Romance Joe (2012): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2012, Romance Joe is a romance film directed by Lee Kwang-kuk, running about 115 minutes. “A Tale Of Tales.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Where to start? With the filmmaker who was cruelly dumped in a rural town and told to seek fresh inspiration there? With the energetic waitress who is willing to give him more than coffee in return for payment and has a talent for telling stories? For instance about Romance Joe, whom she had interrupted a little earlier as he tried to commit suicide in his hotel room, and who also wanted to make films? It may even start with Romance Joe's squabbling parents. In all these intertwined stories, we keep seeing a different narrator. For instance, Romance Joe himself remembers a childhood love that he never dared to pursue. Then there’s the little boy who is looking for his mother who ran away.

Who’s in it. Romance Joe stars Kim Young-pil as Romance Joe, Shin Dong-mi as Tea Shop Girl, Lee Chae-eun as Cho-hee and Lee Da-wit as Young Romance Joe, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.8/10, Romance Joe has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Romance Joe page.

If you liked it. Fans of Romance Joe tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Your Name., Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Cinema Paradiso.