Love and Leashes (2022)

I enjoyed the movie. Very simple introduction to the BDSM subculture. I like how they just wanted to explain it and tried hard to be respectful of something that not everyone will accept.

The 2 leads I haven't seen in anything else but they were both good here. I liked the FLs character. Very fresh and I like how she knew what she wanted and who she was. I loved her interactions with her mother and with the bar owner played brilliantly by Lee El, whom I adore.

The scene at the hotel the first time Jiwoo and Jihoo are together had me in the floor. JiHoo's ex-girlfriend was super obnoxious and I'm glad she was only in a few scenes. I wouldnt watch again but it good enough to watch once.

3/13/23.

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Absolutely not what I expected

I didn't know what to expect going into this movie but I was still pleasantly surprised. Not only is the approach to the topic of bdsm a really interesting one but also the cast fit their roles super well, in my opinion.
First of all, I generally love Lee Joonyoung as an actor, he's brilliant in so many different roles. Second, Seohyun did an amazing job portraying her character and the development of it.

I've watched this movie so many times just because I really enjoy it and I won't ever get bored of it.

For anyone who cares, here's what I wrote on letterboxd about it last year:

I've actually watched this a few times already and I really like it. I went in with super low expectations because how well can a Korean movie cover the topic of bdsm? Well, it can do a lot better then I thought. It showed a side of bdsm and kink outside of the sexual realm, which is a nice breath of fresh air. Of course, it was still somewhat "family-friendly" but that isn't surprising. I did appreciate the more subtle nature of some of the scenes and some were definitely more overt with their coverage of the topic at hand.

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Everything is fine when is consensual…

I think the story of the movie it’s quite simple and nothing too special. If you’d look just at the storyline I would say it can be considered a bit of a boring one.

What I liked though is how they showed such a particular matter in such an honest, transparent and “normal” way.

Such topics are usually a taboo in society and I’ve appreciate they tried to picture how it can be acceptable and how private life can be kept separate from work one.
I’ve also liked the fact that it was all consensual and the importance they gave to consent too.

They story was cute enough in the end and I like a lot the acting of the main man lead…I believe he turned out perfectly in his role.

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Undeniable chemistry.

Witty, intelligent at times and interesting.
Message I got was that people shouldn't be labelled just because their tastes may be different to our own, or seem bizarre to others.
What adults choose to do in their private lives should not be for others to judge; as long as no one is forced, hurt or worst, in the process.
Some steamy scenes where the sexual tension was palpable. I did wonder how it never prompted either to broach instigating sex. That question is actually raised.
Character Ji Hoo's ex girlfriend is a real peach and whilst I get the whole guilt around that, I couldn't understand Ji Hoo's ultimate thoughts regarding Ji Woo, at one point.
I loved the character of Ji Woo's mum ~ it's no wonder she is as assertive as she is, with her for a role model.
The issue that friend Hye Mi encountered, was probably better left out. It did nothing for the story and for me wasn't something to be treated lightly, which it was... annoyingly so.
S.Korea often seems strange to me, in terms of not seeming to mind that their dramas and film regularly portray their society as extremely judgemental, misogynistic, 30 odd years behind the times in terms of a person's basic rights and full of bullies. Women are treated like it was the norm in our society to, back in the 80s/90s, except it never seems to be questioned, labelled as inappropriate (never mind wrong), or addressed. I have tge biggest problem with the latter.
I'd like to know what Koreans think of it.
Nice cast and whilst I wouldn't watch it again, I didn't not enjoy it.

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GRACIAS POR TANTO

Necesitaba algo distinto después de tanto kdrama donde hacen falta 800 episodios para que al menos los protagonistas se diesen la mano cuando está película me salió. Y solo puedo decir: WOW

Este estilo provocador, picante y sexy es bastante rompedor en lo que se refiere a la sociedad coreana. La forma de representar la sumisión y el BDSM de una manera consensuada entre ambos y respetándose en todo momento el uno al otro es algo que me sorprendió. Ya que generalmente se representa todo lo contrario, al estilo "50 sombras de Gray". Y un punto más a favor es el cambio de roles de dominante/sumiso.

La actuación de los personajes en sencillamente increíble. Jun (ML) es un actor que he visto en otras series y tiene mucho potencial, me gusta ver como obtiene más papeles principales. Seo Hyun (FL), la mirada en cada una de las escenas me dejaba helada.

En general y sin más rodeos, recomiendo está película sin lugar a dudas, no te arrepentirás, te lo aseguro.

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It's a "NO" from me, dawg.

Was very surprised that a Kpop Idol would accept this sort of role, but I guess she'd like to break barriers.

The trailer from the start was already cringe to me, but I decided to explore it anyways because I was curious about a Kpop Idol acting in a BDSM themed movie.

I honestly don't think she is a very good actress overall, I've only seen her other acting in Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

This whole movie was awkward and cringe. Maybe because I am so vanilla that I am not a fan of BDSM.

But the thing here we have to be aware about is that: any type of intimacy or sexual activity is uncomfortably cringe and everyone has their own fetishes.

I felt that this movie lack a lot of emotional depth between the main characters. It wasn't a deep enough romance in my opinion.

