Imagine a drama that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster through the complexities of human experiences—”Melo Movie” does just that. As K-dramas continue to engage audiences worldwide with their diverse narratives, “Melo Movie” stands out by weaving stories of loss, gain, resentment and love that resonate deeply with viewers.
“Melo Movie” is a K-drama about a man who loves movies (Ko Gyeom) and an aspiring director (Kim Moo-bi) who meet on a film set. They fall in love but immediately encounter challenges that break them apart. Years later, they meet again and try to rekindle their relationship.
This was one of my favorite dramas. I love the bittersweet portrayal of love and how it talks about subjects such as mental health and loss. “Melo Movie” talks about the impact of depression on someone and the people who care about them. It also talks about loss and how, even though it feels like the end of the world, life keeps moving, and you need to as well. It made me cry, but I think films that capture the everyday life of citizens and give their viewers hope are something we need more of, especially now.
Mental health is especially emphasized through Ko Jun’s personality and characteristic traits. Ko Jun is the older brother, and he is labeled as a well-grounded character who also has a sensitive side. After he gets into a car accident, his strong persona crumbles. As Ko Jun struggles with his mental health, he displays behavior traits that are common signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. A major one that is emphasized is the idea that suicide is an escape from pain rather than life. Itself. Ko Jun displays sudden happiness and eagerness to do things before Ko Gyeom confronts his strange new behavior in Episode 7. Ko Jun admits that for a long time, he has struggled with wanting to live, and Ko Gyeom was his only purpose in life.
The effects of grief are a significant factor within this drama. Ko Jun eventually dies because of the previous car accident, and Ko Gyeom is left to grieve. Ko Gyeom, a bright and relaxed character, begins to sleep in his car. He sleeps in his car to avoid the emptiness of his home. He is scared to face the feeling of being alone. Kim Moo-bi sees him struggle and decides that she wants to help him. Kim Moo-bi urges Ko Gyeom to sleep at home, assuring him that she will help to fill the empty void that lingers within the house. She promises to be there and guides him until he can cope independently.
This drama reminded me a lot of the 2023 film “Past Lives,” which is about the reunion of childhood friends. These characters have to navigate through life and make decisions that do not always feel right but are for the best. The drama and movie are similar in that they both touch on the fact that life is a messy soap opera, but in a more vulnerable sense.
This drama could have gone further with the messages and clarified the plot. Most of the time, the story is coherent, but there are moments where I go, “Wait, what?” I think this is because Korea is a more conservative country that does not touch on sensitive topics. It is a new concept to discuss the topics of suicide in a country where it is especially prevalent due to the entertainment industry and such. However, this drama is also intense because the cultural elements enhance the story. Family, honor, and respect are a significant part of Korean society. I think the way that community and family are emphasized is what brings the drama together. During a time when everything seems chaotic, family is what grounds everything.
Ko Gyeom and Kim Moo-bi’s relationship is complex, like all genuine relationships. Ko Gyeom loves movies, which is why he became a movie critic. Kim Moo-bi (whose name sounds like “Movie”) wants to become a director to prove herself. Kim Moo-bi lost her father when she was younger, and out of spite, she wants to prove she can accomplish his dream of being a director easily. This is her way of coping with the loss. Ko Gyeom struggles with the burden of wanting to protect his brother and ignores that something is wrong. He acts bubbly and charismatic to hide his true feelings. Their relationship works because they can see through each other’s personas. They lend a hand to each other and walk together through challenges.
The second main couple is aspiring singer Hong Si-jun and script writer Son Ju-a. To be honest, I hated this couple, but I was also able to understand them. Hong Si-jun is a man who was overly dependent on Son Ju-a during their relationship in high school. Son Ju-a begins to lose her personality and dreams while catering to the needs of Hong Si-jun. She breaks up with him and disappears. She appears years later to work on a movie soundtrack with him. They remember the past and attempt to rekindle their relationship. However, they both decide to stop seeing each other for good. They learn that you cannot recreate the innocent pleasures and memories of a first love, even with your first love. The reunion and breakup balanced the drama. It is a sole reminder that not all relationships are meant to last forever, but we all need to do our best to cherish the memories and the remaining ones.
This drama advocates for those struggling with their physical or mental health. Rather than leaving the audience to dwell in resentment and regret, it teaches them to live life the way they want. I watched this K-drama when I needed encouragement. It encouraged me to be brave and connect with those around me.
“Melo Movie” is difficult to watch, and the messages are not easy to accept. But it is a drama that is universally enjoyable, it recognizes the reality that relationships and love are complicated. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just care for yourself, but you also need to recognize the feelings of those around you. The truth is that there is no guaranteed happy ending for us, but we should still try our best to live our lives well. I give this show four stars out of five.
