“Ditto” is a South Korean romantic fantasy film, a remake of the 2000 movie with the same title. The original gained immense popularity among Korean film enthusiasts, flooding DVD rentals. Interestingly, this version shares a premise with the Hollywood sci-fi thriller “Frequency” (2000), released in the same year. Directed by Seo Eun Young, the remake stars Yeo Jin-goo, Cho Yi-hyun, Kim Hye-yoon, Na In-woo, and Bae In-hyuk. How does the remake compare in terms of achievement?
In 1999, Kim Yong (Jin-goo), a mechanical engineering student, falls for his junior, Seo Han-sol (Hye-hyun). Simultaneously, Kim Mu-nee (Yi-hyun), a sociology student in 2022, accidentally communicates with Yong via CB radio. Over time, they become friends, offering love advice that unknowingly impacts their futures and pasts.
The manipulation of time, a key element of the original version’s plot, is intriguing. Both films share an anomaly involving communication via CB radio. While “Frequency” explains this through unique natural anomalies, “Ditto” attributes it to a lunar eclipse. However, the characters in the story never question this strange occurrence, and the remake diminishes the focus on this aspect even more than the original. The original version sparked discussions about politics, war, and campus life, while the remake leans more towards romance, neglecting the sci-fi elements.
Shifting to the romantic side, a notable difference between the two versions is the change in gender of the main characters. The remake features a male lead, Kim Yong, instead of the female So-uen in the original, resulting in changes to all supporting characters. The relationship between Kim Yong and Han-sol feels less intense than the original, with the remake appearing forced in many aspects. Even the initial connection between Han-sol and Kim’s best friend (her future husband) lacks clarity. In contrast, the original version portrayed the best friend’s gradual closeness to her heart’s idol more naturally. On the other hand, the romance between Mu-nee and her boyfriend, Young-ji, feels more romantic in the remake. However, the original version delivers a more impactful ending.
“Ditto” as a modern remake has a shallower story development despite its promising premise. The exploration of heartbreak in romance stories is common, but the sacrifice of the main characters (Kim Yong and So-eun) for the happiness of their hearts raises questions. Despite their success in their respective careers, something is missing within them. Is the extraordinary anomaly (CB communication) they experience enough to warrant a second chance? The film leaves the audience wondering about the purpose of these anomalies and the universe in which they exist.
