My Little Bride (2004) Poster

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8/10
Life outside My sassy Girl
chauhan-mg28 November 2009
Korean cinema really churns out some mind-blowing fresh original movies.Like many non-Koreans viewers i was also simply blown away by a simple yet touching story like 'My sassy Girl' and naturally MSG has set a standard hard to surpass but still My little bride deserves respect and appreciation for being a cute romantic love story which will surely gonna bring a smile on your face if not completely blowing your head.Though movie is around 2 hours long but the plot doesn't look stretched and director gives sufficient time for characters and feelings to develop.The movie is successful in retaining its innocence which was also the soul of MSG and yes the soundtrack is awesome and fully complements to this melodious sweet innocent love-story...worth a watch .I guarantee you wont be disappointed (but don't expect a MSG..)
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7/10
Funny with underlying cultural message
ilovebees36 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
(From an USA Caucasian white male).

It was difficult getting by the young age of the bride, but even in the USA there used to be and still are some very young brides, legal or otherwise. Certainly young brides occur in many countries, even though I frown on it.

Cute and funny movie, especially the 2 ghost scenes. Even though Sang and Bo are both "modern" they continue the long Asian tradition of respect, arguably obedience to parents and grandparents by getting married just to please a whimsical idea of grandparents. Traditionally, the wife cooked, so even the busy college bound Bo becomes a good cook.

Bo especially, and the high school student actresses are very convincing in their facial expressions and body language nuances.

Bonus - most of the adult actresses are absolutely gorgeous.
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8/10
Alternative view on arranged marriage
aaroncavanaugh225 November 2018
Hi, This is an interesting alternative view point movie in the vein of the 1987 movie Wish You Were Here with Emily Lloyd. Although I don't agree with the arranged marriage this movie is watchable and well made. Thanks :). God bless :). Aaron
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A sweet romantic comedy
informantxgirl24 August 2013
This is a sweet tale, despite the inherent ickiness of its initial premise. I went into it with almost no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The chemistry between the leads is good, although the star here is the heroine. She's got charm and charisma, a sort of wholesomeness that's perfect for the role, and just enough sass to not make her boring. The plot is fun, with just the right comedic turns, and it moves along at a good pace. I liked that it was never shy to point out the weirdness of the setup and to poke fun at it. It's got a good blend of romance and comedy, but more comedy than the former. I didn't particularly care for the side characters, but our main couple was enough to keep me hooked and watching until the end. They're friends, first and foremost, and that really shone through.
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6/10
A cute but a little awkward rom-com
Among the big movie studios known around the world, Hollywood and Bollywood are probably the most out there. Japan is mostly known for their anime films, and anyone else is pretty much beneath that. However, in the recent decade, Korea entertainment has become more of a mainstream offshoot. K-pop was a big aspect but now their films have begun making an impact as well. An example of this was Parasite (2019). Looking back though on some older films from this country, perhaps there might be a reason why it took a while. While arranged marriages are not unheard of, they are very much not the usual western way of conducting things. Unless it is one's religion, believes in the concept and the other side is also in on it, then that's fine. But forcing something between two who do not feel a connection is where it gets questionable.

The premise to this story is about two families where the grandfathers agreed their children, which ended up being grandchildren, would wed before they passed away. The catch is, Park Sang-min (Rae-won Kim) is an adult while his bride Seo Bo-eun (Moon Geun-young) is only fifteen. According to the movie, as long as both families agree, it is legal. Forget that part and the whole being forced idea. The idea of a minor being married to an adult is definitely a no-no in most of modern society. It's just not done or proposed, let alone thought of. Perhaps the writing is accurate either to the time of the film or for Korean culture in general, but the concept is likely why this hasn't had any kind of resurgence in popularity. Directing this feature is Ho-joon Kim in their first theatrical film credit. The writer is Sun-il Yu in their only writing credit. Wondering if that's again because of the premise.

Despite the idea for the film, the writing does address the whole idea in itself. This is good because it's by no means glorifying the situation in any way. Bo-eun and Sang-min are both childhood friends but never saw each other as a couple. Again rightfully so due to the age difference, but in order to fulfill an aging family members request, they do so reluctantly. Of course this is where various scenarios and hijinx ensue where events are made fun of, misinterpreted or hijacked. One example of this is that Sang-min is assigned as the new art teacher in Bo-eun's school. Meanwhile, one of the faculty develops a crush on him that wasn't wanted named Ms. Kim (Sun-yeong Ahn). All these moments are cheesy and can produce a chuckle but they don't cause hysterical laughter. However, this does not mean the story execution doesn't have its moments.

