What Does That Nature Say to You Review: Hong Sang-soo’s Boozy Korean Drama Hits Different

Right, let me tell you about the time I found myself three hours deep into a Hong Sang-soo marathon, glass of soju in hand (for research purposes, obviously). If you’ve never experienced one of Hong’s films before, imagine your most memorable pub chat you know, the kind where everyone’s just tipsy enough to get philosophical but make it art house cinema.

The Master of Measured Mayhem Returns

Hong Sang-soo, our favourite Korean auteur of alcohol-adjacent storytelling, is back with another absolute belter. This time, he’s serving up what might be his most engaging cocktail of conversation and quiet chaos yet. But here’s the thing while his earlier films sometimes felt like watching paint dry (in the most sophisticated way possible), this one’s got proper fizz to it.

The opening scene? Bloody brilliant. It’s the kind of complex father-boyfriend standoff that’ll have you cringing and chuckling in equal measure. Haven’t we all been there? Well, maybe not exactly there, but you get the drift.

Daytime Drinking: An Olympic Sport

Listen, if there were medals for showing characters getting absolutely plastered in the most realistic way possible, Hong would be taking gold every time. What sets this film apart from your typical booze-fuelled drama is how naturally it all unfolds. No Hollywood-style dramatic sweeping of glasses off tables here just the gentle descent into that peculiar honesty that only comes after your third bottle of soju.

The Art of Elegant Chaos

What’s properly clever about Hong’s approach is how he makes the mundane magnificent. Shot in that signature casual style you know, like your mate’s fancy wedding video but make it artistic every scene feels both carefully crafted and wonderfully spontaneous. It’s like watching a documentary where everyone just happens to be surprisingly eloquent, even when they’re three sheets to the wind.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Is this film different from Hong’s other works?

While it’s got all the classic Hong hallmarks (drinking, chatting, more drinking), this one feels fresher, less contrived. The opening scene alone is worth the price of admission.

Do I need to be a Hong Sang-soo expert to enjoy this?

Not at all! If you enjoy Richard Linklater’s chatty bits or that one episode of Black Mirror where everyone just talks, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Is all that drinking necessary to the plot?

In Hong’s world, the drinking isn’t just scenic decoration it’s the social lubricant that gets his characters to their moments of truth. Bit like your local on a Friday night, really.

The Bottom Line

Look, I’ll level with you this isn’t your typical Friday night popcorn flick. But if you’re after something that’ll make you think, laugh, and possibly fancy a drink (responsibly, mind), you’re in for a treat. Hong Sang-soo has done it again, proving that sometimes the best dramas happen over a bottle of soju and a good chat.

Got thoughts about Hong’s latest? Drop them in the comments below. And if you’re planning a watch, maybe grab a beverage for authenticity’s sake, of course. Just remember: no one pulls off a Hong Sang-soo drinking scene in real life. Trust me, I’ve tried.