Swing Kids

Major warning: Do not take the tragedy element too lightly. This story is so strong, packed with emotions and dancing, relaying the message of freedom and breaking down the barriers that are set for you by society. Each character of the swing team was unique, fighting their own demons and trying to survive through impossible situations. The plot was original, yet it followed lightly the pattern of a war drama movie, with the ending devestating, breaking down the "the hero's passion can do anything" protocol that other war movies follow. The performances were splending as well. The actors and actresses displayed great emotions and painted the drama beautifully. Another note is that their dancing skills were realistic, as they didn't display extrordinary, out of the blue, talent. Rather, they seemed to enjoy themselves and improve their skills under the circumstances that they were under. Also, the soundtrack was to the point! My only concern about this movie was the presentation of the events when it came to the pace. Other than that, this one is a really powerfull movie.

Fresh plot. Fresh cast!! Loved this movie!! The soundtrack was amazing. Doh Kyungsoo has really grown as a actor. The movie was hilarious when it needed to be but I suggest to bring tissues nonetheless, it was a true tear jerker. If I could watch again, I would, but the viewings were limited.

A little slow in the beginning but this movie builds to a big climax. It's interesting to see a view of the North v South Korea conflict from Korean eyes. This ain't MASH. It's not a war epic, it's more nuanced than that. It's more about ideology conflict than the physical battles of war, but there's a taste of that too. It's based in a prisoner camp that in real life was run by the UN. As for whether this particular story is true or not I can't be sure. What I do know is that it's a far more interesting film than it promised in the opening credits. If it is true it's another shameful episode that hopefully helps both sides do better next time. A forelorn hope perhaps but a powerful outcome of seeing this film. There's a taste of every emotion on offer.

After watching Ben is Back, I needed to find a film that could soothe my aching heart. I scrolled through the list of films that were playing at the particular AMC in Monterey Park, and I noticed several South Korean films that were playing. I ended up finding out that this theater plays a lot of Asian cinema here, so I plan to be back. Anyways, I saw the film Swing Kids was playing, and based on the description, I knew it would be the opposite of heartbreaking, right?

Wrong, but not in a bad way, because this film brings the audience a whirlwind of emotions that I was not prepared to feel. Swing Kids is a film that takes place during the middle of the Korean War in the Geoje Prison Camp in South Korea. As the South Koreans and the American soldiers kept the North Korean communists as prisoners of war, there was down time that would be used for recreation. Well, an African American United States soldier decides to start a tap dancing group, and both North and South Koreans (communists and anti-communists) join. As tensions are prevalent immensely at first, all three groups learn to love each other as family, and they ultimately realize that ideology is the only thing that ever separated them.

I thought the script of this film was absolutely incredible. The commentary on the ridiculousness of ideology really made me think about all of the times in history that human beings have rejected other human beings solely because of their culture, religion, political ideology, or race. This film shows us that we need to stop putting labels on each other to differentiate us, but we should all just put on those tap dance shoes and start dancing.

Swing Kids had a lovely mixture of comedy, sadness, drama, and genuine horror as well. The film may have been a little too oversaturated with comedy in the first half because of how radical a shift the second half of the film takes, but I think it was purposeful due to how quickly motivations change in real war scenarios.

It disappoints me that this film is hardly getting any recognition, because I thought it was incredible. Jared Grimes, Hye-soo Park (from Age of Youth), and Kyung-soo Do were amazing here. Their dancing skills and heartfelt dialogue really sold me in their performances.

Absolutely lovely film that all of you should check out.

A really good movie ! Got you into mix feelings watchin it . All elements is played soo well . You will laugh, cry, feel heartwarming, in a serious mood also you gonna feel wanna dance with them ! Kyung So grow so well as a actor and I'm so proud of you ! Good job to all actor who pull off the character so good and the team . A very successful movie !