Road to Boston

Based on a real story, Boston 1947 follows the inspiring journey of Korean athletes who proudly wore the Taeguk symbol for the first time in an international marathon since Korea's liberation and brought home the prestigious medal with them.

The movie tells a great story in a somewhat old-fashioned or even tacky way. It presents the real events of the 1947 Boston International Marathon using 2004 filmmaking techniques. The one who breathes life into the film is Yim Si Wan, who plays the role of Suh Yun Bok. He adds his own momentum to the character and propels the story forward. The highlight of this movie is the latter part of the marathon race. The film captures the vividness of the scene and makes the viewer feel like they are right there. It also accurately represents the distinctive characteristics of a marathon race, where athletes depend entirely on their physical abilities without the help of any specialized equipment.

My Rating : 7.5/10.

Road to Boston is one of the few movies I selected on a whim, and it turned out to be one of the best cinematic experiences I've ever had. Its appeal doesn't stem from a complex storyline or cutting-edge technical aspects; it boasts a simple and straightforward premise with no unexpected twists. However, Road to Boston executed this simplicity to perfection, leading me on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

To be frank, it isn't a unique film. I've seen others with a similar plot structure, like the recent Gran Turismo. The distinction lies in Road to Boston's portrayal of the main protagonist's struggles from the outset. He bears the weight of his nation's hopes, striving to earn global recognition for his country's competence. This depiction makes us, as viewers, feel as though we're walking in his shoes. Conversely, when it comes to plot development, Gran Turismo has the upper hand. Its dramatic and heart-wrenching twists showcase the protagonist's unwavering dedication to triumph. In Road to Boston, however, certain plot turns feel poorly executed and, at times, superfluous.

The characters in Road To Boston are also endearing, each bringing their own unique flavor to the movie. The film centers on three main protagonists: a legendary Korean marathoner who has won a tournament but remains unsatisfied due to certain circumstances; an older runner whose competitive spirit still blazes within; and the central figure, a young prodigy. Despite his immense talent, his subpar record and financial hardships have prevented him from showcasing Korea's latent potential on the world stage.

In conclusion, while Road to Boston might not break new ground in terms of storytelling, it masterfully captures the depth of human emotion, perseverance, and national pride. Its characters are not just figments of a script but embody real, raw, and relatable emotions that resonate deeply with viewers. Despite a few narrative missteps, the film stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its characters and offers a poignant reminder of the lengths individuals will go to for recognition, both personally and for their homeland. It's a cinematic journey worth embarking on.

Road to Boston aka 1947 Boston is a heartwarming and uplifting film that beautifully captures the essence of perseverance, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of the Korean people. Set in 1947, two years after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, this sports drama tells the true story of Suh Yun-bok, a 24-year-old marathon runner who represents his country in the Boston International Marathon.

Ha Jung-woo delivers a powerful performance as Sohn Kee-chung, the coach who leads the Korean athletes in their quest for victory. His portrayal of a man dedicated to uniting his country through sports is both inspiring and emotional, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Korean spirit.

Im Si-wan shines as Suh Yun-bok, a young athlete driven by the dream of bringing honor to his country. His portrayal of the struggles and triumphs faced by Suh is deeply moving, capturing the essence of a nation rebuilding itself after years of oppression.

Director Kang Je-gyu masterfully brings this story to life, blending history and drama to create a film that resonates with audiences worldwide. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and spirit of both Korea and the marathon itself.

"Road to Boston" is more than just a sports movie; it's a celebration of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity. It reminds us that with determination, hard work, and a strong sense of purpose, even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.

"Road to Boston" is a must-see film that will leave you inspired, emotional, and thoroughly entertained.

Thoroughly involving from start to finish this is the best movie about running I have ever seen.

This movie was more moving than Chariots of Fire. The race was more exciting. There were more obstacles to overcome than religion. Physical size, lack of training equipment, racism, politics bureaucracy and red tape. So many barriers. The win wasn't just for an individual but for a country that had been forcibly occupied by Japan for decades.

Im Si Wan is a totally convincing actor and he physically suits the role with his small size.

Ha Jung Woo is as always good in his role of 1936 Olympic gold medalist whose win was counted as for Japan instead of Korea because of the occupation at that time. Never managed to change the country.

Hope this movie gets to Netflix or Viki so more people can see it.