Salute to Korean Star Lee Byung-Hun 李秉宪

This post today is not about myself. It is dedicated to all movie lovers, especially for Asian/Foreign films. I had the privilege of attending a premier screening of a new korean action-packed movie "A BITTERSWEET LIFE" on Tuesday night. Gosh... It was beyond words to describe.... simply AWESOME! I had 8 extra tickets but no one wanted to go. For all those who have missed the movie, it's a PITY, really! This is not just another triad, killing, violent type of movie. Totally way above my expectations! It was all worth it.. Absolutely NO REGRETS for only taken 2 pieces of prata for dinner and rushed to the theatre.

The actor was charming, of course... that makes a difference! Above all, his bittersweet life was even more intriguing than any other factors. Let's try to summarise the story. Sun-Woo, played by LBH; a very loyal follower and a sharp perfectionist about the things he does. Being a highly trusted right-hand man of his boss President Kang (a real asshole), he was put in charged of managing a sky lounge bar & restaurant in a hotel. On one dinner occasion, President Kang gave him a task... that was to look after his young lover, Hee-Soo for 3 days when he's away in Shanghai. President Kang President Kang ordered Sun-Woo to watch her out of the doubt that she might have another lover, and if it turns out true, to kill her and to call him immediately.

LBH is an amazing actor..... You have to see those expressions on his face... be it a slight smile, teary eyes, anger, or that last wink of satisfaction before he died. It just touches my heart and I teared a little. But then, there's also a touch of humor in parts of this movie... funie!

Okay, back to the main point. On the third day when Sun-Woo started following Hee-Soo, he made a surprise attack at her place when Hee-Soo brought her boyfriend home. However, at the last moment, he let them go after much hesitation. He saw Hee-Soo sobbing and unknowingly his heart softened for the 1st time. He thought it would be the best solution to keep it a secret and the couple never to see each other again in order to keep themselves safe & alive. This was a wrong decision! Was it? I personally didn't think so. But not for the rest of his gang, especially President Kang the asshole who totally blew his top when he knew Sun-Woo LIED to him about the truth!

A surprise attack was made... @ Sun-Woo's house. He was caught and tortured terribly! His left hand was crushed and his limbs almost amputated. Be prepared for alot of brutal and bloody scenes in this movie! Think those physical pain was one thing.... the worst that make his heart bleed was when he saw President Kang walking towards him and asked him why he lied! He felt totally innocent and betrayed and total disbelieve that anything like that could ever happen to him! Anyway, amazingly he managed to escape somehow, probably overcome those obstacles with the anger inside him. He wanted an explanation from President Kang himself.... if he really wanted him DEAD. Viewers will witness Sun-Woo's innocent love for Hee-Soo, and nothing happened between them anyway. Even before he died, he smiled and called to hear her voice for the last time. Probably, she didn't even know he went through HELL to protect her, nor knowing he had feelings for her.

The story ended with a mystery..... President Kang dead of course! But Sun-Woo was alive?!.... at the bar doing his usual punches and kicks in front of his own reflection. So is this all a dream?? The ending line says: The disciple told the master he had a sweet dream, but he cried and why? Because it's a dream that will never come true!

When I went home, I actually "re-enacted" the movie to my mum (not surprising she know this korean star)... with actions and sound effects... Quite silly thinking back! She was engrossed listening to me and kept asking me "and then.. how? He die?..." She even asked why didn't I bring her along! Oops....

Please please... Go watch this movie! I don't mind watching it again!

Anyway, for those interested to know more about LBH, check out his Singapore Official Website @ http://www.byunghunlee.org/