The actors and their chemistry works to the advantage of the viewing experience. Both Moon Geun-young and Rae-won Kim give their own personalities and flaws to the characters that make them unique. Sang-man may be older but he still acts juvenile at times but does his best to be supportive as possible. Meanwhile Bo-eun very much is a young school girl trying to fit in and find her place. She also has the attitude when its needed at times, along with a very expressive face of disgust. As time progresses though, viewers will see these characters change and discover things about themselves they didn't realize. Rae-won Kim has continued to act in movies since as well as Moon Geun-young. Although for those unfamiliar with Korean films, this may not mean as much.

The technical aspects to the film are fine. Since this is not some big budget action film that's highly reliant on digital and practical effects, there's not as much to find unrealistic. The camerawork was handled by Jeong-min Seo who worked on films going all the way back to 1959. Quite a history there; in fact, this movie was their second to last to be credited. From what is shown the shots are fine and have a standard display to them that is competent looking. The film score was interesting to hear, composed by Sun-shik and Man-Sik Choi. Together they produce music that does hit its mark when needed and other places stands out for incorporating not only the usual orchestra but also singular instruments. Even whistles which are normally not done or recommended. Yet for this film, it adds to the charm and lightheartedness that is the story. There's even a soundtrack available.

The idea may make viewers initially cringe at the thought but after watching, it is a respectable effort. The comedy bits are not as strong as they could be, but the more sentimental moments are poignant enough thanks to the actors and their chemistry. Cinematography is handled well and the music supports the experience with its different sound.
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10/10
Now this is a romantic comedy.....
highflying_falcon7 March 2005
When I saw the cover I thought that it was just another cheesy love story between a girl and an older guy.

But as soon as I started watching I couldn't turn away...not for a second. Although the story is not very original, the comedy sure was with an excellent cast and humorous antics that will make you laugh and cry.

Although this may sound clichéd, Seo Bo-eun and Park Sang-min do really make a nice couple. Miss Kim was also another cast member who should receive some recognition for her great acting talent, even though she wasn't a main character.

To all those yet to decide whether to go and borrow or rent this I would really recommend it.
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10/10
My Sweet, Cute, Funny, Little Bride:)
dennisyoon5 July 2004
Sang Min is the typical young college man and a wanna be playboy and Bo Eun is a darling little high school sweetie who has a crush on her school's pretty boy jock. They are like brother and sister since their families go back to their grandfathers' friendship. Grand dad makes Sang Min and Bo Eun marry to uphold a promise he made to his best friend to tie their families together. They both disagree for practical reasons but old grand dad still has some tricks up his sleeve and the love story begins...

High school teen and college twenty something collide in sweet and funny little twists and turns. What seems so irrational to unknowing youngsters is plain for the elders to see. Although the premise of youthful marriage maybe unusual for some, the film is a really innocent and charming love story. You'll fall in love with Sang Min and Bo Eun and you'll appreciate the love you have. The leads do a great job and the supporting cast is highlighted by the Homeroom teacher who has plenty of humorous run ins with Sang Min. 8/10
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10/10
Cute and light, a fun watch that doesn't require much thought..
ainomiko25 February 2005
I enjoyed this movie, it was definitely fun to watch and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Korean language or culture, or just wants a good romantic comedy. This movie tells the story of two young people who are forced into arranged marriage because of the wish of a dying relative. It shows how the two deal with this situation that has happened against their will, and has many humorous moments showing the scrapes they both get into as they try to tolerate being around each other without fighting. However, this movie is not so amazing that I would want to own it, or re-watch it over and over. A bit too clichéd for me, as well some of the characters (namely Sangmin, the male lead) just didn't appeal to me, although I found Boeun to be very cute! If you're looking for a movie that stands apart as simply fantastic in this genre, I would suggest 'My Sassy Girl'.

8/10
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9/10
A sweet Romantic Comedy, despite its controversial subject
amerh13 November 2005
Several reviewers took exception at this film's depiction of marriage between an adult (a college student) and a 15 year old high school student. I feel the subject was handled with a lot of sensitivity. Arranged marriages are still frequent in many parts of the world, and deserve a movie about them. Millions of very young women still tie the knot before they are 18, in Asia or the near-east or Africa. Why should the subject be taboo? The film does not condone the practice, as a matter of fact it shows how wrong it could be. The pleasure comes from watching these two young people make what they can with a situation they are not completely responsible for. Although the film is light and often funny, it has its share of pathos. Many will recall the awkwardness of first relationships, they are even more awkward in an arranged marriage.

