Korean movie "My Puppy (2023)" review

My puppy (photo from Namuwiki)

Director Kim Joo-hwan's 2023 Korean Film My Puppy is a delightful, warm film that captures the bond between a human being and a companion dog. Starring Cha Tae-hyun and Yoo Yeon-seok, the film presents viewers with humor, emotion, and a pleasant experience.

The story revolves around Min-su (Cha Tae-hyun), a devoted dog owner whose life revolves around Rooney, a pet dog like a younger brother. Min-su's orderly life is reversed when Rooney faces a decisive dilemma of early "retirement" from the dog's parents as his marriage is imminent. It goes to Min-su's cousin Jin-guk (Yu Yeon-seok), whose life was in a mess after his dream of running a cafe collapsed. Jin-guk reluctantly agrees to help Min-su and proposes a plan to find Rooney as the perfect new family through a series of "interviews."

Cha Tae Hyun (photo from Namuwiki)

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Yu Yeon-Seok (photo from Namuwiki)

In this way, an unexpected event unfolds as a trip to Jeju Island begins, and a group of playful but adorable dogs are met with potential dog adopters. Their journey is full of comical thinking, touching moments, and revelations, testing their resolve, strengthening their bonds, and reaffirming the timeless joy that dogs bring to human life.

Known for his perfect comedy timing and relatable charm, Cha shines as Min-su, perfectly portraying the inner side of a man who is at odds with his sense of responsibility and love for his furry friend. As a man struggling to regain his place of life, Yoo combines humor and vulnerability to breathe depth into Jin-guk. Their chemistry leads the narrative and provides both sincerity and fun.

But the true star of the movie is the dogs. Rooney and the other dog characters come into the spotlight with their adorable expressions, and their interactions with humans add warmth.

My Puppy is a work that goes beyond simple comedy and shows the profound relationship between humans and pets. The film explores the theme of the unspoken love animals bring to our lives.