Olympic Dreams

As far as sports romcoms go, this is an unusual movie, in that it's shot at the Olympic Village during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. This very real backdrop is fleshed out in a bunch of scenes with equally real athletes, capturing an unfamiliar flavour.

Starring alongside the established Nick Kroll is the movie's co-writer, Alexi Pappas, former Olympian, just like Gus Kenworthy and Morgan Schild, who also have small roles to play. There's a bit of a Lost in Translation (in sports) feeling to Olympic Dreams, which unfortunately doesn't get the chance to really catch on, as the movie stumbles to its predictable finale. The good thing is Pappas and Kroll are both likable on screen, and Pappas captures a bit of the forlorn solitude of elite athletes and the harsh realities of the Olympic cycle.

Not in enough depth to really make the movie memorable, but sufficiently to put a personal twist to a familiar tale.

This film is as personal as they come. The small cast and crew can be felt in each scene and the warm banter I was left feeling like an estranged friend. I have a special appreciation for the work put in to keep this story authentic. (I see you Jamie!) Overall, a beautiful film.

Bare with me little off topic, athletes life is short, participating in Olympic shall be all athletes dream. The effort each of them behind I can tell is indescribable, it's a tragedy if Tokyo Olympic is cancelled, even delay for 2 years, some athletes may be not physically fit or in his/her best form to play. Watching this movie makes me even more emotional when seeing athletes step in the award ceremony but this scene may be not seen in this year summer :(. The story itself is ok given the background happening in Olympic village is first time filmed. Just hope Tokyo Olympic will go on as usual.

Though this type of movie is not really my cup of tea, I found it strangely appealing and filmed completely inside an Olympic village (which was a bit different). The main story concerns a young Olympian girl (who is the sole competitor from Armenia) and an awkward romance with a much older Olympic dentist. I can understand why some would love it and others not take to it at all. Despite the awful title, I'm really pleased to have seen it.

Other reviews have likened this to Lost in Translation and that comparison is spot on. It's the more awkward (yes really!), Geekier, low budget version and I'm just fine with that. Using the real Olympic village during the Olympics is a hugely effective backdrop to the disjointed relationship between two people who feel lost at sea in an ocean of human apathy. The one man camera crew gives access to intimate moments that just aren't possible with a big set up. Quietly affecting, melancholy but with moments of wonder. This movie deserves a watch. 7/10