I just watched it to check out the hype.

I would not recommend it to others.

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All we are searching for is someone to accept us for what we are.

Love and leashes, as the plot summary mentions, is a contract based DS relationship between two colleagues. As the leads try testing and bonding with punishments and leashes, somewhere down a touch of love begins, and hence it is love and leashes.

The show features the kinks which many have but are considered weird. Rather just ending it with the portrayal of how one with BDSM interests want their bedroom play to be, this movie steps further and tells how does one feel for being 'weird' and unacceptable cause of 'these' personal choices and also the relief they get after finding someone who understands them and that credit is all to the writer and maybe director.

From my POV, this movie has no motive other than entertainment. But all along the 2hours, the show really seemed engaging and certain scenes were acted really well. The K-Pop-Idols-Turned-Actors certainly did a good job. I finished it at 5AM and found myself skimming through just to watch the smiling sub. He's the cutest.

Would I rewatch it? Maybe when I want to see some light hearted comedy.

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Refreshing story in today's media

I'm gonna be honest- I had my doubts before walkign into the story. The teasers for the movie were fun, but in a world where "50 shades" and "365 days" exist, you probably can tell why I was worried.

So why this movie feels refreshing? The movie manages to pull of a romance between a S and a M in a way that isn't toxic, unbelievanle and it respects BDSM.

The chemistery between the leads is belivable. The master and sub relationship works great and both of them consent. I like that they didn't make one of them super rich and other pathetic shy person. It makes it more belivable that their kinks is something they are into and doesn't come from a power struggle that was there in the first place. You're with them on this journey of discovering their kinks (the FL learns how to dominate. It is awkward for her at first, but then she feels better in this role). It's also a slow burn, so it feels more natural.

Am I a part of the BDSM community? No, I'm super vanilla. But I'm also an adult who is aware that everyone has their own kink and fetishes so we shouldn't be judgemental of what adults do behind closed doors (of course with consent). This movie doesn't shame people who are a part of BDSM. It is explained through out the movie that M and S dont' have to be in a romantic relationship in order to be a master and a sub. It doesn't have to be about sex even. I'm glad they stressed it. The movie helped understand BDSM a bit more. The movie tells you it's okay to want dominating someone. It's okay if you are willing to be a sub. You deserve someone who loves you the way you are and accepts you. Despite your kinks, you deserve to be respected and it's okay to draw boundries.

Overall, I think my problem with it is the pacing, but I wouldn't change it. It works for the plot. I think this movie should be on poeple's minds when thinking about BDSM romance films or maybe for those who are interested in BDSM.

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I hope this opens a new world for korean dramas.

The end is kinda... disappointing. Korea don't know how to approach tabus without being extra cliche, basic and cringey. But this is normal from korea, its not a surprise. I wish they give depth to the characters so it makes sense how they created the desire, the fetish...
I liked the scenes a lot, specially the bdsm ones. Its kinda sexy for me, I like how they put effort in those scenes. We can agree that photography and colorgrading is something that they know how to do and i love it.
Its light, it made me laugh a lot of times and bark at my boyfriend.
I also kissed his foot just for the giggles (or not...)

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The perfect combination of sexy and cute

This was a sexy and cute love story between two office co-workers who start a BDSM relationship. I don't really know much about this subject but one of the key things that made me like this film, it's the equality between them despite being in a dom-sub relationship. Everything is a mutual agreement based on preferences and needs from both sides.

The film never centers around sex itself, but mostly on the mutual agreement based on preferences and needs of both sides. This allows for the story to explore on other aspects of the relationship through contrasting colors indicating the character's emotional state.

Leading man Jung Ji-hoon presents himself as a clean-cute, friendly and career oriented. The story goes deep into why he has a need for BDSM and particularly being a submissive person in the relationship. It has to do with unfair expectations society has on man, but I won't say much because I feel like he explains it perfectly. Lee Jun-young plays the character really well and doesn't shy away from the physical acting, which is hilarious and smut.

Jung Ji-woo is the perfect counterpart for Ji-hoo. It's clear she has been raised in an open minded household and as a result she is an independent and outspoken young woman, who is not afraid to call out her boss's sexism and misogyny. It brings her most headaches than she deserves, to be honest. This character trait is what allows her to go into a BDSM relationship filled with curiosity and excitement, as she finds the physiological release she needs. So-hyun's performance is excellent. Quiet yet strong.

The production is solid and very entertaining. And I think they did a good job presenting what is BDSM and all its nuances.

A very entertaining watch and I highly recommend it.

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Nicely done Webtoon Adaptation

The film has greater character dynamics than the webtoon, actings are great, the way the story panned out was great, the emotions are great, very informative and a great representation for the community. The script and narration helped alot in explaining and educating the unconventional community to everyone. It wasn't too erotic but it wasn't too light either. It has the perfect blend for a romcom that managed to deal and express the actual message of the webtoon-movie.

Though some might find it too ambitious, It's still a step forward for the korean film industry and culture that is currently dealing in many sexist, misogynistic societal issues. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of mutual consent and respect throughout the whole film.

It's nice, you just have to understand the current situation in korea to appreciate it better.

It will also be good as a series to deep dive more into the community.

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