This movie is very likable. The two stars are fun and charming. The tone is breezy throughout, but very realistic. Many of the clichés are there (THe karaoke scene, the dream scene, the misunderstanding(s) at school...), but they are treated in such an offhand way that they don't feel calculated. For a first film, Ho-joon Kim's direction is assured and precise. One of the best Korean comedies I have seen lately, recommended to put a smile on your face, and make you think...
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4/10
Boring trash
Misss2531 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Seems like this movie is trying to romanticizing 15years and 30years old man love story...Promoting child marriage... Also like having extra marital affair is good...
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10/10
One Of The Sweetest Films Ever
jola8911 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely adore this film! What I love most about the film is the sheer innocence both characters portray. Here we have Sang-min, who is depicted as a carefree young man who is enjoying life as a bachelor. We then have Bo-eun who is a young girl, who dreams of getting into college.

The chemistry between the two of them is amazingly well acted out. We can see how they tease and mock each other, yet very obviously, beneath all the jokes and insults, there is real concern for each other. The great thing about this movie is the way the relationship develops in this film. Slowly, we learn just how much Sang-min cares about Bo-eun who is seemingly oblivious of her own feelings. The right balance of seriousness, playfulness and jealousy makes the whole relationship work. It's very amusing to watch them both become jealous of each other's new interests, as we are able to see how much concern they hold for each other.

One of my curiosities about the film is this: if they had not been forced to marry, would they have ended up together anyway? I like the fact that Bo-eun finds the letter that Sang-min has kept all those years, and the scene between her and her mother, in which we are told of Sang-min's care for her when she was younger. We can see that his feelings have always been good towards her, and I think, deep down she has always felt this way for him.

An amazing film to watch if you to relax and finish a movie with a smile on your face and new fresh outlook on love
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10/10
This movie is so funny about Boeun and Sangmin.
yingaloha12 February 2006
Wow! This movie is amazing of a life of Boeun and Sangmin. Who have to live together. One is adorable, and one is a pervert. One likes a cute baseball player, and one likes chicks. One likes hating, and one likes being weird. One is a good girl, and one is a playboy. Funny, what a couple. One betray, and one is not. Boeun ending up loving Park Sangmin when she remembered their memory. One has a sick brother, and one has perverted friends. How shall they come together with all of these? Well, let's find out in the movie "My Little Bride". Well, Boeun was my most favorite movie star anyway. If you see this movie, you will be fill with 100% laughing!!!!!!!!
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10/10
Beautiful Romance :)
ssstheawesome23 June 2021
This is probably my favorite Korean movie. I enjoyed watching it because it has some drama and comedic moments, as well as heartfelt moments. It's not over dramatic and it portrays a pure and genuine kind of love that feels real to the viewers. I definitely recommend this if your are feeling love sick or just want to watch an easygoing movie that won't stress you.
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9/10
Brilliant Korean Comedy
denis8887 November 2010
I never was a fan of Korean films, but this one, is a brilliant light comedy with a great cast, very sweet romantic plot and a great array of jokes. It is never getting cheesy or clichéd. Even the very simple love story of two teens getting married at their grandparent's' will, can get very thrilling and never boring. The actors do a great job and the school where much of the events take place looks so nice. Korea is a bit riddle to me here in Russia, but this sweet film opened the veil and showed that Koreans are common people with their sadness, sorrows joys, tears, tragedies and loves. The school is a nice place ti film it all, as it never gets banal or outward silly like in many American comedies of the same genre. having said this, I do recommend this excellent work to all who enjoy light-hearted comedies and the like
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5/10
My How you have grown!
Meganeguard6 February 2006
After learning that his "grandfather," actually an old friend of the family, is dieing, Sangmin hurries home from his study abroad. However, although the situation seems quite dire, Sangmin seems to have really missed the sight of Korean women so he scopes out every pretty one that walks by. Noticing a pretty high school girl, Sangmin places his mobile phone on the floor to get a shot up the girl's skirt. However, instead of taking the situation lightly, the girl kicks the phone at Sangmin. The girl turns out to be Seo Boeun a young fifteen-year-old girl with whom Sangmin had grown up and with whom, despite their seven-year age difference, he had been quite close.

