This is how Alfred Hitchcock explained the nature of suspense.
First, the audience witnesses someone placing a bomb under a table.
Then the main character,
without a clue, leisurely enjoys a cup of coffee at that very table.
Knowing that the bomb could blow up at any moment,
the audience feels anxious and nervous.
That's how I feel right now.
I saw the bomb being planted right before my eyes…
-Hello. -Hello!
Hi!
…and not knowing when it will explode makes me kind of nervous.
That's why I'm here.
You must've just moved in.
Yes, here is some tteok.
Thank you. You're so kind.
-It's nothing. -No.
-I'll see you around. -Not nervous. I'd say I'm annoyed.
Mom, did someone come by and give you tteok?
Tteok? What tteok?
Never mind. You should go.
-Bye. -Make sure you eat.
Okay.
He visited all the neighbors but us?
And what really pisses me off is…
Goodbye.
…that he's somehow even more annoying now that he's trying not to bother me.
Hey!
What's wrong?
I'm sorry.
What was that?
I have no idea what he's trying to pull.
I'm just doing my best, you know.
Jun, the flowers have bloomed.
Yeah. When did that happen?
Mom, I'm leaving.
-Gyeom? -What?
Make sure you take your medicine.
-Gyeom? -Okay!
Hey!
Gyeom!
She told me never to show up in front of her again,
and moving right next door to her seems crazy to me.
Jun.
What did you really like about this house?
What?
I told you. I'd often see this house on my way to the rehabilitation center.
Why? Do you not like it?
I mean, I need a solid reason if I'm going to even use it as an excuse.
This is just so unfair.
What?
Nothing. Let's go inside.
So I tried to avoid her
until I could think of a proper excuse.
Hello.
I'd like some pork shoulder to make jjigae…
As I mentioned before, she's the type that really stands out.
How much would you like?
Just a kilogram, please.
But now she seems… How should I put it?
Hey! You okay, kid?
What's your problem? Out of my way.
But…
-Give me a ride too! -What is that?
Now, one person at a time.
Here it goes!
Faster?
Here we go!
-Faster! -Even faster?
-Hold on tight. -Faster!
-Here we go! -Make it more fun!
She seems different somehow.
Ma'am, let me take that.
-It's okay! -Just give it to me.
You act just as lovely as you look.
-Let me pull yours too. -No!
-I'm fine! -Come on, I'm going that way anyway.
Take your time, ladies!
Yes, ma'am.
There were sides to her that I'd missed before.
He's such a strange guy.
What? What are you looking at?
Are you gonna knock on our door or something? I dare--
What? Is he really coming over?
What's happening?
What's he doing? Why?
Oh no. What do I do?
Wait a minute.
Did I do something wrong? Why am I trying to hide?
Seriously?
Who is--
Mubee!
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER
Who is--
Mubee!
What?
Turns out, I'd missed quite a lot of things.
Are you really Jeong-hu?
Yeah.
But your…
Wait, do people's genes change when they go to the US?
Probably. Everything is bigger there.
Have you gotten healthier now?
As you can see.
Hit me.
And you never reached out once?
How could I reach out to you? I didn't have your number.
Your number changed when I was done with surgery.
You should've called my house.
That number was canceled.
You should've sent an email.
Do I know your address?
Then what do you call it?
Yes, social media. You should've looked me up.
Do you have a "social media" account?
No.
See?
I was worried you might have moved and I'd never see you again.
I even thought about people search--
I'm so glad. You've been through so much, Jeong-hu.
But how did you get so tall?
Your place hasn't changed at all. It looks exactly the same.
-Hey. -Yes?
Did you get bullied or something in the US?
I'm sure there were kids who teased you because you were small.
You gave me something for that. Don't you remember?
I did?
One second.
You told me to pull this out if anyone tried to bully me.
Hey!
When I couldn't even speak English,
I kept this photo on me like a lucky charm.
Then no one messed with me. I guess they thought I was crazy.
Hey, anyone born in this country in the '90s has a photo like this.
These were my glory days.
TAE KWON DO
Mubee!
What are you doing?
Let's move.
Today is our housewarming party.
Let's move after the party.
Stop talking nonsense.
When will Si-jun be here? Call him.
What the…
Now.
TWO SEASONS - WRITTEN BY SON JU-A DIRECTED BY MOON YEONG
Would you like to buy a ticket?
Yes.
That one. Two Seasons.
One ticket for Two Seasons?
