Mutual Relations

In "Mutual Relations," a Korean romantic comedy-drama film, three female students, Ho-kyeong, Joo-yeong, and Yeon-hee, find themselves struggling to balance their academic life and personal relationships with a lack of fulfillment. At an American university, these intelligent and attractive women are determined to explore the concept of "mutual relations" – where men satisfy their physical and emotional needs in exchange for intellectual companionship and support. Their objective is to discover the ideal partner who can provide a harmonious and satisfying connection. To achieve this, they place ads in a local magazine announcing their requirements for the perfect man. After going through numerous applications, they narrow down their search to three potential candidates. The first man, a lean and charming individual, presents himself as a former nude model who embodies the carefree, artistic, and sensual qualities they seek. However, when they meet him, they begin to question his shallow nature and inability to maintain long-lasting relationships. The second candidate, a younger and more energetic individual, boasts of possessing the perfect techniques in the bedroom. Intrigued by his promising pitch, the women invite him to a mutual partnership, but it becomes apparent that his skillset is only skin-deep and lacks emotional depth. Despite his impressive performance, he struggles to form genuine connections with them, revealing a lack of sincerity beneath his charming facade. Lastly, they meet a mature and introspective man who radiates a sense of passion and devotion towards women. With his kind and genuine demeanor, he is the complete opposite of the previous two candidates. Although he presents his thoughts on feminism, equality, and compassion, the women find it challenging to discern his true intentions and expectations from the relationship. Throughout the movie, the women navigate their connections with these three men, learning valuable lessons about what they want and need in a relationship. Through a series of comedic and awkward encounters, they start to understand that having intellectual connections and intimacy is only half the equation; they require a deep emotional connection to achieve true satisfaction in their partnerships. As the women dive deeper into their relationships with the three men, they must confront their own expectations and desires, many of which are far from realistic. Joo-yeong, a socially active but emotionally vulnerable woman, is initially smitten with the dreamy, outgoing quality of the third man. However, she soon realizes that they want different things from the relationship and comes to terms with moving forward. Ho-kyeong, the intelligent and lively young woman, feels unfulfilled by the company of the three men she dates and begins to question her judgment on who would fit her as an ideal partner. As they put their relationships under scrutiny, Yeon-hee – the witty, intellectual, and physically desirable one – is shown forging an authentic bond with the third man over stimulating conversations. Together, they break down barriers set up by patriarchal expectations and share equal love and respect for one another. Ultimately, "Mutual Relations" presents a bold exploration into the complexities of human relationships, desire, and maturation. By examining different manifestations of the 'perfect' man and fostering connections that appreciate and respect the multifaceted individuality of their partner, the film leaves audiences pondering the nature of a mutual relationship that goes beyond fleeting desires, searching instead for profound emotional resonance.