Autumn time and the living is teary

The wind’s blowing. The leaves are falling. It’s that time of year again, the season when we have an excuse for eyes that run and noses that sniffle. In other words it’s safe for everybody to watch sad love stories and let the tears flow. You can always claim you have a cold.
Since yesterday, the Sponge house has been showing 10 of the most popular sad dramas made since 2000. Four directors of these famous tear-jerker films will also make appearances and there will be time set aside for the audience to ask questions.
“It is going to be a warm and meaningful event for fans of sad love stories,” said Spongehouse’s Choi Ji-yeon, the organizer of the event.
The four directors that will attend screenings are Jung Ji-woo (tonight at 9 p.m.) for his 2005 film “Sarangni,” or “Blossom Again;” Song Hae-seong (Saturday 9 p.m.) for his 2001 film “Failan;” Lee Hyun-seung (Sunday 1:30 p.m.) for his 2000 film “Siworae,” or “Il Mare;” and Lee Jae-yong (Wednesday 9 p.m.) for his 2000 tearjerker “Sunaebo,” or “Asako In Ruby Shoes.”
“Sarangni” stars Kim Jeung-eun. She plays a woman in her 30s who meets a young version of her first love but realizes in the end the youth and her older lover were not at all alike.
“Failan” is based on a novel by Jiro Asada. It stars Choi Min-sik and Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung, who plays the title role; after her parents’ sudden death, she comes to Korea to search for her remaining family with results that are bound to produce plenty of tears.
“Siworae” stars Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Jung-Jae, who live two years apart, but are able to communicate through a mysterious post box. The film was recently remade in the U.S. as “The Lake House,” starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Unlike the Hollywood version, “Siworae” does not have a happy ending but has a more authentic feeling of sorrow.
“Sunaebo” is also a heartbreaking film featuring a Korean man and a Japanese woman who one day realize that small chance events can have fateful consequences.
Aside from the 10 sad films, Spongehouse is also going to show a premiere of director Lee Youn-ki’s “Very Special Guest” before its official release in late November.

by Lee Min-a

“Tears in Spongehouse” is held at the Apgujeong branch of Sponge House theater. All tickets are 5,000 won per film except for “Very Special Guest” which will cost 7,000 won. For film listings and for show times visit www.spongehouse.com, or call (02)2285-2011.