excuse your mind can muster. While the ending is satisfying, I will acknowledge that "The Lake House" wins in the payoff department. Both end with the two getting together, however, "Il Mare" leaves their relationship starting over while "The Lake House" has it continuing forward from their last letter. Eh...it makes sense in the context of the story.
I want to do a back and forth of what worked better between each incarnation. As I've already stated, "Il Mare" is a deeper and more emotional movie overall, but I want to mention that the powerful music helps. That song, "Must Say Goodbye," especially creates a dreamy, hopeful tone during the sad scenes that are played up to the audience's delight. This is more than likely a given, but Ms. Jun blows Sandy Bullock away in looks, acting, and character. You cheer for Eun-ju...you don't cheer for Kate. Kate's overreacting to being stood up is painfully stupid whereas Eun-ju takes it in a better stride. I also felt like her idea that, if she can't be with Sung-hyun, that wanting time altered to stay with her ex made sense rather than just being a little tease cheat that is "settling" while keeping her options open. Man, fuck Kate! Again, we go back to the depiction of loneliness whereby Eun-ju's level of depression is palpable compared to Kate just being an idiot. As for the houses...I do think "The Lake House" wins in this regard, yet, "Il Mare" has the better setting with the sea and tide rolling in. Speaking of which, the origin of the house is better in "The Lake House" and adds more depth to the Alex character that wasn't fully fleshed out with Sung-hyun. Another thing is simply the usage of subtlety with "Il Mare." I don't want to repeat myself too much, but "The Lake House" just didn't depict certain story beats sensibly; making Kate forget she made out with Alex is plain stupid! A complaint for both films is why don't the females ever try to find the guy in their time? Plus, neither of these chickadees ever thought to ask why their guy left the house to begin with?! They might have avoided the problem of him being dead if they got off their lazy asses for a second! Sure, Kate was supposed to be a busy doctor but come on. Which, by the way, Kate being a doctor was at least a way to explain how she could afford the house in the first place...but how the hell did Eun-ju afford that shit as a voice actor? I guess her ex-boyfriend was paying?
All things considered, this is a good pick for a date night movie. You have a romance that is portrayed with utmost conviction and complemented by excellent aesthetics and an enjoyable main theme. The sci-fi/fantasy elements work well to elevate this wholly original story to epic proportions where you want to see these character defy space and time to be together. The timeless storytelling and charming leads engage the audience while never overstaying their welcome. The way the events tie together--though paradoxically--leads to a satisfying resolution to our characters who, of course, get together at long last. I'm not big on chick flicks, but "Il Mare" won me over. Likewise, stick to this incarnation of the story since "The Lake House" is lacking despite being a decent film unto itself.
Notable Moment: When Sung-hyun is hit by the car and goes flying. Oh man, this was shot far too humorously. We did not need a slow motion shot of him in midair.
Final Rating: 7.5/10
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