‘Ajoomma Review: An Older Woman Obsessed With Korean Soap Operas Leaves Her Heart In Seoul

Seemingly Singapore's answer to "About Schmidt," the comedy-drama "It's Never Too Late to Live" is about a widowed housewife who leaves her comfort zone on a solo trip to Korea. This upbeat debut from director He Shumin, whose name is the Korean equivalent of "aunt," gives seasoned TV actor Hong Huifan (Housewives' Vacation) a chance to shine in a well-deserved lead role. Golden Horse Award. Chosen to represent Singapore at the Oscars, the affable Ajumma is more of a dark horse in the race despite its potential to become a dormant art house.

Ms. Lim's life is full of excitement. What it lacks in drama is its gluttony with Korean dramas, creating an unusual obsession among non-Koreans (including Americans who are growing thanks to services like Kocowa and Viki). "Aunt," as most of the other characters refer to Hong's character, is overprotective of her only son, who long ago agreed to accompany her on a special trip to Seoul. Now, just days before they leave, he resigns to do an interview in New York — one that will put some much-needed distance between an incarcerated young man and his severely constipated mother (who sees her son kissing). first scene).

Auntie is not self sufficient and the thought of traveling alone scares her. But when he realizes the tickets are non-refundable, he decides to go anyway, embarrassing everyone by arriving late at the airport. This scene was funny, but it's the first of several awkward episodes (for example, the aunt is never shown getting on the plane): while the others are waiting for the bus, the guide Kwon-woo (Kang Hyun-suk) ) notice the late arrival. , put it on the baggage cart and roll it to the group. Still, if you love K-soap, what could be more tempting than walking through an airport terminal like this?

On the bus, we learn that the aunt has decided to host the Secret of the Stars tour, which, as the name suggests, is designed to introduce fans to the highlights of Korean dramas. Almost every time - on the bus, at his aunt's house, wherever - the TV is filled with cute clips from such a show, where he stars with Korean idol Yeo Jinsu ("Hwayi: Monster Boy"). cheekbones are part of the joke (Korean stars are famous for their lines). As the film progresses, the aunt begins to project a little melodrama of herself, which is a lovely "Nurse Betty"-esque idea, even if her actual adventures are pretty silly.

It's New Year's Eve, and while the chronically fiery Kwon-Woo has to take care of his tour group, he's also busy trying to mend his relationship with his ex-wife. As a result, he directs the bus to his mother-in-law's apartment, unaware that his aunt has come to answer the phone. Hong's performance is quite polished, but lacks the comic flair that would have made his performance more comical. When the bus pulls away and she frantically throws her phone in the air (she is immediately hit by a passing car and the aunt is unable to call her son), we conveniently neither laugh nor believe her reaction.

Suddenly stranded in a place she's not ready to move to alone, an aunt has the chance to meet Korea's most handsome man, the cutest security guard (Jung Dong Hwan). . - only Hye and co-writer Chris Ong complicate the plot enough to give these two seniors a chance to bond. Auntie knows a few Korean phrases from her favorite show, but they mostly communicate with gestures and broken English. The security guard invites her to dinner and then takes her home, filming some intimate scenes. He speaks and offers her his bed. When they find Kwon-Woo and the others, the two become so close that the only mystery is what they will do with the wonderful cross-cultural friendship that begins to blossom. The final scenes have less to do with Korean soap operas (or producer Anthony Chen's popular films) and more to do with Judi Dench's career-ending film. To be honest, it's not that hard to imagine him in a remake.

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