We’re back with a new film review and this time we watched ‘Art of Loving’ (2020), directed by Lee Gun-woo.
At its center is Na Rin (Han Hae Rin), a woman whose life appears to be perfectly in place: a fulfilling career, a supportive family, and a seemingly stable romance with her boyfriend Eun Chan (Kim Jung Hoon). When Eun Chan suddenly ends their relationship, Na Rin’s world crumbles—but rather than let go immediately, she negotiates a one-month grace period, hoping to reignite the flame.
This premise sets the stage for what initially feels like a conventional melodrama, but the film takes a more contemplative turn. As Na Rin embarks on a new work project centered on the “History of Love,” she finds herself engaging with love not just as an emotion, but as a concept shaped by history, philosophy, and human vulnerability. The project becomes a mirror, forcing her to reflect on her breakup not only in terms of loss but also in terms of personal growth.
Lee Gun-woo directs with a delicate hand, allowing the film to unfold at a slow, steady pace. Some may find it a touch too restrained, but the gentle rhythm suits the story’s introspective nature. The film doesn’t rely on grand gestures or melodramatic confrontations; instead, it lingers on quiet moments—conversations, silences, and the internal conflicts of someone learning to redefine love.
That being said, ‘Art of Loving’ does fall into conventional tropes at times. Certain narrative beats feel predictable, and one wishes for a bit more emotional depth in Eun Chan’s perspective, which remains somewhat underexplored. Still, what the film lacks in intensity, it makes up for in sincerity.
Ultimately, ‘Art of Loving’ is less about whether Na Rin wins back Eun Chan and more about whether she can reconcile her own understanding of love and loss. It’s a film that invites viewers to reflect along with her.
Check out the trailer below.
