Table Manner – Movie Review & Summary

Minjae is celebrating his birthday with Geonwoo, his new boyfriend. Although their relationship started recently, they seem to be happy together. Geonwoo takes him out for dinner at a restaurant owned by Minjae's friend. Upon their arrival, Minjae is stunned to see his ex-boyfriend Hyunsoo working there as a chef. It turns out Aeri, the restaurant owner, has hired Hyunsoo as a temp for the day.

Minjae and Hyunsoo didn't expect to see each other tonight. Their reunion is awkward, and they barely acknowledge one another. Minjae doesn't disclose his past relationship to his new boyfriend. He suggests going to another restaurant, but Geonwoo seems keen to try out the food here. Reluctantly, Minjae settles down for a meal at the restaurant. However, he is anxious and constantly makes eye contact with Hyunsoo in the kitchen.

Hyunsoo arrives at their table to take orders and serve the food. He is annoyed and speaks rudely. As Minjae and Hyunsoo interact, Geonwoo picks up subtle signs that they may know each other. In the kitchen, Hyunsoo complains to Aeri about his ex-boyfriend. Hyunsoo is upset that Geonwoo has already found a new boyfriend after breaking up two months ago. Aeri tries to play peacemaker and does her best to make the evening go smoothly without incident.

Table Manner has an intriguing premise about two ex-boyfriends and their awkward reunion at a restaurant. The scenario seems juicy, setting up the plot for potential angst, tension, and emotional drama. Despite the storytelling possibilities, not much happens in this uneventful BL movie. Maybe there's a little awkwardness, but most scenes are tame and mundane. Table Manner is a subdued short film that lacks excitement and adrenaline in its flat narrative.

This movie suffers from a lack of meaningful drama. I don't need the characters to argue, flip over tables, or throw utensils at each other like jilted lovers. However, Table Manner could afford to amp up the intensity by a few degrees. Two ex-boyfriends reuniting should have been an emotional situation, but I barely feel anything from Minjae and Hyunwoo's banal interactions. The storyteller plays it too safe, failing to maximize the entertainment. I believe this film could have written its scenes more interestingly to engage the viewers.

Although not always compelling, it wouldn't be fair to paint Table Manner as a dull movie. Several understated moments are thoughtful and dignified, speaking volumes without the need for melodrama. I really like the final scene between Minjae and Geonwoo after their restaurant date. Not just because they share a sizzling kiss, but I also enjoy the dramatic tension in the muted atmosphere. Table Manner is mildly captivating on a few occasions, which frustrates me that it couldn't be like this all the time.

We hardly know the characters well enough to care about their relationship dynamics. Nonetheless, I like Geonwoo the most out of everyone in the love triangle. He has a sweet personality, seems smitten with his boyfriend, and knows how to give steamy kisses. Meanwhile, Hyunsoo acts bitter, sulky, and jealous in each encounter. Geonwoo is so much better than Hyunsoo that I don't understand why Minjae would give his ex a second thought. Dude, you hit the jackpot with Geonwoo. Your current boyfriend is a keeper, so why linger in the past?

As Table Manner draws to a close, I feel unfulfilled by the movie's subdued ending. The story flatlines for twenty minutes and never reaches its climax. Maybe the minimalism is intentional, highlighting the message that life carries on ordinarily after a breakup. However, I can't appreciate the bland journey and just find the narrative too lethargic for my tastes. My favourite BL stories stimulate me with passion and emotion, but I don't experience that dynamism from Table Manner. Sadly, this unimpressive short film comes and goes without registering in my mind.