Beautiful, daring, and haunting, No Regret represents a breakthrough for
both Korean queer cinema and independent filmmaking. Opening in only
nine theaters, the gay-themed film not only garnered great reviews, it also
managed to attract 40,000 moviegoers, setting a new box office record for
an indie film. No Regret is the debut feature from Lee Song Hee Il, Korea’s
first openly gay filmmaker. Lee Song has long been a familiar name in the
festival circuit, having directed the acclaimed short films “Sugar Hill”, “Good
Romance”, and “La Traviata”, which was a part of the omnibus Camellia Project
- Three Queer Stories at Bogil Island.
In No Regret, he continues to delicately explore universal themes of love
and sexuality set against uncommon relationships.No Regret presents complex,
well-rounded characters that do not occupy convenient stereotypes. Lee
Young Hoon, who starred in Lee Song’s “Good Romance”, gives a stirring
performance opposite Lee Han, who also appeared in last year’s award-winning
indie film Don’t Look Back. The two young actors portray men of vastly different
backgrounds, and the film subtly brings out issues of class structure, sexual
orientation, and gay culture with both gravitas and good humor. The story is
anything but predictable, capturing both the beauty and sorrow of love,
heartache, and a life lived with No Regret.
Turning 18 years of age, Su Min (Lee Young Hoon) leaves his orphanage and
moves to Seoul, working various jobs to save up money for university. After
losing his job at the factory, Su Min ends up working as a male escort at a gay bar.
Already close to hitting rock bottom, Su Min’s life gets both more chaotic and more
meaningful when Jae Min (Lee Han) walks into his life. Coming from a wealthy,
conservative background, Jae Min keeps his sexual orientation hidden from his
family. Although he is already engaged, Jae Min is willing to give up everything
to be with Su Min, and the two fall into a passionate relationship. But when the
realities of life catch up, love may not be enough.
QEK: Unfortunately this film had a very limited run and although living in Korea,
I'm finding it very difficult to get hold of a copy. Therefore, at this point I only have
the official press release to go on but based on that it sounds pretty good.
both Korean queer cinema and independent filmmaking. Opening in only
nine theaters, the gay-themed film not only garnered great reviews, it also
managed to attract 40,000 moviegoers, setting a new box office record for
an indie film. No Regret is the debut feature from Lee Song Hee Il, Korea’s
first openly gay filmmaker. Lee Song has long been a familiar name in the
festival circuit, having directed the acclaimed short films “Sugar Hill”, “Good
Romance”, and “La Traviata”, which was a part of the omnibus Camellia Project
- Three Queer Stories at Bogil Island.
In No Regret, he continues to delicately explore universal themes of love
and sexuality set against uncommon relationships.No Regret presents complex,
well-rounded characters that do not occupy convenient stereotypes. Lee
Young Hoon, who starred in Lee Song’s “Good Romance”, gives a stirring
performance opposite Lee Han, who also appeared in last year’s award-winning
indie film Don’t Look Back. The two young actors portray men of vastly different
backgrounds, and the film subtly brings out issues of class structure, sexual
orientation, and gay culture with both gravitas and good humor. The story is
anything but predictable, capturing both the beauty and sorrow of love,
heartache, and a life lived with No Regret.
Turning 18 years of age, Su Min (Lee Young Hoon) leaves his orphanage and
moves to Seoul, working various jobs to save up money for university. After
losing his job at the factory, Su Min ends up working as a male escort at a gay bar.
Already close to hitting rock bottom, Su Min’s life gets both more chaotic and more
meaningful when Jae Min (Lee Han) walks into his life. Coming from a wealthy,
conservative background, Jae Min keeps his sexual orientation hidden from his
family. Although he is already engaged, Jae Min is willing to give up everything
to be with Su Min, and the two fall into a passionate relationship. But when the
realities of life catch up, love may not be enough.
QEK: Unfortunately this film had a very limited run and although living in Korea,
I'm finding it very difficult to get hold of a copy. Therefore, at this point I only have
the official press release to go on but based on that it sounds pretty good.
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