‘The Name’ (2020) is the kind of small, emotional film that quietly sneaks up on you. At first, the premise sounds almost bizarre: Li Ae (Jeon So-Min), a terminally ill woman desperate to leave behind something meaningful, kidnaps struggling artist Mo Chul-Woo (Choi Jung-Won) and forces him to paint for her upcoming exhibition so her name won’t be forgotten after she dies. It’s dramatic, strange, and honestly a little unsettling—but the movie slowly unfolds into something surprisingly heartfelt.
What starts as a hostage situation gradually turns into a deeply personal relationship between two lonely people who are both searching for purpose in different ways. As they spend more time together, Chul-Woo begins to soften toward Li Ae, and the film leans into a quiet romance filled with awkward tenderness and emotional vulnerability. The reveal that the two actually share a past connection adds another emotional layer and helps tie their relationship together in a meaningful way.
The biggest strength of the movie is definitely its heart. Beneath the unusual setup, it’s really a story about wanting to be remembered, wanting to matter to someone, and finding connection in unexpected places. Jeon So-Min does a great job balancing Li Ae’s desperation and emotional fragility, while Choi Jung-Won gives Chul-Woo a warmth that slowly grows on you throughout the film.
That said, the movie does feel a little rough around the edges at times. Certain scenes could’ve benefited from a tighter rewrite, and the jealous ex subplot honestly feels unnecessary.
Still, ‘The Name’ has good bones. Even when it stumbles, there’s something sincere and earnest about it that makes it easy to stay invested. It’s not a perfect romance, but it’s a touching and interesting watch that leaves you thinking about love, legacy, and the small ways people leave their mark on each other’s lives.
Watch the trailer below.
