Nae maeumui punggeum (1998 ) The Harmonium in My Memory 

Directed by Young-jae Lee

Starring Do-yeon Jeon, Byung-hun Lee

A light romantic drama set in the early 1960s, Hong-yeon an awkward 16-17 year old girl develops a crush on the new teacher at her school, the story is told from her perspective and often throughout the film we hear her thoughts. The teacher is young, fresh out of University and takes the eye of more than a few of the villagers, his eye though is taken by another new teacher at the school, slightly older and with a common love of American music. 

This is the set up then for a touching drama where love is ignored or cannot be returned. The pupils are chaotic, education not being their top priority, the fact that most of their parents are illiterate doesnt help but the teacher manages to organise them even quicker than Arnie did in Kindergarten Cop. The village itself provides a good backdrop with a few little scenes to break away (though not detract) from the main story.

A rich colour palette, good acting and a real sense of a living community all help to strengthen what could have been a sickly sweet romance. Do-yeon Jeon in particular is exceptional as Hong-yeon, completely convincing as a shy awkward girl, she was 25 at the time and her performance in this as opposed to her role in the following years Happy End just goes to show what a terrific adaptable actress she is.

The storyline might seem a little familiar to those who've seen Zhang Yimous The Road Home but thats only the basic premise, its certainly not art-house but it is a well played and for the most part a well constructed film.

Overall then well worth seeing especially if youre only used to the Hollywood style romantic dramas.

Cheers Trev.

BBFC rated 12