Love and Leashes (2022) Review : A Thoughtful Korean BDSM Romantic Comedy

Love and Leashes (Original Title: 모럴센스) | 2022 | 1h 57m
Genre: Comedy/Romance | Country: South Korea
Director: Hyeon-jin Park | Writer: Hyeon-jin Park
Cast: Seohyun, Lee Jun-young, Kim Bo-ra
IMDb: 6.3
My Rate: 9/10

Ji Woo accidentally discovers Ji Hoo's secret sexual preferences, and the misunderstanding that follows leads them into a unique relationship based on a contract.

Warning:

Contains sexual content, strong language, and sensitive topics.

 

Synopsis of Love and Leashes

Ji Woo (Seohyun) is a senior employee in the Public Relations department. She is known for her tough and firm attitude, especially when dealing with a boss who constantly looks down on women. As a result, Ji Woo doesn't have a good relationship with him.

Ji Hoo (Lee Jun-young) has just been transferred to the Public Relations department. His handsome appearance quickly attracts the attention of many people in the office. Ji Hoo is drawn to Ji Woo's personality and unconsciously finds himself defending her in front of their boss, although his attempts to defend her sometimes end up making Ji Woo look bad.

One day, Ji Woo accidentally takes Ji Hoo's package because their names are very similar. Ji Hoo panics when he realizes that the package contains a dog leash. Ji Woo doesn't think anything strange about it because she assumes the leash is for a dog. However, a purchase coupon falls out of the package and reveals that the leash is actually intended for BDSM.

After the incident, Ji Hoo becomes worried that Ji Woo will think differently of him. This becomes even more uncomfortable when Ji Woo starts avoiding him. However, Ji Woo turns out not to think badly of him at all. Instead, she respects and accepts Ji Hoo's sexual preferences.

While drunk, Ji Hoo reveals that he wants Ji Woo to become his "master." Although she initially refuses, Ji Woo eventually agrees after researching BDSM and learning more about it. The two then enter into a relationship based on a contract and boundaries they have mutually agreed upon.

Will their contractual relationship eventually become a real relationship?

 

Review of Love and Leashes

Love and Leashes is adapted from the webcomic Moral Sense by Gyeowool. Although the film explores a sensitive subject, it presents the theme through romantic comedy, making it feel more approachable rather than vulgar. Unlike Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels, which present BDSM in a much more explicit manner, Love and Leashes feels more like an introduction to and exploration of BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism).

Another theme presented in the film is the patriarchal mindset that some men still hold, represented through Ji Woo's boss. Women are still treated as inferior to men, even when they possess better abilities and skills. This creates an interesting contrast with Ji Hoo, who prefers a more dominant woman and takes the submissive role in their relationship.

The storyline is quite interesting and presented systematically. The camerawork, transitions, camera movement, and color composition are also well done. The choice of music and sound effects suits each scene, while the actors deliver their performances naturally without feeling stiff.

What I found particularly surprising was Seohyun, a member of SNSD, taking on a role involving such a sensitive subject. There are also several scenes where BDSM is presented more implicitly. Even so, Seohyun successfully portrays Ji Woo's character and handles the role well.

Overall, this film is light and enjoyable to watch, with plenty of entertaining moments throughout.

 

Memorable Scene

Ji Woo, who is heartbroken after a failed relationship, decides to take some time away from work. Her mother tries to comfort her and gives her advice: we cannot control how other people feel about us.

This scene carries an important lesson. Even if we give 100% of our feelings and sincerely try to build a relationship with someone, we cannot force that person to feel the same way we do or give us the response we expect. In the end, we can only accept their decision with an open heart.

 
Memorable Dialogue

"Let's date for real. It's an order."

 

Ending

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation

Must Watch

 

(Aluna Uwie)

 

Had been published in Alunauwie.com
"This article was originally written in Indonesian and has been adapted into English for international readers."

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