5 Reasons to Watch Age of Youth
Sometimes you need to have a movie that leaves you with a happy feeling. Maybe not a movie that is overwhelmingly amazing, but one with a cute story that just warms the heart. I’m a big fan of the happy ending. Most of what I choose to spend my precious drama and movie watching time on are feel good productions. I’d like to introduce you to five movies that were fun, cute, perhaps a little quirky, and just left you happy. They may not be the most amazingly written or acted, but they always make me smile. And so, in no particular order, here are five feel good movies!
Paradise Kiss
Country: Japan Year: 2011 Genre: Drama, Manga, Romance
This one revolves around high school student Yukari. Unexpectedly, she becomes the model for a
unique group of friends who design clothing at a fashion-oriented high
school. The group call their line of
clothing, Paradise Kiss. The movie is
based on the manga by the same name. I’ve not read the manga, though after watching the movie I am very
tempted. This was a very breezy
watch. There was a little bit of a love
triangle that resolved itself pretty painlessly. The characters were fun and fresh and the
main love story was super sweet. My
favorite part were the members of Paradise Kiss, they were so unique and
eccentric that their presence made the whole movie worth my time! If you are in the mood for a sweet story that
is a simple and easy watch, then this is for you!
My Little Bride
Country: South Korea Year: 2004 Genre: Comedy, Romance, Life, School, Family
Fans of the arranged / forced marriage drama trope will enjoy this little ditty. Bo Eun is a senior in high school, normal gal, with normal school problems. However, her grandfather swore to his friend that they would be in-laws. Thus Bo Eun is set to marry the older Sang Min, they of course both protest to no avail. The two are married and live as a married couple in secret. Bo Eun tries to pretend in her school life that nothing’s changed and even dates her school crush! Of course, drama ensues. I’m a very large fan of the age gap trope, the unique challenges and struggles that these types of couples face and enjoyable to watch, especially as they learn to evolve and grow together. In My Little Bride the couple have a chaste marriage and the hi-jinks that come about through their interactions are quite adorable and precious. This one was what I like to call brain-candy. It was cute and fun!
Love On-Air
Country: South Korea Year: 2012 Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
If you enjoyed the K-Drama The Greatest Love, then I believe you’ll enjoy this movie. It had a very similar premise. Former star now working hard for a living outside of the limelight, but still in the entertainment industry meets and fights with the big star, eventually to fall in love. The main gal is Jin Ah, formal girl group member who now acts as a radio host. In comes a super star PD taking over her show. They, of course, hit it off on the wrong foot. As they each learn to work together to create an amazing radio show they bicker and fight and slowly fall in love. Despite my desire for a happy ending all the time, this one did wrench a few tears from me during the radio show segments. Despite that, this was a super good watch with a lovely ending! Plus! As an added bonus Lee Kwang Soo is a supporting role with a cameo from Kang Gary and Kim Jong Kook!
Baby & I
Country: South Korea Year: 2008 Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Youth
Joon Soo is a trouble maker, both at school and in life in general. His parents decide that they’re taking a trip and leaving him alone to deal with his own mess. In the midst of dealing with this, he finds a baby in a basket with a note that indicates he’s the dad! With no other options he takes the babe in. Throughout the movie he tries to discover the real parents, not for a minute thinking the kid could actually be his. With a little help from his friends, he manages not to make a total mess of things. I wasn’t expecting much when I hit play on this one. And in truth it is a pretty cheesy and silly romp, but it was so much fun! I loved the relationship between Joon Soo and the baby as well as how his character evolved through to the end. But the best part for me was the crotchety old man voice that was the inner voice of the baby. It was so hilarious! All in all, this one is just a good time, not a deep or intense watch, but you’ll have a smile by the end!
Antique Bakery
Country: South Korea Year: 2008 Genre: Comedy, Food, Friendship, Manga, Romance
For my last entry I’m adding a movie that is a little different than the rest. Antique Bakery is based on the manga of the same name, which I haven’t read but I’m pretty sure that I need to read it. The story revolves around Jin Hyeok and his bakery. He hires in three other men and together they have quite the popular place, especially among the ladies! This movie, unlike the rest, has a great deal of substance and meaning in the story. The characters are deep, well developed and excellently delivered! The stories are so good, I loved learning more and more about the men and their lives. As an entire package this one scored a 9 out of 10 with me. It had originality, interesting stories, and a great ending! If you are looking for something that reels you in and lets you live the story for a little while, this gem is for you!
Thanks for hanging with me and taking a look at my recommendations! I’d love to know what movies you guys felt were just wonderfully heartwarming and left you feeling good!