Which showing would you prefer?
Never mind. Thanks for your help.
Two tickets for Two Seasons, please.
Hong Si-jun.
Want to watch it with me?
Looking for the switch box?
It's way in the back on the right side.
But I wouldn't put lights up in the yard.
It'll attract a lot of insects.
Wait, who are you?
I used to live here. Good to meet you!
I was visiting the house across the street and thought I'd come by.
-Why were you at that house? -Because there's…
Do you know them?
No, I don't.
I'm here to see my girl, Mubee.
So you do know her.
Well…
Do you want to see the house, or are you gonna keep standing there?
Really? Can I?
Easy there. You think I'd let you?
You have a weird way with words.
I actually came to ask
if you happened to see a steel box in the shed back there.
Oh, that thing!
-Is it still around? -Yes!
Seriously?
It's over there.
-Over there? -Yes.
I wasn't expecting this at all!
What am I thinking? Over there.
-I think it was there. Yes. -There?
-Here? -Yes.
Sorry!
-Is the box stainless steel? -Yes, stainless steel.
It's near the recyclables.
My childhood memories are in there.
Are they?
All right. I see.
It's not here.
Yeah. It was never here.
What?
It's not here?
Not here. No.
I see.
The guy across the street is a nutcase.
You went over there?
Yes, I had something to ask.
Why? Do you know him?
No, I don't.
What is up with you two?
Have some mandarins.
Sure.
It's nothing.
I saw you walking into the theater by chance.
I wondered if I should say hi or not.
Then I saw you glaring at the poster for a while.
Did Gyeom tell you about it? He watches every movie that is released.
Are you going to just sit there in silence?
Was it just by chance?
What?
We've never run into each other before, and you suddenly showed up.
So what?
You vanished without a trace, and what, thought now was a good time to show up?
You really think I'm that immature?
If you came to boast, go on.
Congratulations.
You must have worked hard for the last five years.
I thought you were just bored when you said you'd write a script,
but you did it.
Yeah. Thanks for the congratulations.
I can tell what you must've been thinking of me for the last five years.
If you're that proud of me,
why did you hesitate so much, then decide not to watch the movie?
It's just…
because it's a melo.
I thought it might be about me.
What?
I heard artists use anything they can as inspiration… when they're desperate.
Sorry, but I wasn't that desperate.
Weren't you?
-Good for you, then. -You're funny.
Did you ever use our story in your songs?
Yes.
"Yes"?
I tried, wondering if there was at least some inspiration left for me after.
We dated for seven years, but I couldn't even write seven bars.
So? Are you closer to your dream now?
To be a successful but anonymous songwriter.
You seem to have the anonymous part down.
So? Are you successful?
Don't blame me for lack of inspiration. Maybe you don't have what it takes.
What I meant was--
It must've been tough pretending to have faith in me.
No. What I meant was--
Are you done?
What? Got more to brag about?
Can I go if you're done?
Hong Si-jun.
Right.
You showing up like this was fun, but you can stop acting like you know me.
Gyeom and I aren't your friends anymore.
This one's called "money tree."
-"Congrats on your move"? -There's wine too.
Okay. Just look ahead!
-Hey, Gyeom and Jun! -Hey, you're here.
-Hi. -Why did you bring so much stuff?
We hardly brought anything.
-Nice place, Jun. -Here's your money tree.
It'll make you rich.
-Thanks. -Nice fire.
Let's throw some sweet potatoes in there.
-Follow me. Let's go wash these. -Huh?
-Just follow me! -But I need to…
This place seems nice!
I mean, she lives right across the street. It's impossible to stay out of her sight.
But I still did my best. Shouldn't she be making some effort too?
But she does things that make her stand out too much.
How can I not look at her if she's doing backflips in front of me?
She does backflips?
-No, man. It was a figure of speech. -Did you have enough?
-And hits it! -My stomach's gonna burst.
That's the one.
-The man in pink? -Yeah.
-Bye, then. -Bye. Do you know the way?
He's good-looking.
-Bye. Get home safe. -Bye!
What gives?
What's he up to now?
Then pow!
-She's gone. -Get down.
The meat will get overcooked, man!
What do we have here?
We've got no beef, only pork, and even that looks charred!
Are you kidding me?
-It's not burnt. -It is. Eat this.
Hey, so…
-Listen. -In Papillon…
He said he used to live here.
I wasn't even curious. I just happened to find out.
I think the problem is
that I keep finding out things I don't even wanna know.
