Windstruck Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: The romance between a police officer and her boyfriend is cut short when he is accidentally killed during a crime.

Review: Slowly, but surely, I am reviewing Ji-hyun Jun's filmography. As yet another romance movie from her repertoire, "Windstruck" was incredibly disappointing. In fact, it borders on becoming a complete mess. The tone is not consistent, the story often veers off into misused tangents, the running time is too long, and the pacing is all over the place. Realistically, Ms. Jun is the only appealing aspect to the film as a whole. Oh, sure, there are a few sweet moments and interesting concepts spread throughout, however, this hardly helps to keep the audience invested.

Right out the gate, the story is not established properly as we immediately learn that the male love interest, Myung-woo, will die. After taking away any sense of shock, we shift gears into overly comedic--almost slapstick--hijinks. I think this goofy tone is what many would expect--and outright desire--from a romcom. This tone at the beginning is actually not bad as we see the romance form between Ms. Jun's character, Kyung-jin, and Myung-woo. Kyung-jin is supposed to be a tough cop and Myung-woo is some guy with a ton of skills. Due to zany antics, the two characters cross paths, start off hating each other, but then quickly fall in love. Ehhh, it's about what I'd expect from this kind of movie even if slightly rushed.

Along the way, we are introduced to plot tangents that should have contributed to the story or were dropped. For example, Kyung-jin's dead twin is meant to explain why she was motivated to become a cop yet it's never referenced ever again. Likewise, the story that is told about the pinky swear is almost an entire film concept unto itself; it should have simply been told through dialogue. These wasted ideas can apply to other little things such as not exploring Myung-woo's position as a teacher or the more egregious ideas...like having Myung-woo almost die in a different scene only to kill him off later anyway.

About halfway into the movie, all of the cutesy elements are dropped entirely with a tonal shift toward drama/action (save for one incredibly misplaced scene). Myung-woo is murdered quite graphically which sends Kyung-jin into a suicidal depression. Somehow, Kyung-jin becomes a detective and starts running and gunning. At the same time, we are introduced to supernatural elements as Myung-woo's ghost helps out by taking the form of wind (hence the on-the-nose English title). Believe me, all of these plot elements create a kind of overload with the story trying to tackle far, far too much. Eventually, Myung-woo is avenged, and Kyung-jin is able to say farewell to his ghost. At the end, Kyung-jin meets her next great love due to shenanigans that only make sense if you don't think too hard about the outlandish scenario suggested.

Overall, "Windstruck" is a fairly mediocre film slightly enhanced by Ms. Jun's inclusion. Had the writing been given tonal clarity, or an even pacing, it would have felt more enjoyable. Furthermore, the tone shifts could have made sense with a better use of transition. I can see the appeal for some wanting to like this, but I'd rather get my Ji-hyun Jun fix from something like "Il Mare." Still, the film does have some fun and charming moments that make it at least watchable.

Notable Moment: When Kyung-jin brings Myung-woo lunch at school. That was, admittedly, a cute moment to endear the couple to the audience. Also, it helped to show that Kyung-jin does have a soft side after setting up the wannabe-tough attitude.

Final Rating: 5.5/10

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