To love is perhaps the noblest action a person can do, while to discover who or what the object of love is, reinforced by the commitment to show that kind of affection, is possibly the most fulfilling moment for a certain person. Every significant instance in a person’s life is meant to be treasured, and an experience of showing much affection towards another as well receiving the same extent of affection from that person is truly worth remembering. Moreover, it is of greater joy and satisfaction if that affection is mutually maintained and developed. However, in some cases, there are inevitable factors that hinder it to happen. There might be a time when the two parties no longer feel satisfied with one another, to say the least; on one hand, and much worse, one of them may be suffering from a severe disease which may put their relationship to an undesirable and unintended outcome. The latter is the case which a young married couple, Cheol-su (Jung Woo-sung) and Su-jin (Song Ye-Jin), in the Korean movie “Moment to Remember” faces, although the outcome cannot be considered as tragic. Su-jin was diagnosed later on in the story to have Alzheimer’s disease and which developed in a fast phase, which is basically rare for persons who are still in twenties.
Alzheimer’s disease is known to be an incurable degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by the relentless progressive loss of mental capabilities such as that of memory, language, reasoning, and ability of self-care. The causes of the disease are still unknown just what the doctor said in the movie; nevertheless, it is generally attributed to destruction of a large number of nerve cells, deficiency in the chemical needed in transmitting nerve impulses (or signals), heredity (perceived cause of Su-jin’s acquisition of the disease), toxic poisoning from metal compounds, head trauma, and brain tumors.
The challenges caused by the wife’s acquired disease undoubtedly put their relationship in a much intense situation that truly tested their love and commitment to each other. Prior to the discovery of Su-jin’s sickness the couple lives a typical yet joyous and content life; just like the common newlywed couples, they have numerous beautiful plans and both of them are working passionately to materialize their plans. Nonetheless, there were still some adversities that came to them; foremost of these is the relational problem of Cheol-su with his mother, which was eventually resolved primarily because of Su-jin’s insistence in advising Cheol-su to forgive his mother. This hardship is probably the only major one until the most dreadful problem came to their lives: the discovery and worsening of Su-jin’s Alzheimer’s disease. The couple’s dedication was greatly emphasized during the time of Su-jin’s degenerating mental capacity, especially in the part of Cheol-su, when he tried to write and post in every part of their house everything- from his wife’s name up to anything that she had had in her memory. On one hand, Su-jin also strived to let Cheol-su know and understand, if ever she already lost all her memory, that he is the only one she loves exceptionally and that how much grateful she is to him.
The roles of Cheol-su and Su-jin significantly contributed to the success of appropriating the mood of the viewers which prepared them in grasping the message of each scene, thus making them realize the intended impact of the movie; it may not be possible without the persons who gave justice to these two main characters. Cheol-su, an irritable yet an excellent carpenter who work for Su-jin’s father’s company and later on became Su-jin’s husband, as well as an architect, resembles a typical movie character that has strong personality and tough stance yet is a soft-hearted person, which can only be noticed when he is with someone truly near to his heart. Indeed Jung Woo-sung exemplified these expected qualities for such character. His physique suited the intended physical appearance of Cheol-su’s character, while his expressions and his way of delivering the script are apt to the anticipated manner on how Cheol-su will express himself. On one hand, Su-jin, who was recognized as a heartbroken lady in the early part of the story, who wanted to move on in life after that incident in her life, and an interior designer who later on became Cheol-su’s wife, is the one who acquired Alzheimer’s disease. Su-jin’s character is unique. Her appearance: young, pretty, decent-looking, and petite, and her other characteristics: outgoing and imaginative seemed incompatible. Moreover, it is hard to imagine a lady like her had experienced heartbrokenness and in another case had acquired a disease usually occurring at old age. Albeit the role’s uniqueness, Song Ye-Jin was able to present, as if it is natural for her, the intended character of Su-jin. Song Ye-Jin was able to blend the seemingly contrary appearance and characteristics of Su-jin harmoniously, thus making the role played unpredictable yet captivating.
The lives of Cheol-su and Su-jin indisputably displayed the real meaning of unwavering love. They proved that their love and commitment to each other cannot be stopped even by the inevitable physiological impairment. Su-jin’s memories were lost but the fact that neither of them intentionally yielded their love and commitment, rather willfully promised that whatever happened love and commitment will remain only showed how unwavering their love is.
