- My Sassy Girl (Korean: 엽기적인 그녀) is a South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Kwak Jae-yong, starring Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Tae-hyun. The film is based on a true story told in a series of blog posts written by Kim Ho-sik, who later adapted them into a fictional novel.
- The film was very successful in South Korea, where it was the highest-grossing comedy of all time, and one of the top five highest-grossing films ever at the time. When My Sassy Girl was released across East Asia, it became a blockbuster in the region, becoming a hit in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
- The film’s success in Asia drew comparisons to Titanic. Its DVD release also drew a large international cult following, particularly in China, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia. My Sassy Girl sparked an international breakthrough for Korean cinema, and it played a key role in the spread of the Korean Wave.
- The film has spawned an international media franchise, consisting of film remakes and television adaptations in different countries as well as a sequel. An American remake, starring Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert, and directed by Yann Samuell, was released in 2008. A Japanese drama adaptation with Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and actress Rena Tanaka as the leads started broadcasting in April 2008.
- My Sassy Girl has received numerous remakes and adaptations, including Japanese and Korean television adaptations as well as several remakes from other countries (American, Indian, Chinese, Nepali, Lithuanian, Indonesian, and Philippine versions).
- A sequel, My New Sassy Girl, a collaborative work between Korea and China, was released in 2016.
Remakes and adaptations
- Television dramas
- Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and actress Rena Tanaka are the lead characters in the Japanese drama of the same name which started broadcasting in April 2008.
- A South Korean historical time period drama remake titled My Sassy Girl, starring Joo Won and Oh Yeon-seo, airing this 2017 on SBS.
- In Thailand, it was remake as a Thai TV series titled My Sassy Girl started airing on October 11, 2021, on True Asian More starred by Jarinya Sirimongkolsakul and Nutthasit Kotimanuswanich.
- American film
- This American remake of the film is set in New York City’s Central Park and Upper East Side. Director Yann Samuell states “It’s a fable about destiny, in the end.” whilst Jesse Bradford who plays the lead protagonist summarized the movie as “a romantic comedy about how they pull each other to a more healthy place by virtue of their relationship.”
- Indian films
- An uncredited Bollywood version called Ugly Aur Pagli starring Ranvir Shorey and Mallika Sherawat was released on August 1, 2008. The movie is directed by Sachin Khot.
- A Telugu remake of the film was made starring Bharat and Videesha. It was titled Maa Iddhari Madhya.
- A Malayalam remake titled White was also made starring Mammootty and Huma Qureshi (in double role) with some changes. While another Malayalam movie Vinodayathra was reported to have scenes inspired from this movie.
- Chinese film
- A Chinese version named My Sassy Girl 2 (我的野蠻女友2) directed by Joe Ma stars Lynn Hung and Leon Jay Williams was released in 2010.
- Nepali film
- A Nepali version titled Sano Sansar was released on 12 September 2008 and became very popular amongst teenagers in the country.
- Lithuanian film
- A Lithuanian version titled Moterys meluoja geriau: Robertėlis was released on 3 August 2018. It was based on the characters form a popular local TV drama.
- Philippine film
- A Filipino version of My Sassy Girl was announced in 2021, to be starred by Toni Gonzaga and Pepe Herrera. Filming and production were completed in the same year. The film will be released on 31 January 2024.
- Indonesian film
- An Indonesian version directed by Fajar Bustomi, and starring Tiara Andini and Jefri Nichol. This version was released on June 23, 2022.