For crying out loud.
-Man, I need more customers. -This is driving me crazy.
It's just the wine.
Sales were bad yesterday too.
He was probably just a kid who lived across the street.
He looked way younger.
I talked with him for a moment,
and he was a bit of a rude little punk.
And so immature too.
It's nice to see you finally looking spirited like in the old days…
but honestly, you're acting really weird now.
If you've moved on, stop paying attention to her.
If you want to give it another shot, go apologize or give her an excuse.
After all, you disappeared without a word.
Being the one left behind
feels like shit.
I know it was a tough situation for you… but Jun's gotten a lot better.
The accident was out of your hands.
Things are much better for you now. Why can't you just go tell her?
Whatever.
Or is there…
something I don't know?
Nah, it's nothing like that.
Never mind. Let's go inside. It's chilly.
MOVIE CRITIC GODAM
So you refuse to critique my movie, huh?
Ridiculous. It's not like I care.
What was that?
Jun, you must be tired. You should go inside.
Today's party…
Didn't it seem like a scene out of the movies we watch?
Having a barbecue with friends.
Sitting down and chatting together.
Is that why you liked this place?
No particular reason.
Whenever I passed by this street, that wall always caught my eye.
Do you remember watching Cinema Paradiso?
Seeing them projecting a movie on a white wall outdoors,
you said you wanted to live in a house with a white wall someday.
Then again,
you were quite young, so you probably wouldn't remember.
So you did this for my sake again?
What? What do you mean by that?
When you said you wanted to live here, I thought that just this once
you chose something for yourself.
It was for me again.
Ko Jun, you're such a boring guy.
It's not like that.
I genuinely liked this place.
The neighborhood seemed nice as well.
It'd be nice if you could want something for yourself for once
and not just for my sake.
Now I don't even have a good excuse.
We moved here practically because I wanted to.
I do want something for myself.
I did a lot of things that I wanted to do.
Did you?
Such as?
Tell me at least one thing you did as you pleased.
See? Just having to think about it shows there isn't anything.
Want to watch a movie?
You always use that trick on me.
And you fall for it every time.
Not anymore.
I'm not a kid.
What's on today?
A Beautiful Mind?
That sounds great.
-Right? -Yeah.
Okay.
Hey, Seong-tae!
Yes?
Hey, about the posters,
wouldn't it be better to set them up back here?
I'm sure he'll take photos of those later.
What's with you? You've done interviews before.
That's when my movies did well, so I was all excited, but now,
don't I look pathetic?
You look like the most stand-up guy.
I shouldn't have agreed to do this!
-The public will chew me up! -You'll be fine.
You'll be fine! I mean, you saw the reviews.
You know he's very complimentary about your work.
Hey, critics are never to be trusted.
They smile in your face and tear you to pieces behind your back.
-Why are you here? -Good to see you, Gyeom.
Mr. Ma is about to have an interview.
-Hello, sir. -You can wait out--
What are you doing?
-What? -What's he doing?
What's with him?
I'm here for the interview.
Knock it off.
I'm serious.
I mean, I wasn't exactly trying to hide it.
I was going to bring it up when the time was right.
Do you have to be so serious about this?
You know how much I hate those critic bastards, don't you?
Remember Wealth and Prosperity--
Of course I know. You don't have to remind me.
Everyone was a bit too harsh back then.
I thought all the critics in the world were assholes.
But not this one.
In his post, I saw a deep understanding and profound love for my movie.
Right.
And it was you who wrote it?
Yes, because this one was good. I can't say the same about…
What are you doing?
Thank God.
What?
You are actually good at something!
Do you know how worried I was every time I saw you act, kid?
I thought, "This kid loves movies so much."
"But he's got zero talent."
"How tough must it be for him?"
Why didn't you tell me you had this talent?
I had a talent for acting, but--
Last night, I read through your entire blog.
I lost track of time and read every single post.
Your sentences are simple and easy to read.
That means you wrote them without having to think much about it.
But I put a lot of thought into those.
And what's more, they make you want to watch the movie.
That's what a review should do, nothing more.
So I thought I could trust a guy like that and do an interview with him.
This is wonderful.
From now on, we stick together like glue.
You can review all my movies--
No way.
Why not?
I just don't like the sound of us "sticking together."
Such a little cutie pie!
I bet you'll make me look good with this interview.
You have my full trust!
What are you talking about? I'm going to write it just as it is.
