Live Again, Love Again (2018)
Struggling musician Ji-pil rekindles his passion after discovering a pianist's melody online, leading him on an emotional journey to Vietnam in "Love Again"
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Info
| Original Title | 라라 |
|---|---|
| Tagline | You and I are tuned in our music no matter how far we are. |
| Formats | Streaming |
| Duration | 97 mins |
| Status | Released |
| Year | 2018 |
| Release Date | February 22, 2018 |
Trailer
Synopsis
Hà Mi is a young musician that has a great passion for composing music. G-Feel - a genius musician of Korea, who is facing with the pressure from his fame. Between two strangers, living in two countries, there's a special bond that is Yoon Hee. The story about that speical relationship between them is revealed when G-Feel decides to travel to Vietnam after an incident.
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Editor's Review
A Promising Story with Uneven Execution
“Love Again” (라라) is a South Korean romantic drama film directed by Han Sang-hee, released in February 2018. The film stars Jung Chae-yeon, San E, and Chi Pu, and delves into themes of love, loss, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Ji-pil, a successful music composer who falls into a creative slump after a breakup. While aimlessly browsing social media, he stumbles upon a beautiful piano piece that reignites his passion for music. Determined to find the pianist, Mi, Ji-pil travels to Vietnam, where he also confronts memories of his ex-girlfriend, Yoon-hee.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The narrative structure of “Love Again” is somewhat fragmented, with various subplots that feel underdeveloped. Ji-pil’s journey to Vietnam is intended to serve as the emotional and narrative backbone of the film, but his interactions with Mi and other characters lack depth and cohesion. Critics have noted that the film’s pacing is slow, with pivotal character meetings occurring only halfway through the runtime, diminishing their impact.
Music and Visuals
The film’s attempt to blend romance with music-driven storytelling is one of its more intriguing aspects, yet it falls short due to its clichéd execution. The soundtrack, primarily consisting of melodramatic piano riffs, aims to evoke an emotional response but often comes across as overly sentimental and uninspired. This sentiment is echoed in the visual presentation, which is described as equally clichéd and lacking originality.
Performances and Character Development
Performances by the lead actors, particularly Jung Chae-yeon as Yoon-hee and San E as Ji-pil, are commendable but constrained by the limited material they are given. Chi Pu’s portrayal of Mi adds an element of international flavor to the film, yet her character’s potential is not fully explored, leaving much to be desired in terms of character development and narrative payoff.
Emotional Depth and Setting
Despite its shortcomings, “Love Again” offers some moments of genuine emotion, particularly in its exploration of grief and the creative process. The film’s setting in Vietnam provides a picturesque backdrop that enhances the romantic and introspective mood of the story. However, the film ultimately struggles to balance its various elements, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, “Love Again” is a film with a promising premise that is hampered by its execution. It attempts to weave together themes of love, loss, and artistic rediscovery but falls short due to its uneven narrative and reliance on clichés. While the film may appeal to fans of romantic dramas and music-themed stories, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression on a broader audience. For those interested in a deeper exploration of its themes, the soundtrack and picturesque setting may offer some solace, but the film as a whole does not fully capitalize on its potential.