Making the standard statements about how nice Boehun has grown, Sangmin and Boehun make their way to her family home where her grandfather, Sangmin's family friend, her parent's and Sangmin's parents await. There they learn that Boehun's grandfather had promised Sangmin's grandfather that their children would be married, however, because they only had boys, the responsibility of marriage falls on Sangmin and Boehun's shoulders and hilarity ensues…or not.

Boehun and Sangmin are of course quite against the marriage, but do it anyway to please the old man's wishes. Skipping out on a honeymoon to Jeju Island to spend some time with her base playing kim bap, Korean sushi, loving does her best to avoid Sangming. However, after they move in together, their relationship blossoms and they begin to feel affection for each other, but of course they must keep it a secret and this, and many of the other parts of the film, fall into cliché of the typical Korean romantic Comedy.

While My Little Bride is a heaping bowl of saccharine sludge, It does win a few points for starring Moon Geun-young, who with her energetic performance and highly expressionistic face adds a few bright points to an otherwise boring film.
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9/10
very refreshing comedy
yurichar8 December 2006
i saw this movie on DVD not long ago, and although i didn't find it completely satisfactory (certain aspects of the story don't seem very convincing among other things), i did find it a very entertaining watch. Mun geun yeong's acting is still not fully mature here, but she certainly did challenge herself in this role (compare to her role in 'a tale of tow sisters) and is quite successful. Kim Rae Won's acting is also highly creditable. It is a very heart-warming comedy that mix and mingles some serious themes with amusing dialogue and narrative quite well. Not the typical tragic love story of Korean movies, and has a happy end. Worth a watch, especially if you are a Korean movie or Mun Geun Yeong fan.
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9/10
A really funny innocent romantic comedy
raeb10 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Boeun (Geun-yeong Mun)a fifteen year old school girl is sent to collect Sangmin(Rae-won Kim), a university aged guy that she has known all her life from the airport. There we notice that Sangmin has somewhat of an eye for the ladies. Sangmin had been studying abroad for a year. When they reach home we discover that the Grandfather has called Sangmin back because he wants Sangmin & Boeum to marry before he dies, now. During the Korean War Sangmin's & Boeum's grandfathers promised that they would become in-laws, that wasn't possible with their children as they both had boys. Both parties aren't enthusiastic but Boeum's wily old grandfather manages to coerce them into marriage by pretending he was dying in hospital. The problem is neither Boeun nor Sangmin are mature enough to be married. Which is proved when Boeun ends up running away at the airport instead of going on her honeymoon.

We follow Boeun & Sangmin as they settle into marriage and living together (but in separate rooms) while at the same time trying to keep their marriage a secret. While it is legal to get married at fifteen in Korea it isn't exactly standard practise. When Sangmin ends up becoming a teaching intern at Boeun's school he attracts the romantic attentions of a female teacher - Miss Kim. When Miss Kim discovers that he is married to Boeun she punishes Boeun by making her paint a wall for the school festival on her own. It is this or rather the help that Sangmin gives Boeun (without her knowledge) every night that leads her to realise that she is in love with him.

I suppose if you come from somewhere like American you'll recoil screaming 15 year old girl, college aged man - Statutory Rape. However both of the characters aren't American. They don't have the hard edge or the worldly wises that someone in the West would have. Take for instance Sangmin - wannabe pervert / playboy - all he does is look or talk about beautiful girls. You don't actually see him talking to them. There is a scene where he is standing with his shirt off in front of his male friends and his female (a couple of years older)Supervisor comes into the room. He all but screamed and pulled a sheet up to cover himself. You've never seen a guy move so fast. It was hilarious. You wouldn't see a guy of that age doing that in the West.

