I CAN SPEAK – this name is used symbolically, is what came into my mind while watching the movie. It is actually a pseudonym for the main story. Surprisingly viewers cannot speculate what kind of seriousness the story holds at the beginning of the movie. The starting is more or less about the introduction of the characters, their characteristics and their individual lifestyles. It was filled with joviality, frustration, lawlessness, boredom and grouch.
The character of Na Ok Boon aka Goblin Granny is dreaded by everyone. Her main task is to pinpoint her neighbours about the wrongdoings, seditious behavior and illegal practices which disrupt the smooth social order. She is nonchalant and valiant. No amount of scorn or condescend towards her can back her down. She would be always ready to file a complaint against any atom amount of illegal doings to the district office. Apart from this which is her regular work, she is highly eager to earnestly learn English for a special reason. Thus the revelation of her main reason for learning English Language on the second half of the film makes it simply wonderful.
Besides, Na Ok Boon another main character called Park Min Jae, a 33 year old civil servant, is a regular office worker. He had dreamt of being into another profession but somehow ended up as a govt. official for familial reason. Fortunately or unfortunately the fates of Ok Boon and Min Jae are intertwined and with much hesitation at first, eventually Min Jae gives up and starts to teach English to Goblin Granny. He becomes his English teacher and along with his younger brother becomes family of the granny.
As the story progressed, through dramatization of few incidents, it is gradually unraveled why the granny is so enthusiastic and adamant about learning the language. It becomes intelligible that why she wants her past predicaments to be hidden from everyone and what importance this language holds in her life.
The movie is made about a sensitive issue which is heart rendering and capable of making the viewers’ hearts warm with reverence.
Both Na Moon Hee and Lee Je Hoon portrayed exceptional performance of their character. Not even a single moment it feels like they are acting. Their performance was natural especially Na Moon Hee being a veteran actress knows the exact thing to do with her role. They were utterly impressive.
Reviews should be written with critical analyses of important scenes and about the story line by line. However, in MDL it is difficult because we need to maintain caution for not spoiling the story for other viewers. Therefore, I’m forced to keep it short otherwise I had galore of good things to write about this movie.
This is the kind of movie I’ll always cherish and would encourage others to watch. “I Can Speak” is a genuine representation of real cinema – a real art and a true masterpiece.
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The movie starts off as an easy-going narration of a growth of friendship between two characters. It's fun and entertaining, and you can't but fall for those characters. Na Ok Boon aka Goblin Granny is that character that everyone seems to avoid, and is such a pain in the ass for civil workers in particular. Park Min Jae ,a 33-year old civil worker that was assigned to deal with Granny's complaints. Throughout the movie, the relationship between both leads starts growing into something lovely.
The acting was really good, whether it were the main leads of the supporting cast, it was truly fascinating alongside the amazing cinematography and story flow. You won't leave after watching this movie feeling like it was a waste of anything cause it has its own purpose, its own morale, and also an impact on the audience.
Since this is a spoiler-free review, the only thing I can say is the story is definitely not what it seems to be and it has a much deeper meaning, on the more serious wavelength.
Thus, watch it for it will really bring out several different emotions. I did tear up several times, I mean you can't not!!
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Unexpected but rather good
We have an explosive duo with the troublesome granny who never stops making complaints and the helpful civil servant who doesn't want to make waves.
Two opposed personalities begin what can be called a relationship (not a love one, of course) or maybe a goodwill exchange. We witness their interactions, funny, touching, chaotic and it feels so good. It's well balanced between lightness, rhythmic narration, emotional touches and we get attached to the main characters.
And then we get an uppercut about 2/3 of the way through the film which reveals why granny Na Ok Boon needed to speak English (it wasn't a desire as the first part of the film would have us think). She disclosed her story, the one that kept her isolated, the one she was ashamed of and yet she was the victim.
I liked the movie, despite the lack of historical background to understand the issues, the fight of these women for truth. It was able to treat a serious subject in a fair and serious tone.
Instead of bringing tears to my eyes, this film made me think about the human relationship with war. What justifies committing atrocities against fellow human beings?
Tip : check Wikipedia to have a better understanding of the historical background.
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I thought this movie was just about a fussy old lady and an orphan civil servant becoming like family, but it was more than that. The first half was fun as we get to know both characters and I loved the scenes where Min Jae taught Ok Boon how to speak in English in fun ways, like playing chinese checkers or going to the bar to talk to foreigners. I also admired Ok Boon for being able to pick up English quite easily.
The second half turned serious as we get to the real reason why Ok Boon wanted to learn English. I'm not going to reveal the reason in case some people don't want to be spoiled but the reason was heartbreaking. I was weeping especially when it was time for Ok Boon to speak in front of everyone. And I loved that Min Jae was there with her and now considered her as family.
I liked the ending - before the neighbors taught she was a busybody, but now after understanding her, she was now considered as the friendly neighborhood grandma.
Rating: 8.5/10
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An unexpected kick-ass duo!
Initially here for Lee Jee Hoon, but ended up finding a gem in the K-world! I can't believe we don't find such good movie anymore. This is really meaningful, inspiring and touching all at same timeIt's been years since I watched this and here I am- still remembering the details, that's how much impact the movie has made
It really has an amazing plot twist towards the end, which left me crying and having respect towards the grandma who seemed to be irritating at the beginning of the show
It shows us that sometimes, when we dig a little more, there's more than meets the eye, if we are willing to be open to listen, and understand one another, like Jee Hoon's characteer did here
It really is a show that has potential to touch heart and uplift humanity
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