Let us begin.
Yes, sir!
Yes, Producer.
Out of all the scripts you gave me, I liked Melody best.
That one?
You're more serious about melos than I thought.
Can I meet the screenwriter?
Sure thing. I'll set up a meeting.
Oh, right.
About that critic before, have you read his reviews?
No, I'm not interested.
Give me a call after you have a meeting confirmed.
Okay.
MR. GODAM'S MOVIE REVIEWS
2017, WEALTH AND PROSPERITY
He's reviewed every single one of Director Ma's movies.
He obviously only writes reviews for those he likes.
How can he be this biased as a critic?
You've been coming here often.
As a kid, I thought it was so silly
when I saw people in movies drinking alone in bars.
I'd be like, "Stop being pathetic and go home."
"Don't spend so much on such a small drink."
But you get it now?
Yes.
Who cares? I'm just here to drink what I want.
Also, the bartenders talk to me so I don't get bored.
They listen to what I have to say.
I don't have anyone to talk to, you know.
Everyone around me is from work.
I have no friends.
I can't share this with my family either.
Yes, right.
That's right. Sure.
Did you nod at what I just said?
Yes.
Who said you could eavesdrop?
You should've talked more quietly, then.
That was how it ended. The end.
My seven-year relationship gone, just like that.
The guy was an asshole.
But I said those things to him when I met him the other day,
so he must think I'm a bitch.
Why does this story sound so familiar?
Because relationships are all the same.
People are basically the same.
-Have another drink. -Okay.
I feel so much better now that I've let it all out.
I didn't have anyone to share this with.
I can't believe I met someone who understands me.
So what do you do?
I work for the country. A civil servant.
Wow, that's what I was thinking.
You have that civil servant look.
What about you? What do you do?
I'm an instructor. Pilates instructor.
No wonder. I thought you had great posture.
You're sitting up so straight.
It's your turn now. I'll listen.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Anyone you're flirting with?
No, I don't have anything like that.
Why do I feel that you do?
Come on, just tell me. You said you didn't have friends either.
-Here it goes. -Okay.
Something absurd happened to me.
Okay, what is it?
I had a boyfriend a while ago.
And I kissed him.
But then…
This is so great, making a friend like this!
Tell me about it.
Right! Let's exchange numbers.
I'd love that.
I had fun!
Bye.
CIVIL SREVNT
PILLLA
DELETE CONTACT
Come on.
Hello, sir.
Could we ask for your cooperation?
We received a report.
I didn't report anything.
No, someone reported you. They said you'd been following a woman.
What? Me?
Oh, it's not that. I--
What is that in your pocket?
This? It's just…
Don't pull it out. Take a step back.
Should I get in? Okay.
Police?
She really is someone I know.
Then why were you trailing behind her?
She told me to stay out of her sight, so I was following from behind.
What?
I know that sounds kind of weird, but…
I was just on my way home. We live right across the street.
Do you really live here?
We had a local resident report a strange man following a woman.
I moved here recently.
Wait, do I have to be questioned for this?
Why did you come to help? I wouldn't have been surprised if you didn't.
The alcohol must've clouded my judgment.
Maybe I should just take you back there. Or will you be quiet?
Why won't you apologize to me?
Shouldn't you be sorry for just disappearing like that?
Do you always get away with things by making silly jokes?
I'm sorry.
I mean it.
Do you still write reviews?
What?
Do you still write reviews?
Yes, of course.
I mean, do you write reviews for every single movie you watch?
No, I watch way too many. I can't review them all.
Anyway, why do you ask?
I've been thinking.
You're being so obvious with your efforts to avoid me.
-It's really annoying. -Right?
I was thinking the same. Let's just say hi when we run into--
-You can have this neighborhood. -What?
I'll rarely be home once filming starts.
So you can have it. I'll leave instead.
Wait, you really don't have to…
Nice to meet you for the first time. I'm Son Ju-a.
I'm Kim Mubee.
Director Kim really enjoyed your script.
Thank you.
So you were a director.
I guess so. And you were a writer.
Which script would you be talking about?
Melody.
I'm sorry, but I can't let you work on that.
What? But why not?
It's the first script I ever wrote, so it has its faults.
We'll have to edit it extensively anyway.
There are others that may be better to work on.
There's Love Me If You Can.
I'm also working on a new script.
I said I liked this one.
Why are you bringing up other work?
As the person who wrote this, I don't like this script.
Did you plagiarize some other work?
