I Wish I Had a Wife (2001) - full transcript

The new year's count down has begun.

Jan, 01. 1997.

The new year just rang in.

I'm Bongsoo Kim, age 29.

I've been working at a bank for three years now..

By next year, no...

At least by the year after,

I hope you'll be watching this video.

I don't know who you are,

or what you look like...

but you're probably an extraordinary woman.



Even as the years pass,

your smile would still be radiant

That's the type of woman I like.

If my wife were like that, I'd be happy.

And that's you.

I Wish I Had A Wife

Mom has died.

No, she hasn't. She's died.

No, she hasn't. She's died...

No, she hasn't !

Sign: Undertaker

Sul Kyung-Gu

Jeon Do-Youn

Jin Hee-Kyung



Executive Producer
Tcha Sung-Jai / Choi Jae-Won

Producer
Kim Seon-Ah

Screenplay
Park Heung-Sik / Choi Eun-Young / Jang Hak-Gyo

Cinematography
Jo Yong-Gyu

Music Executive Producer
Jo Sung-Woo Tcha Sung-Jai

Directed by Park Heung-Sik

July 28, 2000. Today's forecast.

Due to the low pressure drifting in from China,

we are expecting early showers
and thunderstorms.

becoming more frequent as
the monsoon comes into its season

May I have your attention please,

Due to mechanical problems

We apologize for this momentary delay

in our service

Oh, come on

... so, how much are you applying?

- About 25 million
- 25 million won?

I am going to require additional documents.

I'll give a list.

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

Who's there?

Eun-young!
Why are you crying?

Is something wrong?

Did the boys tease you? You can tell me.

The kids say that I look like you.

Am I that pretty?
I am really honored.

Ummm.. Now that you mention it,

I think we look similar from the back.

Wanna see?

What do you think? Yes?

- So don't you cry
- Yes

- Miss Jung, I am going now.
- Okay.

Bye, Miss Jung.

- Miss Jung, am I really pretty?
- Of course.

Bye, Miss Jung.

Whew!, what a way to make a living.

Disappearing like that!

Are you out of your mind?

What happened man?

I really need to get hitched!

It's not like you haven't tried.

Stop talking crap and
do some of your magic.

Anything new?

On my way to work,
the subway broke down.

For an hour, we were totally stuck.

Everyone was busy calling someone.

Except me.

So I thought...

Why don't I have anyone to call at
a time like this?

You should have called me.

- That's not what I'm talking about!
- What?

I want to call someone.
Someone special

I'm glad I still have you though.

At least, I'll be married before
the ultimate bachelor.

- Do you remember Minjung?
- Minjung?

Minjung...

Oh, yeah. The girl who works
at the publishing company,

with the long face...

Didn't she have a crush on you?

Minjung's getting married.

No shit!
Everyone has their match.

You look disappointed.

- Who's she marrying?
- Yours truly!

It's next month.
And your hosting it

What the hell is going on?

I'm such a genuine guy and yet,

why is my life so shitty?

I'm not living like this anymore!

It isn't fair!

Damn bastards!

- Hello?
- Bongsoo, did you take my car?

That's right, goddamn I did!
Watcha gonna do?

What? No, I don't give a shit!
Screw work!

I'm taking the day off!

What? Don't call me, you bastard!

Today's lucky number is 108.

- Hello.
- Manager Kim. A card's stuck.

I'm sorry. She'll look after you.
Excuse me.

Hey! Not yet!

It's not ready yet!

Go ahead.

Thank you!

- Hey, you like Miss Jung, don't you?
- No I don't

- You do, don't you?
- I said, no

Bullshit!

I noticed her tits were a bit flat?

What do you reckon?

How would I know?

I also noticed that,
she had strapless bra on

So what?

Hey! What are you guys doing here?

Gyudae!

- Does that taste good?
- I don't know.

Hey, this tastes much better than that.

What would you know, Miss Jung?

Hey!

Don't you skip class later!

Bongsoo. Can you go a little slower?

Moron. Spying on your ex like this.

