Overview of Always

‘Always’ is a heartwarming South Korean movie directed by Song Il-gon and starring So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo. The movie tells the story of a former boxer named Cheol-min and a blind girl named Jung-hwa. Their lives become intertwined when Cheol-min becomes Jung-hwa’s caretaker, and a beautiful love story blossoms between them. The movie is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and action, with an unforgettable storyline that keeps the audience engaged until the very end.

Profile

• Movie: Always (English title) / Only You (literal title)
• Genre: Melodrama / Romance
• Director: Song Il-gon
• Writers: Song Il-gon, Roh Hong-Jin, Yoo Young-ah
• Producer: Moon-bomi
• Cinematographer: Hong Kyung-pyo
• World Premiere: October 6, 2011 (Busan International Film Festival)
• Release Date: October 20, 2011
• Distributor: Showbox
• Language: Korean
• Country: South Korea

Cast

Main

• So Ji-sub as Jang Cheol-min / Jang Marcelino
  Jang Cheol-min, also known by his nickname Jang Marcelino, is a complex character with a troubled past. Despite his tough exterior, Cheol-min has a kind heart and cares deeply for Jung-hwa. He is willing to risk his own safety and well-being to ensure her happiness and well-being. His love for her is selfless and pure, and he is willing to go to great lengths to make her happy. Overall, Cheol-min is a flawed but a sympathetic character who undergoes significant growth and redemption throughout the film.
• Han Hyo-joo as Ha Jung-hwa
  Ha Jung-hwa is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who lost her eyesight in a car accident that also took the lives of her parents. Jung-hwa is initially shown as a reserved and introverted person, but she slowly opens up to Cheol-min, the male lead character, and they develop a special bond. She becomes Cheol-min’s source of motivation and inspiration as he tries to become a better person for her. Throughout the film, Jung-hwa’s character is portrayed with great sensitivity and depth, highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities in South Korea. Despite her challenges, she remains optimistic and determined to lead a fulfilling life, and her character serves as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Supporting

• Yun Jong-hwa as Min Tae-sik
• Kang Shin-il as Choi
• Park Chul-min as Coach Bang
• Jo Sung-ha as section chief Choi
• Jin Goo as pottery store owner
• Oh Kwang-rok as Park Chang-soo (man wanted by loan sharks)
• Shin Cheol-jin as Elder in rehab
• Kim Jeong-hak as team leader Ma
• Kim Mi-kyung as Sister Joanna
• Wie Seung-bae as martial arts champion
• Jung Jae-jin as shift old man
• Min Kyeong-jin as janitor

Synopsis

Jang Cheol-min is a hardworking man who juggles multiple jobs to make ends meet. One of his latest jobs is working as a parking attendant, which requires him to work late hours. It’s at this job, he meets a blind woman named Ha Jung-hwa. Despite her visual impairment, she loves watching television dramas and would watch them with the previous parking attendant, an elderly man who would describe the scenes to her.

When Cheol-min takes over the parking attendant job, Ha Jung-hwa continues to watch TV with him in the security room, forming a unique and special bond. The two of them developed a daily pattern of watching dramas together, with snacks and television shows bonding them together at night.

Cheol-min was a professional boxer. However, to make more money, he turned to work as a debt collector and resorted to using violence against those who were unable to repay their debts. Unfortunately, during one of his collection attempts, the person he beat set himself on fire due to the desperation caused by the debt. As a result, Cheol-min was arrested by the police and charged with attempted murder. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his actions.

As time passes, the bond between Cheol-min and Jung-hwa grows stronger and eventually transforms into love. Cheol-min is determined to become a better man for Jung-hwa’s sake. One day, Jung-hwa is assaulted by her boss, and Cheol-min rushes to her aid. However, Jung-hwa stops him from beating her boss because she is afraid of losing her job. It is especially difficult for a disabled person like her to find employment in South Korea, making it nearly impossible to replace her current position.

One day, Cheol-min comes to the realisation that he is indirectly responsible for the accident that caused Jung-Hwa’s parents’ death and her subsequent loss of eyesight. This guilt consumes him, and he decides to earn money for Jung-Hwa’s eye surgery. He opts to participate in a dangerous boxing match with a prize of 30,000 dollars. He managed to win the match despite sustaining severe injuries. However, those who were against his victory still chase him and attempt to kill him for the prize money.

In the meantime, Jung-hwa successfully regains her eyesight after the surgery. She starts her career as a sculptor to make a living. For two years, she keeps searching for Cheol-min, but she couldn’t find him. When Jung-hwa finally comes face to face with Cheol-min, she initially fails to recognize him. Unfortunately, by the time she realises who he is, he has already left. Nevertheless, she decides to pursue him and eventually finds him by the river where they used to spend time together. There they reunite and express their feelings to each other while sharing an intimate hug.

Romance

The romance in the film ‘Always’ is a beautiful and heartwarming depiction of two individuals from different walks of life falling in love. Jung-hwa and Cheol-min’s relationship is built on trust, understanding, and an unspoken connection that transcends their individual circumstances.

Jung-hwa, who is blind, relies on Cheol-min’s description of the world around her to experience life in a unique way. Cheol-min, on the other hand, is haunted by the guilt of his past actions and seeks redemption through his relationship with Jung-hwa. As they spend time together, they both start to see the world in a new light and their bond grows stronger.

Their love is not without its challenges, as they both have personal struggles to overcome. However, their love ultimately prevails as they both work towards a better future together. The movie’s romance is not only a love story between two individuals but also a portrayal of the healing power of love.

Awards

Interesting Facts about Always

1. The movie ‘Always’ has been remade several times, including in Turkish, Kannada, Hindi, Japanese, and Filipino.
2. ‘Always’ was the opening film of the 2011 Busan International Film Festival.

FAQs

1. Who is the director of the movie ‘Always’?
   Song Il-gon.
2. Who are the lead actors in the movie ‘Always’?
   The movie features So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo in lead roles.
3. What is the genre of the movie ‘Always’?
   Melodrama/Romance.
4. What is the Instagram ID of So Ji-sub?
   

   sojisubofficial is the Instagram ID of So Ji-sub.