This movie has a charming naiveté and is very funny with well drawn out characters. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something different from the regular run of the mill Hollywood fare.
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10/10
frankly speaking ... i like this movie
ghajiniblue6 November 2009
I'm a 23 year old male teenager who happened to stumble upon this movie two years ago at school during a free day in math class (when I was 15). I liked it then, but the math class ended before the movie could be finished. This contains a heartfelt conclusion to a story where you get to care about, two polar opposite teenagers who face peer struggles and the perils of love and death. The situations that occur are very real, and very sad. Once the movie finishes, you'll be left wondering what happens to everyone (heck, even though it doesn't make sense, I want a sequel!). really niccccce movie and i recommended it to all.you too will like it...
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10/10
My Little Charmer
alishalee2 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
My Little Bride was the first foreign movie I have ever seen. I couldn't speak one word of Korean and couldn't watch it in its original language. I just so happened to find it up on YouTube with English subtitles and thought I would give it a try. I was 15 and once the movie had finished, I couldn't believe what I had been missing out on. From the moment it began, My Little Bride had me in fits of laughter. Funnier and more charming than any English speaking language film I have ever seen. It made me want to cry, It made me want to laugh and most of all it made me smile! My Little Bride is a witty, charming romantic comedy fresh from South Korea (I say fresh because it still manages to live up to its names more than 11 years after its release). This is a must see for anyone who loves a movie that can make you feel good! Please do not allow the fact that the movie is in Korean put you off! The subtitles are not distracting, especially not when you have something like My Little Bride to entertain you!
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1/10
Funny comedy - becomes tedious and scary
sasamijurai13 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Contains some spoilers.

At first this is a light hearted comedy about a very inappropriate situation however as time passes the movie becomes quite inappropriate itself with the older male character trying his best to sleep with this 15 year old girl at every opportunity, even if he later says he is joking - come on. Obviously she is terrified and in one scene for example he undresses in front of her - in order to terrify her, I guess the comedy in that scene was the audience laughing at the poor schoolgirl wanting to run away from her perverted adult husband.

The very end is clichéd and I would say it condones underage child-adult relationships - which is ridiculous and depraved. It seems that she finally gives in at the end and stops running away from him. Is that an appropriate theme for a comedy - maybe a dark comedy or a satirical look but this film is not about satire - it's a farce.
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9/10
Sweet like sugar
aswanikumar-2813020 September 2020
Great new concept of this movie that will touch your with great acting of actors cute funny little romantic.
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8/10
A good piece of fluff a bit rushed but still good
leahcubed4 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is about a 16 year old high school student and the boy she grew up around. Both the girl Bo-eun (Moon Geun-young) and the boy Sang-min (Kim Rae-won) really love the grandfather enough to grant his wish to see them married before he dies. Their marriage also fulfills a pact Sang-min's grandfather and Bo-eun's grandfather's made with each other during the Korean War which was to unite their families through marriage. Bo-eun wants to please her grandfather but, despite the marriage, continues with her high school life by dating her crush, the school's star baseball player, Jun woo. Sang-Min actually loves his young wife and ignores her hurtful behavior realizing she is extremely young and was not ready for marriage. Things are further complicated when Sang-min does an art internship at Bo-eun's school and the two agree to hide their relationship. Over time Sang-min's patience and kindness toward Bo-eun to cause her feelings of resentment fade and she remembers the love she felt for the boy that was always b her side.

I really liked this and thought it was cute for what it was. In movie form the story felt very rushed but I am more used to the deep character development and evolutions that occur in tv series. My mother was 15 and my father 18 when they married and I married my husband at 18 so that part was not strange for me at all. Just 35 years ago it was not at all strange even in the western world to have a young woman date or marry someone several years older. I saw Moon Geu-young in "Mary Stayed Out All Night" and enjoyed her performance in that role as well. Seeing this one cleared up why she is known as "Korea's Little Sister" as she did seem incredibly young in this one. I enjoyed it despite it feeling rushed.
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10/10
Awww...loved it
raphpie21 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Not a typical Korean storyline. The grandfather has a wish to make his grand children married before he dies, because he has promised to his friend who was the real grandfather of the actress. But the female lead is high school going 15 year old girl who is immature to take the responsibility of marriage. The male lead is much more older than her who is at his manly younger age to lead a independent life with job. There was sweetness, understanding and support as a friend in both of two which is needed in marriage or any other relationship. Both has made a beautiful couple role with so many funny incidents. At the end they lead a happy life together becoming more stronger and mature. Spoiler: This kind of early marriage is not acceptable in any country or society. I didn't like this part of this movie. I gave it 10 on 10 and recommend it to watch.
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10/10
Sweet
sayanthpk-0344823 April 2020
Korean movies always gives such good and various stories for viewers.
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2/10
So, 15 year old marries a 30 year old?
benkgoblue18 December 2020
Reading all the reviews, I'm thinking I'm the only one who gets the creeps thinking about this movie. I watched 10 minuates decided I was not a interested in such a subject matter, however there seem to be other adult men who are? But maybe in Korea marring and having sex with underaged children is acceptable, and what a sick paternalistic and misogynistic concept. In America this behavior would send you to jail, in Korea it's cute. I guess I have yet to get them memo!
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