Don't you think she looks thinner?

Nah. She's gotten chubbier.

You think so?

Maybe.

I'm glad that she looks happy though.

- Once more?
- Should we?

- Nah, that's okay.
- Then, can we go?

Let's go around, one last time.

Okay! last time.
But never again, okay?

Hello?

I can't lease my unit.
Do you want to take over?

- How much?
- 40 million won.

I don't have that kind of money.

- I'll throw in the car
- That piece of junk?

I wouldn't take it for free.

- No deal?
- Let me think about it

But hey, this doesn't feel right

Your getting married in couple of days

You try getting married,

You think of all sorts of things.

- Do you want special?
- One second.

Do you want the lease or not?

To get a chick, gotta have your own place!

Take me for example,
It's only taken me a year.

Maybe if you change the car seat covers

Stingy bastard
Alright, man!

- Try the special.
- What?

Special? Hey!

Uh? What are you doing?

- Do you want another one?
- No, that's okay.

- See you.
- Okay. See you tomorrow.

- Hello.
- Oh, hello

They said it wouldn't rain this morning

I know.

- Um, see you around.
- Bye.

Wonju! You shouldn't look outside.

- Mommy, where's daddy?
- He won't be long , honey.

After our Wonju sleeps 100 nights,
daddy will be back.

Miss Jung! You seem down today.

Just a little.

The kids are so chaotic.

Mine's already full.

I followed you and it filled up really quickly.

I really don't feel like going to class!.

Miss Jung, can you cover for me today?

I'm not in the mood today. Sorry.

Manager Kim, aren't you going home?

Were you on your way out?
I'll be going soon.

You're so diligent and kind.

You seem like a guy that

women want to trust and lean on...

You're not bad yourself.

You've always been so nice to me.

How can I thank you for everything

- Please come. I'll be going now.
- Sure.

Wedding Invitation

Excuse me...

Who, me?

Is it done?

Some things wrong!

It's nice.

What is?

Your belly button is very pretty.

Thank you so much for your time.

I feel bad not offering you anything

Oh, I've got a prior engagement.

I'll take a rain cheque

Then could I at least offer you a candy

Thanks.

Here you go.

Good night.

Oh, wait...

You should take off your name tag,

Bong...Soo...Kim.

Thanks. Well, good night.

Hey! Are you wearing a 'his-n-her' ring?

Yeap!

You don't have a ring mark yet.

Some people they have this white line
on their finger.

Idiot, I just got this yesterday.
What do you expect?

You're so lucky. Yeap,
it must feel so good.

Are you happy?

I'm gonna stay single.

Staying single is a good choice!.

That'd be great!

You rotten bastard.
So you're set now, huh?

- What?
- Son of bitch

That was so condescending
showing off like that!

Dumb-ass!

- Where the hell are you going?
- Home!

Shit

And you, prick!.

I want the 300,000 won you owe me

from last month by tomorrow.

You better pay up.

And don't dye your hair. It looks pathetic!

Wow!. Time sure flies by.

It's already year 2000. Must have wings.

Can't stop time from passing.
Can't block time from coming.

Do you like baseball?

I used to be in pro league,

but I gave it up...

It's so hard to make a living like this.

To make ends meet,

I have to double up passengers
many times a day

I must be dreaming

Thank you.

I am attending a funeral service
at the moment

Yeah, I'll call you back

Bongsoo Kim.

Are you married?

Married?

Well, almost, a few times

- And you?
- It wasn't because you couldn't?

What do you think?

Well, you don't look it

But you must be, at your age and all.

I got married

And divorced.

I've done everything.

I'm sorry.

Why are you sorry?

- Why? Do I look pathetic to you?
- Not at all

I don't, right?

I'm not insecure.

Insecurity maybe a little confused

It's not easy living with someone.

Oh, yeah?
How would a bachelor know that?

- Been there, done that once
- Really?

Once, in my dreams

It was so vivid, so real!

Was that supposed to be a joke?

You seemed a little blue.

