Road To Boston Film Review: Underdog's Upgrading Story

Im Si Wan (Lotte Entertainment)

JAKARTA - Im Si Wan and Ha Jung Woo were brought together in a film by Kang Jae Kyu titled Road to Boston. Since its announcement in 2019, this film has been highly anticipated by the audience for telling the story of South Korean runner, Soh Yoon Book.

South Korean cinema deserves thumbs up. Their ability to mix an underdog story seems not a new secret. The formula continues to change but the execution still reaps good results.

Likewise with the film Road to Boston. Combining two shining actors from Chungmuro makes their chemistry worth the wait. Im Si Wan who always performs totally and Ha Jung Woo who is good at choosing a role in Road to Boston.

The film Road to Boston tells the story of Sohn Kee Chung (Ha Jung Woo), a former legend runner who wins representing Japan. He felt he failed to bring the name of South Korea, which at that time had not become an independent country.

Sohn Kee Chung's desire to bring a South Korean representative runner was present, so he and his best friend, Nam Sung Yong (Bae Sung Woo) made training for potential runners.

On the other hand, a man named Soh Yoon Bok (Im Si Wan) works as an employee at a restaurant and spends time participating in a competition running for money. Later, the money will be used for the treatment of the mother.

Soh Yoon Bok has the ability to run quickly which caught Nam Sung Yong's attention. However, his first meeting with Sohn Kee Chung ended badly because Soh Yoon Bok wanted to run for money instead of passion.

Nam Sung Yong promised Soh Yoon Bok would earn more money if he wanted to practice running with Sohn Kee Chung. Slowly, Soh Yoon Bok began practicing running with Sohn Kee Chung in preparation to take South Korea to Boston Marathon 1947.

Kang Je Gyu is able to turn history in South Korean sports into a touching journey. The story of an underdog story that has increased makes the audience easily sympathize with the main characters.

Im Si Wan as Soh Yoon Bok is proof that he is a calculated actor. How can his face show the emotions of someone who goes through everything make him a tough and fragile figure. In addition, he looks confident as someone who is good at running. Is it because he once played an athlete running through the drama Run On?

This film also features a story of nationalism that does not seem to dictate, but the character of the characters who are full of struggle and dedication.

The comedy moment is not always present, but Soh Yoon Bok's interaction with Sohn Kee Chung assisted by Nam Sung Yong is also interesting to follow. This time, we also want to appreciate the acting of supporting actors who offset the main players.

Not only about underdogs, but the Road to Boston film also contains a historical side in interesting South Korean sports. The story is also not made dramatic, but after all the stories make the audience touched.

This film shows the actions of nationalism and love for the homeland as well as the discovery of identity wrapped in the theme of sports.

The Road to Boston film can be seen in Indonesian cinemas starting today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023.