You Are My Sunshine (2005)

Magnificent balancing act of intense emotions. Old school production without high-gloss polish.

"You are my Sunshine" is the international title of this KMovie from 2005 - named after the US country song of the same name from the 1930s. However, the original title is "You are my destiny". Regardless, both are working. The Plot is based on a true story that happened in Yeosu around 2001.

It's about prejudice. About the socially doubtful binding norm and where it is actually coming from. And it's about a man who, fortunately, cares less about what others say and trusts more in what he feels and believes is right. So this is about a positive role model of a man - a man who noticeably sets himself apart from the crowd who dominate the image of men here: Men who buy women, men who buy women abroad as wives, men who beat women without hesitation, men who infect women with AIDS (and don't tell them), men who won't let go of women, see them as possessions and unrestrainedly abuse them... There are the many completely 'normal', 'socially valued' men , husbands, fathers, whose behavior is simply outrageous. As if it were a matter of course, they set the standard of what is right, they set the tone... and yet deny any responsibility.

It's also about love. The sunny, courageous, positive message is embodied by a man who loves sincerely and unconditionally. However, he is generally considered naive. The cattle farmer is considered a hillbilly and a bit peculiar. Not just because he talks to his cow, but because he keeps the word he gave to the woman he loves and stands by what he feels. He is different. (Although, his attitude towards life, women, animals and nature could be considered quite progressive, too...)

And the woman? The female Protagonist could see herself as a victim. On top of that, she might be ashamed of her life. But despite everything that made her tainted and even 'leper' in her life as a prostitute, she was able to keep her soul pure inside. She is straight and clear, she doesn't deceive herself and above all she doesn't get her hopes up, because she knows life as it is - for women like her.

Life in the country is plain, ordinary, vulgar, simple. Also sensually grounded in the changing seasons. Although the ideal of pure, white skin is held high, the story instead focuses on the stigma of the tainted and tanned skin. The everyday scenario of bruises and violets from beating men as well as the darker Filipino and Vietnamese (versus light, pure South Korean) skin of purchased wives thematically dominate here. Finally, it´s about fear of AIDS (spots). That's the rural reality.

Nevertheless, there is this down-to-earth man who puts love above everything else – in good times and in bad... he´s honest, sincere, reliable, devoted, lovable. And there is this woman who can and wants to get involved... until her past catches up with her...

Two wonderful leading actors. Pure KMovie. Intense. Feels lifelike with a deep impact. A magnificent balancing act of conflicting emotions.

Old school production, though. Without high-gloss polish.

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Raw sexy drama

The title seemed to suggest more of the fluff of many A-dramas but this one dealt with some big issues. I enjoyed watching the story develop particularly the love story between the leads. the male lead was so persistent and never let go, even though he knew what she was and that she did not seem to be interested in having a future other than providing sex. When she does realize he can offer the the things of a lifetime, her past catches up to her and everything unfolds. But his undying love keeps him going until a powerful climax during the prison visit. I loved how they desperately needed to hold hands, they had to be together.
The tender moments were very nice, both leads so vulnerable but on opposite sides of the spectrum. FL was great in the role- very sexy yet offering a lot more than that, she was ultimately the victim of the life she chose.
ML saw something more than the sexiness and looked past her promiscuity and never gave up.
It was welcoming to see the gritty and seedier side of life that may exist in Korea. It is a fact of life that situations like this occur everywhere in the world, so I do like stories that show that side of life- it is a far cry away from the 'Boys Over Flowers' type A-dramas. Although i do love the fluff too, it is great that there are these more 'serious' dramas available.
As for me, I do always love happy endings, and this one brings it full circle, although it could have gone the other way. I would recommend it and I hope to watch more like this in the future.

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Honestly, i don't know how to express myself but it just made me feel awkward, it was a sick movie but IN A POSITIVE WAY.
Definitely, it's not an easy watch for everyone but still i loved the movie (it made me cry TT). These kind of movies are very rare to find........

I want to put my opinion that i think the movie does not completely intend to educate us about HIV as we can see from some instances that even the doctors themselves were not completely educated about the HIV (don't worry not a spoiler) and i think that's because the context of the movie was based on the late 20th century when the research was still going on and was considered taboo. (Sorry!! these facts hold no credibility, i randomly made them up just to explain what i mean to say).
Instead, i would say it mostly focused on miserable life of prostitutes and AIDS was obviously a most probable consequence of prostitution.

Cinematography, Pace, Acting were nice.

IMO it was a really good movie which shed light on some serious issues while at the same time delivering us some serious romance plot. (maybe sick love for others, but not for me TT)

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