I was just trying to cheer you up.

I'm fine.

Completely cool.

Excuse me.

I been discussing with Bongsoo
in regards to the difference

between certified deposits
and trust accounts.

Is he in?

Mr. Kim?

He's on leaveand won't be back
for around a week.

Could I help you?

Types of trust accounts?

There are different advantages
pending on the amount.

How much are you investing?

Well, I gave Mr. Kim all the details

There are four basic types.

I'd like to recommend this one for you.

Why don't you take a look?

- I'll think about it.
- Sure.

Thank you.

'Harvard Educational Center'

'Not in Service'

Hey! Are you sick?

The flu?

Your absence has immediate
repercussions Bongsoo.

If you're sick, I hope you get well soon.

''...another day is drifting away...''

''...dreams float away like cigarette smoke...''

Honey!

I love you.

''...the smile on her face,
is like a magnolia blossom...''

''...whenever I looked at her,
it was like a warm Spring day...''

I've moved out.

I'm on my own.

Ah, this tastes great!

- Hello.
- Hello.

- Now, that's a great comic book.
- Yeah?

- Were you sick?
- Sorry?

You weren't at work for a few days.

- Oh. A little.
- Are you better now?

What's going on?

Hello!
Anybody there!

This is bad.

Are you okay?

Hello! Dammit.

Oh, you're provoking it

Bongsoo Kim!

Stay still! What if we fall?

Worthless bastards

If you close your eyes, it's scarier.

It won't be scary if you do this.

Draw the 'man' sign on your palm.

Eat five 'men' and you'll be fine.

Like this.

Dammit. This is not good.

Bongsoo Kim, wake up.

- That's my shirt.
- That's right.

Keep it.

Did something happen last night?

Don't play dumb.
You really don't remember?

No, I know.

- Want some coffee?
- Thanks!

- Sugar?
- Two.

- Cream?
- Two.

Wow, that's like vending machine coffee.

Okay. Next time, I'll remember.

Oh, I used your toothbrush.

Good morning!

- Is this yours?
- No, it's for that lady over there.

Thank you. Thank you.

124 coins.
It comes to 62,000 won, right?

No. It's 127 coins, 63,500 won.

No. 124 coins. 62,000 won.

It should be 127.

I've counted them
using that machine over there.

It should be 127.

You did pretty well.
You're only missing 3.

- I'll make the deposit.
- Please

- Make it for 63,500 won. 127 coins.
- Excuse me?

I lost them here

so it's the bank's money anyway.

Still... the machine count is

Can't you just do it?
I'm sure you'll find them.

They must be somewhere.

What if I don't find them?

- I'm sure you will.
- Alright!

Here's your deposit of 63,500 won.
127 coins

Thank you, Mr. Kim.

Bye

Aren't you leaving?

- Hey, that cost me a fortune!
- See ya.

Falling in love, Kim Bong-soo.

You got it! I got it!

Good! Check it out!

Here. For you.

If you lose it, look in the mailbox.

I'll leave one there as well.

Do you like me?

Don't you like me?

You're just like
when we were in school.

What do you mean?

Nothing changed

'Hanmi Bank'

This concludes the candle lighting
ceremony by both mothers.

Now, the groom, Bongsoo Kim...
Oh, excuse me.

The groom, Hongtak Jung and bride,
Minjung Kim's wedding will now commence.

The groom will enter.

Bongsoo, congratulations.

- How long will this take?
- Not long. Please don't move.

Here you go.
Thank you. Thank you.

Bye.

- Come again.
- Thank you.

Oh, I'm all done now.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

Matches... wishing me success?

- You look good.
- I do, don't I ?

I feel great. I really am.

Oh, I have something fun to show you.
Stay put!

I make these things, too.
Take a look.

Looks like fun.

Hey, I should cast your face.
As an opening souvenir.

No way. Not my face.

- Come here
- I don't want to.

Come on.

Taeran, what day is it?

Don't move. This will only take a second.

Thanks, Bongsoo.

- Don't mention it. Call me.
- I will. Bye.

