The Relation of Face, Mind, and Love

"The Relation of Face, Mind, and Love" is a delightful South Korean romantic comedy film that dives deep into the complexities of physical attraction, perception, and love. Directed by Lee Jang-Soo and released in 2009, the film playfully explores a premise that teeters on the boundary of reality, offering a refreshing exploration of the timeless question - does physical beauty overshadow the charm of a radiant personality?

The film tells the story of Kang Tae-Pong, a successful and attractive architect played by actor Kang Ji-Hwan. Tae-Pong's life takes an unexpected turn after he gets involved in an accident that results in him suffering from a temporary visual disability known as 'Prosopagnosia' or face blindness. The condition prevents him from recognizing faces, an ironic twist of fate for someone who relies heavily on aesthetic sense and visual interpretation in his profession. Tae-Pong views the world in a new light, with individuals appearing to him as supremely attractive if they have a kind personality, and quite the reverse if they're not so pleasant.

Enter Wang So-jung, a humble, warmhearted, and less than conventionally attractive woman who is portrayed by the talented Lee Ji-ah. By the design of fate, So-jung crosses paths with Tae-Pong at a time when he is navigating life with his visual impairment. To Tae-Pong, So-jung appears as an epitome of beauty, a perception built on the kindness and warmth she embodies.

The vibrant bouquet of characters further includes two essential supporting roles: Jin Ho, a friendly and supportive colleague portrayed by Hwang Jung-eum, and Choi Ho-jung displayed by Joo Jin-mo, who is the irritatingly narcissistic magazine editor. Both these characters enrich the narrative, offering moments of comic relief, heartwarming friendship, and challenging rivalry.

The narrative weaves a refreshing story where conventional standards of beauty take a backseat, allowing love to blossom on the foundation of personality and character. The movie elucidates the intriguing bond between love and perception while spurring introspection over superficial constructs tying attractiveness to physical appearance. As Tae-Pong's condition is temporary, the inevitable question that arises is - what happens when he can see again? Will he continue to see So-jung the way he does, or will real-world superficiality shatter the illusion he has built? The movie navigates these questions and more in an engaging and heartwarming fashion.

The director, Lee Jang-Soo, renowned for his great work in the Korean film industry, successfully breaks the traditional stereotype of 'love at first sight.' He brings to the forefront a unique blend of light-hearted romance, witty humor, and poignant human experiences, making the movie a heartening antidote to predictable tales of romance. Far from being candy-floss, the narrative works its charm through the playful chemistry between Kang Ji-Hwan and Lee Ji-ah and the multi-faceted personalities of the supporting characters.

"The Relation of Face, Mind, and Love" offers more than just a good laugh; it helps explore the layers beneath the surface of everyday relationships and challenges the viewer's understanding of beauty standards. It is a feel-good movie that leaves you with an optimistic sense of how profound personal connections can genuinely be, especially when they are unclouded by superficial judgment.

In sum, "The Relation of Face, Mind, and Love" is a quirky, heartwarming, and reflective movie. It offers a fresh take on romance by spinning a narrative based on love shaped by character and personality rather than mere physical attractiveness. For Korean film enthusiasts and rom-com lovers, this film promises an enjoyable and uplifting cinematic journey.