Camellia

Camellia (2010) is a mesmerizing omnibus film set in Busan, bringing together three uniquely crafted short stories by directors from Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Each segment explores the theme of love through different eras, styles, and emotions, all deeply rooted in the cultural and historical backdrop of Busan. This multi-national project presents a poetic tribute to the city and its timeless ability to inspire connection. In the segment “Love for Sale”, acclaimed Korean stars Song Hye Kyo and Kang Dong Won portray Bo Ra (Paula) and Jay, lovers in a futuristic world where memories and emotions can be bought and sold. As their synthetic relationship unravels, the line between real love and artificial emotion begins to blur. The segment dives deep into themes of identity, desire, and the commercialization of affection in a dystopian future. The second story, “Kamome”, is directed by Japanese filmmaker Isao Yukisada, starring Yoshitaka Yuriko as Kamome and Sul Kyung Gu as Yong Soo. This tale brings together nostalgia and romance as a Japanese actress returns to Busan and rekindles a connection with a man tied to her past. Their meeting is filled with quiet longing and emotional tension, evoking the sense of love lost and remembered. The final piece, “Iron Pussy”, is a whimsical and campy Thai musical-spy parody by director Wisit Sasanatieng, starring Shaowanasai Michael as the flamboyant secret agent Iron Pussy and Kim Min Joon as Ji Hon. Set in 1970s Busan, this segment mixes action, comedy, and retro aesthetics to create an unforgettable tale of secret missions and unexpected love. Together, the three stories of Camellia form a cinematic celebration of love, memory, and cross-cultural storytelling in one of Asia’s most iconic cities.