- Hello.
- Hello.

Yes?

Hi, mom.

I'm eating at the moment.

Why do you call to see
if I'm eating all the time?

Have you eaten?

You said your stomach's been playing up.

You shouldn't be eating instant noodles!.

Do you want me to get you some

pickled clams on my way home?

There should be a store open.

Okay, I'll see you soon
Alright, bye.

Thank you!

- Could I hold the bag for you?
- Thank you.

- Use this.
- That's okay.

You'll scratch them.

This stop is in front of the Church.

The next stop is Apartments 8 and 9.

- Huh? Where are we?
- In front of the church.

What? Wait a minute. Wait.
Uh, I need to get off.

Sorry.

I've prepared something for you.

Watch closely.

Which hand will this go to?
This coin? Now look.

I'm learning some magic tricks.

I've just started so it's a little awkward.

But...In three years, in the year 2000,

when you're sitting next to me...

I'll be brilliant so,

You have to wait for me. Okay?

I'm also learning to do this.

- Hi.
- Hello.

Hi, it's me.

Could you keep Mr. Lee
for another ten minutes?

I'm on my way but

I'm caught in the civil defense drill.

Ten minutes. Alright.

- Are you in a hurry?
- Yes.

It'll be over in 10 minutes.

Get back in, back in.

Oh my gosh.

- I gotta go.
- Okay.

This place is empty.
How will you stay in business?

I don't know if you can even afford the rent!

See you, Miss Lee.

Remember, the deadline is next week!.

When are you gonna do me one?

It's quite amusing.

Who's that?

Bongsoo, block your ears.

Dickhead!

Why do I have to take this shit?

Gotta be more patient

Can I curse him again?

Dickhead!

You do it too.

Dickhead!

Hello.

- Are you off to work?
- Yes.

It's really hot today.

Here, have one.

Take one.

Go ahead.

I like these old containers
better than the new one.

Maybe because I am more used to them.

It's hard to open though.

Just poke a hole on the bottom
with your teeth.

It tastes better that way.

You're like a tomboy, Wonju.

Maybe it's because you're around kids.

Lie down. Good.

Sit. Good.

- Are you still seeing that guy?
- Who?

You know, the one who smiles with his eyes.

- Baekchul Kim!
- Yeah, him.

Don't even bring him up.
That asshole.

Two-timing cheating bastard.
Very bad news!

Sit , and then stand!

- So you broke up?
- Break up? No, I dumped him.

Hey, why are you smiling?

When did I smile?

I saw you.

I didn't, really.

Hey?

When a guy says you're like a tomboy,
is that a compliment?

- Hey! You...
- What?

Not another crush?

No, I think it's genuine this time.
I mean...

He made the first move. He did

Hello.

Will you have dinner with me?
I know a great restaurant. Wonju'

I have a dinner appointment.
And please don't joke around like this.

Hello.

An envelope! An envelope!
I wonder what's in the envelope!

What are you doing?

Today's your payday.
Buy us some treats!

- Ice Cream!
- Pizza! French fries!

An envelope! An envelope!

I wonder what's in the envelope!

Stop it, guys.

You're always eating yummy stuff
with your boyfriend.

Buy us some too!

- That's right, that's right.
- Miss Jung doesn't have a boyfriend.

- There's Gyudae! Gyudae!
- Shut up!

An envelope! An envelope!

I wonder what's in the envelope...

Am I your toy? Didn't I say

not to joke around like this?

I told you not to joke around like this!

I wish...
I had a wife, too.

Taeran...

Don't you think
we look good together?

I know that I'm not much

but I can be quite useful... like...

When you go shopping...

Or when you need to carry heavy stuff...

And when a fuse goes out,

I'm really good at fixing stuff like that.

Taeran!

I love you.

Do you like someone else?

Bongsoo!

I really enjoy talking to you.

I mean... I did...

Bongsoo, did you know?

When you smile, you've got this

slight dimple on your left cheek.

If you don't look closely,
you'll probably miss it.

