This review may contain spoilers
A well told story impeccably acted, beautifully directed and with unusually good cinematography
Tackling the difficult subject of gays in Korea, Sweet Munchies starts with the unusual premise of a talented chef (Jung Il-Woo) pretending to be gay to earn the money he needs for his father's medical bills and to keep his restaurant. When a young contract PD (Kang Ji-Young), a regular customer at his bistro, says she needs a gay chef, the chef agrees thinking it would be a one time way to earn money. His affection for the PD leads him to continue when the show is successful, leading to several misunderstandings which are given their full due as all the characters explore their own identities and in the end their reaction when all is revealed. The acting is stellar and enhanced by the use of beautifully filmed closeups that linger on the actors' expressions. The soundtrack fits perfectly with the rhythm of the drama and its unfolding of the story. When the Chef and the PD have their kiss, the sounds of distant jazz make this powerful and passionate moment even more memorable. So are the moments of long silence. My guess is that this drama will reveal even more on repeated viewing. Bravo to the cast, writer, director, and cameramen.
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