Guitar Man Film Review: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music

The film 'Guitar Man' (기타맨), directed by Kim Jong-myeon and Lee Sun-jung, tells the story of a guitarist named Gi-cheol (이선정) who seeks hope through music amidst a harsh reality. Gi-cheol, a talented musician, struggles to make ends meet while living a nomadic life. By chance, he joins the live club band 'Volcano' as their guitarist, where he begins to open up emotionally while living with the band members, including keyboardist Yu-jin (김새론).

Gi-cheol represents those who feel lost in a fast-paced world, trapped by indifference and cynicism. However, Yu-jin and the band slowly break down his emotional walls with sincerity and warmth. Just as Gi-cheol starts to feel the warmth of life again, the shadows of his past push him back into a cold reality.

This film, which explores the power of music to connect people, has garnered attention as it features the late Kim Sae-ron in her final role as Yu-jin. Kim Sae-ron had built a solid filmography since her childhood but faced controversy in 2022 due to a drunk driving incident that halted her career. Following the incident, which caused a power outage in nearby businesses, she took time off to reflect. Attempts to return to acting, including a role in the play 'Dongchimi,' were met with a lukewarm response, leading to her eventual departure from the project.

'Guitar Man' was intended to be Kim Sae-ron's comeback film. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 25 in February while the film was still in post-production. Her untimely death, coupled with ongoing personal issues, has left many fans mourning her loss.

While 'Guitar Man' serves as a poignant farewell to Kim Sae-ron, the film itself leaves much to be desired. Although it aims to depict loss and recovery through music, the narrative lacks depth and coherence. The story feels awkwardly paced, and the emotional connections between characters are not fully developed.

Moreover, the character of Yu-jin, played by Kim Sae-ron, comes across more as a plot device for the male protagonist's growth rather than a fully realized character. Throughout the film, Yu-jin expresses her affection for Gi-cheol, who is at least a decade older, ultimately aiding in his 'awakening' before exiting the story. This portrayal diminishes the impact of Kim Sae-ron's return to acting, making her final role even more bittersweet.

In the end, the most memorable aspect of the film is Yu-jin's bright smile, which seems to encapsulate Kim Sae-ron's final farewell, shining through the film's overall melancholy.

'Guitar Man' is set to be released on May 30, rated for ages 15 and up, with a runtime of 107 minutes.