If you don't look closely...

Right...

There are a lot of things
in this world that you'd miss.

Bongsoo!

Bongsoo Kim! Take care of yourself.

Taeran!

I'm not a bad guy.

I can do this.

Taeran!

I'm talking about hats

What's going on here?

I don't know about that.

Hats, hats, sell it and pay me back.

Hello?

- What are you doing?
- Who are you?

- I'm a friend of the owner.
- Your not one of my friends.

Hello?

Not another word, just pay me back

Did you get a traffic ticket?

- Give her a call.
- What?

The loan that you've guaranteed

The payment wasn't made.

- How much is it?
- Why? Are you gonna pay it?

237,000 won.

-That's right, I'm paying it.
- No, don't! Call her.

Bloody!
What does it matter who pays?

As long as someone does
and it doesn't get backed up.

I'll pay it, dammit.

What's with the questions?
Just do your job.

- You dick
- Mr. Kim

I'll talk to you later.

The phone has been switched off.

You have one new message.

Press one to hear

Bongsoo. It's me.

I'm sorry.
I meant to call you before

I'm fine.
Completely cool.

When I sort things out,
I'll come and see you.

I am sorry.

Don't look back.
Don't look back.

If you do, you'll turn into stone.

To stone.

She'll be back.

She won't.

She will.

She won't.

She will.

She will.

Tomorrow's forecast,

As the Monsoon season
comes to it's end.

We expect to experience stable conditions

as we move into autumn.

Sultry but remaining fine.

Expecting great conditions
for the week ahead.

- Hello. Do you have some time?
- What?

It'll just take a second.

One, two, three, and action!

Cut, cut! Again!

Dammit, can't you run in a straight line?

Keep in tempo when you're running!
In tempo!

Take two! We're gonna go again.
Please move quickly!

- You said this would be quick.
- One last time. Last time.

- Hey, Munsoo!
- Yes!

- That guy's good. Put him in front.
- Got it!

Why do you have hair stuck on your face?

- You got it?
- Yeah.

You've put on some weight.

Yeah? That's what everyone's been saying.

- Don't you have to go?
- It's okay.

Oh, yeah? This is new!
A model student like you?

Let's have some fun.

Let's hit the karaoke bars. My treat.

- Today?
- I'll wait.

I can't tonight.
It's my wife's birthday.

Someone's changed!

- Hey, could you teach me one?
- What?

You know, your magic tricks,
one with the coin.

- Teach me a simple one.
- I don't do that anymore.

Just teach me one, man.

It'll look so cool with the presents.

I said, no!

I don't do stupid stuff like that anymore.

Whatever, man.

Five pizzas should do it, right?

- You think that'll be enough?
- Let's see

Eight slices per pizza.
So five pizzas make only 40 slices.

How many kids are there?

- Just give them a slice each.
- They're pizza monsters.

One day, they went on a picnic
by a spring. A spring

There were tens, no, hundreds.

Hundreds of frogs went on a picnic.

A snake happen to slither by.

And he spotted a frog wearing underwear.

It was so funny. A frog in underwear!
So the snake asked him.

Frog! Frog!
why are you wearing an underwear?

Do you know what he said?

Ma'am, some noodles, please.

Miss Jung, tell us.
What did he say?

Come on, what's the answer?
What did he say? Tell us.

I work as a masseur!

That's not funny.

- It's been a long time.
- Yes.

Good bye.

Aren't you going?

What are you doing?

You must really be bored.
Why are you watching old tapes?

See you!

'Harvard Educational Center'

Excuse me...

The umbrella
Can you squeeze me in?

Do you have some time on Sunday?

I am not sure.

I know a great noodle place.
Would you like to come?

I'm not good with words

It'd be great if you could join me.

Aren't you getting on?

You go on.

The rain's stopped.

I wish it would stop raining now.

Shall we get on the next bus...

Look! How cute!
They're puppies.

- Do you like dogs?
- I used to when I was young.

- What about now?
- No, not really.

Why not?

