Daddy Long Legs
Cha Young Mi (Ha Ji Won), a bright and optimistic young woman, has faced hardships throughout her life. Yet, she has always had a mysterious benefactor—someone she calls Daddy Long Legs—who has silently supported her from the shadows. When she lands a job at a radio station, she unexpectedly comes across an old email diary, revealing a touching love story that intertwines with her own fate. As Young Mi delves deeper into the diary, she learns about a woman who fell in love but never had the courage to reveal her feelings. This bittersweet tale begins to parallel her own life, especially as she crosses paths with Kim Joon Ho (Yeon Jung Hoon), a kind and gentle man who seems to hold the key to the past she is uncovering. With every new discovery, Young Mi finds herself drawn into an emotional journey filled with love, longing, and hidden connections. Directed by Gong Jeong-shik, Daddy Long Legs beautifully blends elements of romance, mystery, and fate. Ha Ji Won delivers a touching performance as a woman seeking answers to her past, while Yeon Jung Hoon’s portrayal of Joon Ho adds depth to the film’s emotional core. Their chemistry keeps viewers engaged, making this a must-watch Korean romance. Will Young Mi uncover the truth behind her Daddy Long Legs? Can love survive time and distance? Daddy Long Legs (2005) is a poignant reminder that some of the most profound relationships are formed not through words, but through quiet acts of kindness and devotion.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 키다리 아저씨 (Kidari Ajeossi)
🌎 Also Known As: Daddy-Long-Legs
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance
🏷 Tags: Orphan Female Lead, Secret Benefactor, Unrequited Love, Terminal Illness, Radio Station Setting
✍ Screenwriter: Kim Hyeong-jun
🎬 Director: Gong Jeong-shik
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: January 13, 2005
📺 Original Network: N/A
⏰ Duration: 98 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 12+ (suitable for ages 12 and older)
Best Scenes
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Mysterious Benefactor Revealed: Young-mi discovers the identity of her “Daddy Long Legs,” leading to an emotional revelation that ties her past and present together.
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Unsent Email Discovery: Young-mi finds an unsent email on an old computer, unraveling a poignant tale of unrequited love that deeply impacts her.
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Radio Broadcast of the Love Story: She decides to share the discovered love story on air, touching the hearts of many listeners and intertwining her fate with the narrative.
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Library Encounters: The subtle and growing affection between Young-mi and Jun-ho during their meetings in the library adds depth to their relationship.
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Heartbreaking Farewell: The final moments between Young-mi and Jun-ho are both touching and heartrending, encapsulating the film’s emotional core.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s Urban Landscape: The bustling cityscape of Seoul serves as the primary backdrop, highlighting Young-mi’s journey in the metropolis.
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Cozy Apartment Settings: Intimate apartment scenes reflect Young-mi’s personal space and the warmth of her character.
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Radio Station Interiors: The dynamic environment of the radio station showcases her professional life and passion for storytelling.
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Public Libraries: Quiet library settings emphasize the introspective and evolving relationship between the main characters.
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Scenic Parks: Outdoor scenes in serene parks provide a contrast to the urban setting, symbolizing moments of reflection.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Classic Wardrobe Choices: Young-mi’s attire reflects her modesty and resilience, aligning with her character’s background.
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Warm Color Palette: The film employs warm tones to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
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Soft Lighting: Gentle lighting techniques enhance the romantic and melancholic atmosphere.
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Minimalistic Set Design: Simple and uncluttered settings focus attention on character interactions and emotions.
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Symbolic Accessories: Items like letters and personal belongings serve as visual metaphors for connection and memory.
Themes and Messages
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Unseen Acts of Kindness: The narrative emphasizes how anonymous benevolence can profoundly impact one’s life.
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Unrequited Love: The film explores the beauty and pain of loving someone from afar without expectations.
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Memory and Identity: It delves into how memories shape our identities and the fear of losing them.
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Fate and Serendipity: The story highlights the mysterious ways in which lives intersect and influence each other.
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Resilience Amidst Adversity: Young-mi’s journey showcases strength and optimism in the face of life’s challenges.
Interesting Facts
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Inspired by Literature: The film is loosely based on Jean Webster’s 1912 novel “Daddy-Long-Legs,” adapting its themes to a modern Korean setting.
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Festival Screening: It was one of four Korean movies showcased at the 2006 International Fajr Film Festival in Iran, highlighting its international appeal.
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Box Office Success: The film garnered over 528,000 admissions, reflecting its popularity among Korean audiences.
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Ha Ji-won’s Performance: Renowned actress Ha Ji-won received acclaim for her heartfelt portrayal of Cha Young-mi, adding depth to the film.
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Musical Score: The emotive soundtrack complements the film’s mood, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Awards
The film “Daddy-Long-Legs” (2005) does not appear to have received any major awards. However, it was notably one of four Korean movies screened at the 2006 International Fajr Film Festival in Iran.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public record of a real-life romantic relationship between Ha Ji-won and Yeon Jung-hoon, the lead actors in the 2005 Korean film “Daddy-Long-Legs.”
Trailer
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