Synopsis
Romantic love is about establishing the common ground between the two people. It involves the process of letting another person into one's private territory and getting accustomed to each other's world. Since almost all couples go through this same process, it is always a challenge to add some credibility to this worn-out narrative of romantic love. From this respect, Art Museum By The Zoo has succeeded in giving the fresh new treatment to the old theme. The Art Museum represents Choon-Hee's view on romantic love. The museum is the place for aspiration and fantasy. The paintings are admired only from a distance, and the minute they are touched, the pure essence that drew the admiration from the spectators in the first place swiftly disappear. Choon-Hee dreams of such love, which is the typical romantic fantasy still shared by most Korean women. On the other hand, the Zoo represents Chul-Soo's view, which focuses on the realistic aspects of romantic love. In this crowded place full of smell and noise, there is little room for the fantasy. It is thus quite intriguing to observe how the two characters supplement what is missing in the other. To Choon-Hee, the touch of realism is supplied by Chul-soo, who in turn experiences the dreamy aspects of romantic love. A helpful note for the foreign visitors. To the young couples in Korea, the admission to the National Army serves as the opportunity to test the durability of existing romantic relationships. (LEE Seong-Wook)