No Regret

No Regret is a thrilling South Korean drama from 2006 that follows the life of a young, gay man named Su-min who is forced to leave his hometown and endure hardship in the big city of Seoul. Directed by Hee-il Leesong and starring Nam-gil Kim, Young-hoon Lee, and Hyeon-cheol Jo, this movie has been praised for its rich storytelling, powerful performances, and bold approach to LGBTQ+ themes.

The story begins in a fishing village in South Korea where Su-min, played by Nam-gil Kim, works as a delivery boy. After he is caught having sex with a man in a public restroom, he is forced to leave his hometown and start a new life in Seoul. There, he meets Jae-min, a wealthy businessman who takes him under his wing and shows him the ropes of city life. Su-min becomes infatuated with Jae-min and begins a romantic relationship with him despite the dangers of being openly gay in South Korea.

As their relationship progresses, Su-min struggles with his own identity and past traumas. He also finds himself caught up in Jae-min's dangerous world of crime and corruption. At the same time, he meets a fellow outsider, the transgender woman Yeon-ho, played by Hyeon-cheol Jo, who becomes a close friend and support system for him.

The film explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and social commentary through the experiences of its complex characters. It paints a vivid portrait of life in South Korea for LGBTQ+ individuals and sheds light on the struggles they face, both from societal stigma and their own inner demons.

The performances in No Regret are some of the highlights of the movie. Nam-gil Kim, in particular, delivers a moving and nuanced portrayal of Su-min, bringing depth and vulnerability to his character. Young-hoon Lee also shines as the enigmatic Jae-min, balancing charm and menace in his performance. Hyeon-cheol Jo gives a standout rendition of Yeon-ho, bringing a touch of humor and heart to her portrayal of a character too often marginalized in film.

Another strength of No Regret is its visual style. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and grittiness of Seoul with equal measure. The film also features several striking scenes that use color and lighting to enhance the mood of the story.

Overall, No Regret is an emotionally powerful and socially relevant movie that deserves more recognition outside of South Korea. It is a must-see for fans of LGBTQ+ cinema, as well as anyone interested in compelling storytelling and top-notch performances.