Korean erotica “Love and Leashes” serves as a reasonably wholesome introduction to the concept of Dom-sub society. Directed by Park Hyun Jin, the film is an adaptation of a webtoon of the same name. It provides a refreshing look at the BDSM community through the lens of a pleasant story that centers on the capacity to listen to and understand the perspectives of others.
There haven’t been a lot of romantic comedies or dramas, and “Love and Leashes” fix that. The film provides a moving and unique perspective on relationships within the BDSM framework. It does this while also giving viewers an easy-to-understand explanation of its basic ideas about BDSM.
What is the Storyline of the Romantic Comedy “Love and Leashes”?
The story of the Korean romantic comedy film “Love and Lashes” centers around two workers, Ji-hoo and Ji-woo. Even though they are different, they agree to a contractual relationship that lets them act out their fantasies without getting physical.
Jung Ji-Woo is a public relations professional for a multinational firm. She has a sudden crush on her new coworker, Jung Ji-hoo, but she is too shy to approach him. Ji-hoo gives off the impression of being an ordinary man. Still, behind closed doors, he craves the power dynamic of being the submissive partner (the D/s of BDSM).
Everything Starts with a Package
One day, Jung Ji-Woo picks up a parcel that is for Jung Ji-Hoo, but they have such similar names that they mix them up.
She opens the package and notices a dog collar inside. When Ji-woo finds out about this by mistake, she does not pass judgment on him or consider him to be a pervert. On the other hand, Ji-hoo is both ashamed and astonished that Ji-woo hasn’t told anybody else. During a later candid talk, Ji-hoo confirms her assumptions by revealing that the dog leash contains S&M in the background. As Ji-woo learns more about BDSM, her curiosity grows.
The film displays sensitivity and empathy in its treatment of the subject matter. Ji-woo never considers Ji-hoo to be a pervert; rather, she does his homework and attempts to comprehend everything that D/s implies. This realization winds up playing a prominent role in the narrative. Ji-woo agrees to be Ji-hoo’s mistress out of curiosity and attraction. Still, she quickly begins to indulge in fetish practices. Not only do those practices turn out to be a form of relief from the oppressive environment of her office, but they also provide a way to explore and understand her fetishes. On the other hand, Ji-hoo is able to enjoy happiness and freedom because he has someone in his life who understands him and permits him to do whatever he pleases with complete autonomy. But as the fetish connection grows, feelings of love start, which leads to a conflict of interests.
BDSM in “Love and Lashes”: Is It Good?
Love and Leashes is a groundbreaking BDSM work for Korea. It shows a submissive man who wants a dominant woman Master who is not quite a “Dominatrix” yet and tries to change the traditional sexual power dynamic that Fifty Shades of Grey talked about so much. Directly out of the gate, the movie wants to demonstrate that it is “sensitive and with the times” by showing that it will not tolerate a presence in its organization that is “homophobic.” It is where the main characters are employed.
The movie also makes an effort to draw attention to sexual harassment and inappropriate comments made in the workplace. In addition, it tries to distinguish “good” BDSM men who genuinely appreciate women from “bad” BDSM men who only wish to dominate and rape them. But the story also begins with the idea that “no relationship can be equal when it comes to power… there’s always the one who is dominating and one who is submissive.”
In the movie, the games between the mistress and the submissive have clear boundaries, constant communication, and Ji-woo’s desire to learn more about Ji-hoo and herself. All of this leads to a beautiful and honest relationship that, in addition to being entertaining, gives people who don’t know much about BDSM a profound way to learn about it. With respect and tact, you can see both the D/s (dominance and submission) and the SM (sadism and masochism), as well as the mental and sexual aspects of each.
With the webtoon background and its relatively low age rating, many people wonder if this movie is suitable for teens, therefore let’s dig a bit deeper.
Is There a Recommended Age for Love and Leashes?
Love and Leashes has an age rating of TV-14. The movie might have things that most parents would not want their kids younger than 14 to see. Movies with a TV-14 rating will contain certain content that many parents and adult guardians feel is inappropriate for children younger than 14.
What Do Parents Need to Know About “Love and Leashes”?
Parents need to know that this Korean rom-com is rated TV-14. Although the film’s story is about two young professionals who get into a contractual BDSM relationship and embark on a journey to explore more about it, it doesn’t feature any nudity or actual sex scenes.
Although there are no explicit sexual scenes or depictions of nudity, the film is about Ji-hoo’s desire to be abused physically, verbally, and behaviorally. On many occasions, Ji-woo hurts Ji-hoo by stepping on him with her high heels, slapping him in the face, dripping hot wax on him, and whipping him. Besides this, a sexual assault occurred: a man attempted to rape his date. Instead, he was tased and restrained.
In addition, other cursed words are present in the film in response to Ji-Hoo’s wish. However, this is an outlier; such profanity is otherwise uncommon. In addition, Beer and Soju are there as everyday drinks.
Check out the official Netflix trailer at this link.
Bottomline
In a nutshell, Love and Leashes is a great movie to watch. We definitely recommend watching this movie, as it describes BDSM relationships precisely and correctly, which don’t need to be sexual at all. It’s a story of love, romance, and laughter. Both the actors did justice to their roles. Also, the director did well by portraying BDSM as an acronym for behavioral, developmental, and social models. Even though there is nothing explicit or sexual in the story, it is expressive, captivating, and emotional enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you feel like watching another great BDSM movie, french cult, check out now The Story of O.