What did you just say?
Please. Oh my God.
An incoming call at this moment?
Please excuse me.
Please don't fight, you two.
A civil servant?
I always wanted to learn Pilates. What a shame.
I could say the same for you.
By the way,
I knew your story sounded familiar.
It's your own story, isn't it?
No, it's not.
It most certainly is.
It's almost identical to what you told me.
Yes, that's why I can't do this.
I wrote it out of desperation when trying to make my debut.
So please take a look at my other work.
But I like this one.
It is raw and clumsy in the best way possible.
Let's just go with this.
What's the big deal? Are you embarrassed?
I thought it might be about me.
I heard artists use anything they can as inspiration when they're desperate.
It'll be so embarrassing. It's a hard no from me.
Well, it shouldn't be.
People in this field always sell their own stories.
Then let me edit it a bit.
I once saw a documentary.
This screenwriter even visited her ex after their ugly divorce
for the sake of perfecting the movie.
The story was about their good times.
Do you know the name of that movie?
It's a total classic!
Exactly.
So think hard about what the right decision would be.
I'm sorry. That was an unexpected call.
That was an interview request for you. Would you be up for it?
Haven't we done enough interviews?
Let's keep striking while the iron is hot, okay?
So? Have you two talked everything out?
Hey, you there!
Hey!
Are you here for a visit again?
Yes, I am. What about it?
This is becoming a habit.
We have that kind of relationship.
You clearly know my girl Mubee.
You called her "my girl" last time as well.
Because she's my girl.
Can you say that to her face?
Well, I only call her that sometimes.
-I think you're just friends. -Excuse me?
What are you to her?
Don't act like you two have something going on.
How do I put this?
God.
You're being ridiculous.
Forget we ever said hi. Let's just go our separate ways.
Holy! You found this? No way!
I put it aside to throw it away, but I guess it found its owner.
I knew these would be here.
Well, I have the mechanical clear version of the First Gundam.
You interested?
For real?
Hello!
I'm leaving now.
I'll be there on time.
Okay.
-Hello, Ms. Kim. -Hi.
The interviewer just arrived. Coffee?
No, I'm good.
I'm sorry I'm late.
I'm Kim Mubee…
It's faster to get off at the next stop.
My name is Ko Gyeom.
Are you kidding me?
The magazine often asks me to do interviews.
I'm not in a position to turn these gigs down yet.
Have a seat.
Or will you leave and let me have the office too?
Are we done?
No, I have a few more questions.
Let me see that. You're making them up, aren't you?
Are these all your questions?
Don't take it the wrong way.
I ask this many for any other movie.
I won't take it the wrong way because there's nothing between us.
I thought we were cool after I apologized to you.
An apology isn't something cheap you can make with one word.
You should learn that.
I'm busy. Go ahead with your questions.
In that case,
let me ask a few questions about you.
-Why is your name Mubee? -Why would you want to know that?
Because people are gonna be curious if a director is named Mubee.
They'll think, "Wow. She must really love movies."
I hated movies.
Why?
I just loathed the people who praised movies,
making them out to be something that deserves to be loved.
They make such a big deal out of it, don't you think?
As if it's some serious art or a lifelong dream.
People fussing over it like that. It's ridiculous.
Yet you're making movies yourself now.
Because it's just work.
I want to show I can make movies without making a big deal out of it.
Show whom?
The man who gave me this ridiculous name.
This wasn't one of your questions.
I'd prefer to stop than carry on this chitchat.
Do you still hate movies?
I'm too smart to get a job that I hate.
Then… will you watch a movie with me?
As an apology. I learned that this is how to apologize properly.
Nice try, but no.
What is that?
Then… will you watch a movie with me?
As an apology. I learned that this is how to apologize properly.
That guy
must be a real nutcase.
MELO MOVIE
Me too!
So? Am I more fun to play with?
Yes!
Let me take a break.
Hey, wait.
-It's too fast! -What?
What's his deal?
Guys, it's too fast!
What's on the menu today? You bought so much!
-You'll carry these home for me? -That's right.
-My goodness. -I'm free today.
I should make you something tasty.
-I can try some? -You bet!
What was that?
Hello. Good morning.
-Sit over here. -Hello, ladies.
I've been well, of course.
-Did you get home all right that day? -I did.
I asked you to save some japchae for me.
Don't worry. I'll make it again.
All right.
-I'll be waiting. -Sure!
Subtitle translation by: Daham Yoon