Love in the Big City – Movie Review & Film Summary

Heung Soo is a gay university student in his early twenties. As an aspiring writer, he is inspired by Albert Camus and studies French because of him. On orientation day, he and the other students are captivated by Jae Hee, a gorgeous classmate. She arrives on a motorcycle, smokes a cigarette, and speaks fluent French. Having lived in France for four years during her teens, Jae Hee exudes a cool, free-spirited confidence that leaves the men in awe. Heung Soo is intrigued by her bold presence.

Heung Soo is deeply closeted, unable to come out even to his mother. He flirts with Olivier, his French professor, and the mutual attraction leads to a kiss outside a nightclub. When Jae Hee catches them, Heung Soo is spooked that his secret has been exposed. Panicked, he warns Jae Hee not to reveal what he sees as a weakness. That night, Heung Soo breaks things off with Olivier. His fear of being outed pushes him to the edge as he contemplates suicide, though he ultimately does not go through with it.

Rumours spread about Olivier's sexuality after a classmate claims to have seen him at a love motel with a man. The description of the male lover, slim with narrow eyes, matches Heung Soo perfectly and puts him under suspicion. However, Jae Hee deflects the gossip by pretending she spent the night with Heung Soo. The charade works, and their classmates assume these two students are in a relationship. The rumours about Heung Soo being gay stop escalating.

A risqué picture surfaces online in group chats, showing a topless selfie that someone claims is Jae Hee. Although her face isn't visible, students identify her by the moles on her body. Cruel gossip spreads as classmates make jokes about her body and breast size. As the rumours spiral out of control, Jae Hee cracks under the pressure. She walks to the front of the class and defiantly lifts her shirt, flashing her chest to everyone. The incident causes an uproar, earning her a reputation as a "crazy bitch". It isolates her even more while her notoriety continues to grow.

Despite Jae Hee's wild reputation, Heung Soo sympathizes with her and reaches out. They start hanging out, bonding over their partying lifestyle of drinking and clubbing each night. When Jae Hee feels unsafe in her apartment because of a stalker, Heung Soo moves in, and they become roommates. From face mask routines to laughter-filled movie nights, their bond quickly deepens. Together, these best friends navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood, finding comfort in each other's company.

Love in the Big City is so beloved that it inspired two adaptations of the same story, including an eight-episode BL drama and a feature film. They are unrelated and have different casts, so you don't need to watch one to enjoy the other. While the series explores a gay man's love life and relationship struggles, the film focuses on the bond between two misfits. Which version is better? I'm a fan of both. The Love in the Big City movie carries meaningful themes that helps me experience the same story in a new light.

Early on, the two leads jokingly describe their dynamic as "crazy bitch meets gay friend", a cheeky tagline that captures the movie's charm. From hilarious banter to drunken shenanigans, the pair's delightful interactions are a constant source of entertainment. Both characters share similar experiences as outsiders in a world that doesn't accept them. They're also compatible through their differences, as Heung Soo's caution balances Jae Hee's chaos. Love in the Big City proves a gay man and his female bestie make an iconic duo. Their heartwarming friendship forms the emotional backbone of this story.

With smooth chemistry between the leads, Jae Hee and Heung Soo feel authentic as friends. Their exchanges always seem natural. Jae Hee's actress (Kim Go Eun) delivers a nuanced performance and shines during dramatic moments. She can shift effortlessly between emotions, showing strength or vulnerability as each scene demands. Her co-star (Steve Noh) also amazes me, beyond making a strong impression due to his sharp jawline. He captures Heung Soo's inner torment with a quiet fragility beneath his guarded exterior. His portrayal makes the role deeply compelling.

Heung Soo's love life is a prominent subplot in the movie. Despite a passionate encounter with his love interest, they have a rocky journey for the rest of their time together. Since Heung Soo is closeted and reluctant to go public, his emotional barriers cause conflict. The story focuses more on the couple's negative experiences than the positive moments. Su Ho's character is underdeveloped, so we only know him on a surface level. Compared to the BL series, which explores the lead's relationships in extensive detail, the gay romance in this movie lacks depth.

Jae Hee's love life is full of twists, and some of her relationships bring intense drama. As challenging as her struggles may be, they make her an incredibly fascinating character. She is flawed, prone to mistakes, and has moments of emotional fragility. At the same time, the movie celebrates her strengths as a free-spirited and self-assured heroine. She once delivered a memorable line to her gay friend, "How can being yourself be a weakness?" Jae Hee is a complex protagonist who captures the movie's core message of embracing who you are without fear.

Love in the Big City ends happily for Jae Hee, rewarding her courage and individuality with a life partner who admires these qualities. While I'm glad for her, I feel disappointed Heung Soo's romantic pursuits are less successful. Even so, the story's main focus has always been Jae Hee and Heung Soo's friendship. The film concludes with the two leads still closely connected, proving that best friends can be the greatest love of all. Love in the Big City is a charming movie that celebrates friendship with humour, sass, and sentimentality. I enjoyed every moment of it!