Is Taboo: Forbidden Love Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)
Eun-ji is a idol trainee who gets abandoned by Jin-tae her sponsor, so she heads back down to her sister Sun-yeong's home. Her first love Joon-hwan is now her brother-in-law so he welcomes her but Sun-yeong treats her like a child and worries that Eun-ji might go down the same path she did when she gave up becoming an idol. Eun-ji and Sun-yeong quarrel often and Joon-hwan comforts Eun-ji every time. Eun-ji starts to depend on him and he also secretly tells her why he quit his job. One day, Sun-yeong goes on a business trip for a week but before she leaves she tells Eun-ji how sorry she is. They share a momemtum with two wooden dolls. All alone by the two of them at home, Eun-ji tries to embrace Joon-hwan's heart by showing him a scrap note she made of his articles. He is grateful for Eun-ji and starts to open up to her. The two of them cross a line that shoud never be crossed and as time goes, they fall deeper and deeper into each other.
โจ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama, Romance cinema, then Taboo: Forbidden Love offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2015 landscape.
๐ฅ Target Audience
๐ Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 2015, Taboo: Forbidden Love represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Eun-ji is a idol trainee who gets abandoned by Jin-tae her sponsor, so she heads back down to her sister Sun-yeong's home. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Romance 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: "Eun-ji is a idol trainee who gets abandoned by Jin-tae her sponsor, so she heads back down to her sister Sun-yeong's home. Her first love Joon-hwan is now her brother-in-law so he welcomes her but Sun-yeong treats her like a child and worries that Eun-ji might go down the same path she did when she gave up becoming an idol. Eun-ji and Sun-yeong quarrel often and Joon-hwan comforts Eun-ji every time. Eun-ji starts to depend on him and he also secretly tells her why he quit his job. One day, Sun-yeong goes on a business trip for a week but before she leaves she tells Eun-ji how sorry she is. They share a momemtum with two wooden dolls. All alone by the two of them at home, Eun-ji tries to embrace Joon-hwan's heart by showing him a scrap note she made of his articles. He is grateful for Eun-ji and starts to open up to her. The two of them cross a line that shoud never be crossed and as time goes, they fall deeper and deeper into each other."
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. The ensemble, led by Park Se-mi-I, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Drama, Romance genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.
The direction by Ko Goo-ma 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 N/A 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 Taboo: Forbidden Love 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 Drama, Romance, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.6/10 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, Taboo: Forbidden Love explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ko Goo-ma 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, Taboo: Forbidden Love serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Park Se-mi-I or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Taboo: Forbidden Love is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.