Summer Time Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Summer Time
| Movie | Summer Time |
| Release Year | 2001 |
| Director | Park Jae-ho |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 103 minutes (1h 43m) |
| Language | KO |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Summer Time (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Summer Time are led by Kim Ji-Hyeon . The supporting cast, including Ryu Soo-young and Choi Cheol-ho , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Summer Time does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Summer Time has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Summer Time
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2001, Summer Time is a Drama film directed by Park Jae-ho, written by Yoo Gap-yeol. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kim Ji-Hyeon as Hie-ran.
Ending Explained: Summer Time
Summer Time Ending Explained: In the gloomy 80s, Sang-ho is wanted by the authorities for his participation in the student movement. Directed by Park Jae-ho, this 2001 drama film stars Kim Ji-Hyeon (Hie-ran), alongside Ryu Soo-young as Sang-ho, Choi Cheol-ho as Tae-yeol, Jang Seong-won. Rated 5.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Summer Time?
In the gloomy 80s, Sang-ho is wanted by the authorities for his participation in the student movement. Parting with his colleagues, Sang-ho happens to end up in a town on the outskirts, a town he has no connection to. The place where he is in hiding is the second floor of a worn down wooden house. Spending his time idly in the room, one day, Sang-ho discovers a hole looking into the room downstairs by chance. Casually looking through the hole, Sang-ho exhales. At first, Sang-ho tries to avoid looking, out of guilt. However, before he knows it, he is drawn to the hole. Every gesture she makes is very captivating and seductive. He watches her body, feels her, and takes her into his heart.
Park Jae-ho's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kim Ji-Hyeon (Hie-ran)'s journey. Parting with his colleagues, Sang-ho happens to end up in a town on the outskirts, a town he has no connection to.
How Does Kim Ji-Hyeon (Hie-ran)'s Story End?
- Kim Ji-Hyeon: Kim Ji-Hyeon's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ryu Soo-young (Sang-ho): Ryu Soo-young's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Choi Cheol-ho (Tae-yeol): Choi Cheol-ho's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Summer Time Mean?
The ending of Summer Time brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Kim Ji-Hyeon's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Summer Time Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Summer Time Based on a True Story?
No, Summer Time is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Park Jae-ho and starring Kim Ji-Hyeon may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Summer Time?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch Summer Time Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
TVING🎟️ Rent on
wavve🏷️ Buy on
wavveSummer Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about Summer Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Summer Time (2001) is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Directed by Park Jae-ho, the film runs for 103 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, Summer Time is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Summer Time worth watching?
Summer Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Summer Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Summer Time identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Summer Time (2001)?
The runtime of Summer Time (2001) is 103 minutes (approximately 1h 43m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.