Budapest Diary (2011)

Let's break this down by the numbers.

Story: 10. I'm sure I decided to watch this for the same reason most chose to watch this: Jang Geun Suk. But it's much more than just a pretty actor. The cinematography was breathtaking - it really felt as if I myself was being taken on a tour around Budapest, through Chan Kyn Sok's eyes. I was also fooled for a portion of the film, thinking one thing had happened, when by the end, it was (more or less) revealed what had actually happened. I liked how ambiguous the narration was, while also managing to be heartfelt. The idea of a bittersweet journey led by a diary left behind was original.

Acting/Cast: 9. Jang Geun Suk took on a monologic role and successfully kept my attention for the duration of the film, which is hard for monologues to do. I loved the range of expressions he showed. Apparently JGS also took part in its production. Talented guy.

Music: 9. The music was refreshing, and wonderfully portrayed the emotions the main character was feeling as he made his way through the places written in the diary.

Rewatch value: 7. It's an artistic movie built on emotions and the beauty of being in a new city. I would watch it again for inspiration or for comfort, but not because the film is thrilling or addicting in some way.

Overall: 9. Really enjoyed the film. It's something different than typical kdrama.

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I'm going to be unbiased about this one. I picked it up because it would give me 40 mins of uninterrupted Jang Geun Suk. It turned out to be more than just that.

The story initially left me a little confused to be honest. I couldn't really follow the turn of events and had to just go with the flow. The time line of the story confused for a few seconds too but I didn't care. Before I knew it, I was sucked in by the beauty of the city Geun Suk was exploring and it was almost as if I was there with him, feeling every emotion of awe as he went from place to place. I was flowing with the tide and it eventually reached the shore when everything finally made sense to me (maybe I'm just slow).

I've never seen a movie, even a short one, where there's just one actor who's supposed to carry the whole thing solo. I was a little apprehensive before I began watching the movie, worried if it'll prove to be too much for Geun Suk alone but boy was I wrong. His narrative, acting, emotions, expressions, everything were bang on target. Everything he did was so heartfelt you cannot help but reverberate them in your heart as well.

The music was really soothing and went well with the mood of the movie, had a different feel than most of the tracks I've heard in other dramas or movies. The instrumental playing during the credit role was especially lovely.

You can watch this movie for the stunning cinematography and brilliant acting by Jang Geun Suk. It's short, doesn't really put a load on your head and you end the movie with a warm buzz in your heart because the experience as a whole is beautiful.

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