A Good Rain Knows: Production, Release, and Overview of the 2009 Romance Film

A Good Rain Knows, also known under its Korean title Howoosijeol and its Japanese-English title Season Of Good Rain, is a 2009 South Korean romance film directed by Hur Jin-Ho. The movie stars Jung Woo-Sung as Dong-ha and Gao Yuanyuan as May, exploring themes of reconnection, memory, and romance.

Promotional image for Season Of Good Rain featuring the main title branding. — Promotional image for Season Of Good Rain.

Production and Development

The project originated as a short film segment intended for the omnibus film Chengdu, I Love You. During development, the concept was expanded into a full-length feature film. The film was written by Hur Jin-Ho and Lee Han-Eol, produced by Kim Chul-Soo, Kim Jin-A, and Lim Hee-Chul, and featured cinematography by Kim Byung-Seo. Distributed by Next Entertainment World, the production was shot in the Korean language.

Plot Summary

South Korean architect Dong-ha travels to China on business in place of a partner. By coincidence, he encounters May, a Chinese student he had befriended years earlier while they were both studying in America. As they spend time together, they revisit memories of their student days, and their past bond develops into a renewed romantic relationship.

Actor Jung Woo-Sung who portrays the character Dong-ha. — Jung Woo-Sung as Dong-ha.

Actress Gao Yuanyuan who portrays the character May. — Gao Yuanyuan as May.

Box Office Performance

A Good Rain Knows was released in South Korea on October 8, 2009. During its opening weekend from October 9th to October 11th, the film debuted at number five at the South Korean box office. It sold 115,734 tickets across 420 screens, accounting for 10.9% of total ticket sales during that weekend. In total, the film sold 289,640 tickets and remained in the weekend top rankings for two weeks.

Still image from the production of A Good Rain Knows. — Scene still from A Good Rain Knows.

Film Festival Screenings

The film was later screened at various international events, including the 11th Jeonju International Film Festival under the Cinemascape feature films section in April and May 2010, as well as the 7th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival in late 2010.