I had a dog when I was about nine.
His name was Happy.

He died after eating rat bait.

And before he died,
it looked at me and cried.

I haven't had a dog since.

That's so sad.
My dog's name was Jjong.

- Jjong?
- Yes. Jjong.

I don't know why all the dogs

were named either Happy,
Mary, or Jjong.

I was very close to Jjong.
One day, I was home alone.

I was playing with Jjong
when suddenly,

he barked 'bro, bro.'

- What?
- It barked, 'bro, bro.'

No, it must've been 'ruf, ruf.'

I clearly heard it with both ears.
It was definitely, 'bro.'

It probably had to go and went 'grr.'

'Grr,''bro,' sound alike?
It was definitely, 'bro.'

Let's say dogs can talk.

Then why not 'sis?' Why 'bro?'

You're a girl.

It barked 'bro.'

It just doesn't make sense.

It's gotta be 'ruf, ruf.' Ruf, ruf.

Why won't you believe me?

It was 'bro.'

She's pretty.

Who is she? Older sister?

Younger sister?

Your father's handsome.
How old he is?

If he had lived, he'd be 57,
No, about 58.

He died when I was six

He was a good whistler.

I didn't see him go.

Maybe that's why I feel like
he's still alive somewhere.

As if everyone in my family knows
but won't tell me where.

Funny, huh?

It was about this time of year.

My dad and I used to take a walk over there.

I'm rusty.
I used to be really good.

Wanna give it ago?

Hey

Um... could you buy this for me?

The pears are really nice.

- Your father will like it.
- It was a present.

- From whom?
- A nice person.

Let's start...

I wasn't going to tell you this
but I feel like I have to.

Actually... I used to have this girl...

You are incredible

You're fun, smart and very beautiful.

I mean, I'm so worthless and pathetic

And you know this by now

And yet, you've embraced all... I am...

Thank you so much.

The only thing I want to say to you

I love you my wife!

Is it recording?

Have to tell you, you're the
first woman to come here.

Don't make me laugh.

You must get bored here sometimes.

No, not at all.

You're pretty good.
You haven't broken the link.

I wish I had a wife, too.

Why?

It'd be great. Have her run errands,

clean the house, cook meals,

cut apples like this...
And scratch my back.

You'd be better off with a maid.

She wouldn't scratch my back.

Also, she wouldn't be able to sleep
with me when I wanted her to.

- You're talking about a slave. A slave.
- You think?

Then it'd be real-ly nice to have a slave.

It'd be quite convenient to have a slave.

How can a woman say
such a thing about wives?

- Our culture's like that, isn't it?
- Not anymore

- And a wife
- Is she special?

Of course. Very special.

What's left to eat if you cut it like that?

Let me do it.

Give me a 1000 won bill.

- Why?
- You'll see.

What are you going to do?

Now. Get it right in the middle and...

Let's make sure it went through all right.

There's a hole.

Thank you very much.

Do it again.

- Never repeat my performances.
- One more time.

- How did you trick me?
- Trick? What are you saying?

- It's got to be a trick.
- Think whatever you want.

Ah, it's cold!
Cold, cold!

A fox must be getting married.
The sun's out but it's raining.

A tiger must be getting married.
A passing shower, maybe?

She's the one. She's not.

- She's the one. She's not.
- Let's do it together.

He's the guy.

He's the one.

He's the guy.

He's the one.

He's the guy.

- Give me your glasses.
- What for?

Let me see.

Is that better?

Yes. It's very clear.
Good!. Very Good!

There's a person in Japan
who doesn't get wet walking in the rain.

Who's that?

Wata-nomata. (Water no matter)
Bisairo-maka ( slip through raindrops)

That's a stupid joke!

If someone hears us,
they'll think we're pathetic!

It's funny though!

- Where am I so pretty?
- I never said that.

You said I was pretty
when you saw the picture in my ID.

Oh that...
I meant it was a good picture.

No, you didn't.

You clearly said I was pretty.

I definitely heard it with both ears.

No, I said it was a great picture.