Fridae

AIDS has been a key theme in gay Hollywood dramas from Philadelphia
to Longtime Companion to Angels In America. But
it is rarely examined in heterosexual dramas, especially Asian ones.

That this Korean drama chooses to confront the issue head-on makes
it a very daring film indeed. That it has also emerged as one of
the biggest box-office hits in South Korea makes it nothing short
of a miracle.

Sweet and very touching, You Are My Sunshine tells the
story of a lonely farmhand (Hwang Jeong-min) who falls in love with
a sexually promiscuous city girl (Jeon Do-yeon). Despite their obviously
different backgrounds, he woos her with sincere words and gifts
from the heart. She slowly lets him into her life, only to discover
soon after that she is HIV-positive.

Their romance unwittingly becomes the stuff of newspaper scandals
and criminal trials. But Jeong-min stands by his woman, protecting
her and loving her unconditionally. His undying loyalty will put
all commitmentphobes and one-night-stand addicts (you know who you
are) to shame. That the film is based on a true story will only
deepen the guilt.

Although the film uses tried-and-tested techniques to tug at your
heartstrings and activate those tearducts, the wonderful performances
by the excellent cast keep you thoroughly engaged. This is one movie
that has its heart in the right place, and is guaranteed to break
yours. Don't miss it.