Happiness Does Not Come in Grades (1989) movie backdrop
Happiness Does Not Come in Grades (1989) movie poster
1989103 min

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the genre.

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is definitely worth watching if you enjoy movies.

It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.01 votes
103Minutes
1989Release Year
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Happiness Does Not Come in Grades Review

Last updated: January 10, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1989, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades enters the Film genre with a narrative focused on In a high school second grade classroom, Bonggu (Gyu Seok) and Genija (Choi Soo-hoon), whose grades are low, love each other (Yi Yeon Yeon) and Niho teacher. Under the direction of Kang Woo-suk, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Lee Mi-yeon, Kim Bo-sung, Kim Min-jong. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades resonates with current cultural themes in the cinema space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Happiness Does Not Come in Grades centers on a unique premise within the undefined landscape. In a high school second grade classroom, Bonggu (Gyu Seok) and Genija (Choi Soo-hoon), whose grades are low, love each other (Yi Yeon Yeon) and Niho teacher. The hard - luck Changshu helps his mother to clean the liquor, but the Eun - joo, who grew up in a rich environment, screams without understanding him. Eunju is always attracted to the innocence of the pure mind while maintaining good grades and suffering obsession with the grades due to the obsession of the parents. She takes her parents' cold eyes when she is pushed to the seventh place by the next exam. Eunju can not endure it and suicide. In the classroom, a flower is placed on the desk of Eun-joo, and the hearse and the children are tears as the hearse runs the school. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1989 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Happiness Does Not Come in Grades has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Happiness Does Not Come in Grades sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Happiness Does Not Come in Grades (1989): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Happiness Does Not Come in Grades has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Happiness Does Not Come in Grades stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades movie hit or flop?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades worth watching?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a movie that In a high school second grade classroom, Bonggu (Gyu Seok) and Genija (Choi Soo-hoon), whose grades are low, love each other (Yi Yeon Yeon) and Niho t...

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.0
Happiness Does Not Come in Grades
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/happiness-does-not-come-in-grades-350293" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Happiness Does Not Come in Grades</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades movie hit or flop?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades worth watching?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a movie that In a high school second grade classroom, Bonggu (Gyu Seok) and Genija (Choi Soo-hoon), whose grades are low, love each other (Yi Yeon Yeon) and Niho t...

Is Happiness Does Not Come in Grades family friendly?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades is a movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.

Where can I watch Happiness Does Not Come in Grades?

You can find streaming options and availability for Happiness Does Not Come in Grades on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of Happiness Does Not Come in Grades?

Happiness Does Not Come in Grades features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie Happiness Does Not Come in Grades?

The runtime and duration of Happiness Does Not Come in Grades are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

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