Once We Were Us

Once We Were Us

When the love shines us the the most.

Directed by Kim Do-young

Produced by Covenant Pictures

2025115 min7.8 / 10

A bittersweet reunion narrative that traces the arc of a transformative love across a decade, balancing the warmth of connection with the melancholy of time's passage and lost possibility.

Seoul, 2008. On a bus heading to their hometown, fate brings Eun-ho and Jeong-won together, sparking an unlikely friendship. While battling a bustling and weary city life, they find themselves sharing lofty dreams and a love that comes to feel extraordinary. But, eventually, the harsh realities of life lead them to part ways. Over a decade after the separation, the two unexpectedly reunite on a flight back to Korea, where they reflect on their lost time.

Questions people ask

  • Is Once We Were Us sad? Yes, very. More sad than 92% of films.

  • Is Once We Were Us violent? No. Less violent than 92% of films.

  • Is Once We Were Us scary? Barely. Less frightening than 84% of films.

  • Is Once We Were Us easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 71% of films.

  • Does Once We Were Us end with hope? Somewhat. More hopeful than 62% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

69/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Distinctly its own thing.

Rarity29

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise95

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love95

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Once We Were Us

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Once We Were Us

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Once We Were Us, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Once We Were Us, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Once We Were Us, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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