Antique (film)

Antique (앤티크) is a 2008 South Korean film directed by Min Kyu-dong, based on the manga Antique Bakery by Fumi Yoshinaga. The film tells the story of four men who come to work at a cake shop called "Antique".

Synopsis

Kim Jin-hyeok, a wealthy and seemingly carefree playboy, opens a cake shop and hires a talented but awkward pastry chef, Sun-woo. Jin-hyeok's motives are shrouded in mystery, stemming from a traumatic childhood experience. Sun-woo, a former boxing champion with a complicated past, is secretly in love with Jin-hyeok, who is oblivious to his affections. Rounding out the group are Soo-young, a charming but perpetually dieting waitress who is Jin-hyeok's former classmate and has a crush on him, and Ki-beom, a former apprentice of Sun-woo with a genius for cake decorating who is hired as the shop's trainee.

As the four work together, they grapple with their personal demons, unrequited love, and the mysteries surrounding Jin-hyeok's past. The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the healing power of relationships against the backdrop of the sweet and comforting atmosphere of the Antique cake shop.

Cast

• Joo Ji-hoon as Kim Jin-hyeok
• Kim Jae-wook as Sun-woo
• Yoo Ah-in as Yang Ki-beom
• Choi Ji-ho as Soo-young

Production

The film is known for its visually appealing aesthetics, showcasing elaborate cake designs and stylish set designs. It deviates from the manga's more overtly BL (Boys' Love) themes, focusing more on the characters' emotional journeys and personal growth.

Reception

Antique received mixed reviews, with praise for its visual style and the performances of the cast, but criticism for its somewhat convoluted plot and lack of thematic depth compared to the source material. It was a moderate box office success in South Korea.