Is Plus Nine Romance Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Plus Nine Romance, a standout production of 2021, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Romance, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Former child actress Seo-yeon, flight attendant Hee-joo, fund manager Ga-hee, and director of a children's theater company Bo-yeong. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Former child actress Seo-yeon, flight attendant Hee-joo, fund manager Ga-hee, and director of a children's theater company Bo-yeong. All four friends who are 29 years old and have been friends for 10 years have trouble dating. Seo-yeon's boyfriend has zero empathy, can only say continuously that good things will happen! Hee-joo's boyfriend has been taking the civil service exam for more than 10 years. Ga-hee's boyfriend never said he loves her, whether she's cool or crazy, and Bo-yeong is betrayed by a junior troupe member who is in a secret relationship. Twenty-nine, the end of youth? No, it's a new start! Good things will happen if I don't meet you!"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Plus Nine Romance, we see Jo Han-na utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Lee Sae-byeol is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Plus Nine Romance truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Plus Nine Romance explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lee Sae-byeol respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Plus Nine Romance is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jo Han-na or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Plus Nine Romance is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.