Review

It's only natural that Kim Jho Gwang-soo is now better known as a director than as the president of Generation Blue Films, a production company that led the new wave in Korean cinema in the early 2000s. Having made eight shorts and features, from the short Boy Meets Boy (2008) to the feature The New Employee: The Movie (2023), he now stands as a seasoned director. Needless to say, Tell Me That You Love Me, his ninth film, explores queer themes. Brought together by the sale of a used camera, the two men's love story moves forward quickly, fueled by their bickering and bantering—just like in a classic romantic comedy. The film appears to focus more on character development than on narrative highs and lows. In particular, Kyoung-ho, who is overly health-conscious, infuses energy throughout the story, often scolding Kyoung-il for drinking and smoking. The dynamics of his character allow the audience to connect emotionally with his "dream," which unravels later in the film. Actors Jeong Si-hyun and Lee Woong-zae, both new to the scene, contribute to the film's fresh tone. (MOON Seok)

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