Search - I'm a Cyborg, But That's Ok on DVD

Holy Rice

Daitokuji31 | Black Glass | 07/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The South Korean director Park Chan-wook is primarily known in the West for his "vengeance trilogy" which consists of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. Each one of these films stars a protagonist who has been wronged in one way or another by someone and within each of these films the protagonist, and in some cases also the antagonist, is "successful" in his our her goal. Each one of these protagonists are quite strong in his or her own way, but in Park's most recent film the protagonist is quite weak and it is her weakness that eventually causes her mind to break.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay concerns the fragile existence of Cha Young-goon who one day decided that she was a cyborg. This was not truly a matter of concern for her family until she slit her wrist to insert wires in order to plug herself in the wall. Wafer thin, Young-goon is exceedingly pale and for some reason or another sports bleached eyebrows. Almost completely oblivious to her surroundings, Young-goon instead has conversations with vending machines and florescent lights. However, at the hospital, Young-goon is a bit attracted to a young man dressed in pajamas and sporting a mask named Il-sun. The attraction is mutual, but Young-goon's interest in the young man, portrayed by the highly popular singer Rain, is not so much romantic as it is practical. It seems that Il-sun might have the ability to steal aspects of a person's personality. Young-goon wants Il-sun to take away her sympathy so she can kill all the doctors, nurses, and such because they were the ones who took her grandmother away from her years before.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay, in comparison to other of Park's films such as J.S.A. and Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, flopped at the box office and while it has received some critical acclaim, has been panned by fans of Park's earlier work. Maybe fans were expecting another stylish, violent film in a similar vein to one of the films in the "vengeance trilogy," but were instead presented with a quite melancholy film that shows individuals whom have been trodden upon by those around them. This is similar to the films in the "vengeance trilogy," but these individuals lack the spirit and will to fight back. I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay is an enjoyable film and it has some of the creepier "action sequences" that I have seen recently, but it is unfair to compare it with the "vengeance trilogy. This film represents a new facet in Park's directorial style and I look forward to see what he has to offer his fans in the future."

A not so typical love story

Michael Mccarthy | Austin, Tx | 01/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Park Chan-Wook's latest is similar to the directorial styles of his well know films such as Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, and Joint Security Area. So is the screen filled with beautiful images full of color and life? You betcha... however... the content of the film is a far cry from the Vengeance Trilogy. Park's new film is more of a love story, odd as can be, but still a love story at heart. So if you're expecting Oldboy 2... don't bother.

This is a romantic comedy of sorts, but not a light one. Park does goes into some serious subject matter. The film revolves around it's lead actress Im Su-jeong (who you may recognize from the wonderful horror; Tale Of Two Sisters). She plays the part of a sad girl in a mental institution where most of the film is played out where she believes she is a cyborg and refuses to eat. As her health deteriorates, an interest is acquired by another patient played by pop star Bi (Rain). What ensues is a melancholic tale of two characters dealing with their past finding each other in the most odd of circumstances.

This is not played out like a typical rom com; I.E. machine guns coming out of Im's fingers blowing away all the nurses. This is a sad yet amusing love story told like nobody besides Park could tell it. The story is touching, sad and funny. The visuals, effects and set designs are simply beautiful. Again, if you're looking for a blood filled, revenge story this is not for you. If you're looking for a non typical romantic comedy with style to spare then give it a go!"

A Great Departure

Susie Suh | Los Angeles, CA | 04/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Park Chan-Wook's film is perhaps not what fans of his previous movies might like. However, I found this movie to be a delightful and insightful view of society's rejects, who in their own isolated world are normal in their shared problems. The two leads were wonderful, giving realistic yet whimsical portrayals that bounced well off each other. The visual style reminded me of Michele Gondry's films, with fantastical elements that blended with the norm. I would recommend this film to anyone."

Im Soo Jung + Rain = Masterpiece

[Brooke] | PA | 03/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to say that Im Soo Jung stole the show but that doesn't lessen the performance Rain gave. I absolutly adore this film. I don't see it as a comedy but it is still a heartwarming love story created in an eccentric environment and if your like me, that makes it a definate score. I love the imagary. This film is more of a piece of art than just entertainment. I highly recommend this film if your into strange characters but can get into the simple storyline, because in the end its just about finding love."