Seoul Vibe

As "Seoul Vibe" (2022 release from South Korea; 140 min) opens, it is "1988 Saudi Arabia", and two guys are driving a Jeep in the Saudi desert, delivering cases of weapons. The two guys then return home to Seoul just as the Olympics are about to open. As they are picked up at the airport, it seems they are followed by "men in black". At this point we are 10 minutes into the film.

Couple of comments: as the movie unfolds in the first half hour, this results in an easy comparison of the wanting to be the Korean version of the "Fat & Furious" franchise, and in and of itself, there is nothing wrong with that, if this version is compelling in its own right. Alas, that is where the movie falls way short. The multiple street car chases, which form the core of the movie, are okay at best. I can't help but think back to that other Korean action movie that was recently released: "Carter", Korea's version of "Mission Impossible", and a movie that absolutely blew my mind on every level. Compared to "Carte", "Seoul Vibe" is a poor third cousin once removed, if you know what I mean.

"Seoul Vibe" opened this past weekend on Netflix, and the New York Times had an interesting review on it. That was good enough for me to give it a chance. I must say, I was quite disappointed when all was said and done. Of course don't take my word for it so I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Seoul Vibe may not have all that's advertised in it, but beneath it's corniness there's a sociocultural read of the 1980s South Korea. The American dream of a young man from a torn down neighborhood. The gold wear, fast cars and sneaker worship tells the miraculous story of an economy with it's flood gates broke open. Seoul Vibe in this regard lives up to it's name. Cast put up a vibrant performance portraying playful youngsters. When Dong-Wook mocks the patriotism but stay behind for the duty it shows the natural and societal attitude of a generation. It's a movie with a fresh vibe to pass the time in a fun way.

It's a crime, the way that CERTAIN US-BASED STREAMING PLATFORMS are all rushing to buy their way into Korean and Japanese markets by just green-lighting every lousy script in the local language they can get their hands on, and then producing what is basically just American television in Korean (also, Japanese). It's a crime because they are buying out the great creative powerhouse of our generation and gentrifying it -- within ten years they are going to destroy the local creative industry and replace it with Disneyland. It's like the Mission District and Williamsburg all over again. Netflix is basically the stinking sulfuric acid that dissolves culture.

This lousy turd of a Netflix production in no way resembles the flavor and genius of Korean cinema and tv drama that we know and love. Okay, we got that out of the way. But while we're at it ,it also doesn't resemble 1988 in any way shape or form - not America in 1988 never mind Seoul in 1988. I didn't bother to look at the credits, but it's 100% certain that this thing was made by first-generation Korean Americans from LA who weren't even born in 1988. So there is no nostalgia to like about it. Beyond that, it just feels surreal, how lazy you have to be to not even research the period right. In the 90s, people were making 70s period pieces that could pass... maybe it has to do with the collapse of culture from the internet, but it's just weird how far this is from portraying the "vibe" of a generation ago. Nothing like Korean cinema, nothing like 1988.

What can I say...

First off the movie is too long yet they are able to make the ending feel rushed. Draggy storyline yet filled with many loopholes. Somehow the main characters who claim to be "normal" people are able to pull off their plans with ease.

Secondly, there is too much subpar/low quality CGI that makes you wonder whether this movie is not only set in the 80s but also produced in the 80s. Too unrealistic driving CGI that even makes Fast & Furious feel legitimate. Footwork camera scenes are ridiculous.

Last but not least, the amount of promotion for the American dream/American related subjects makes this movie feel much like a propaganda. Again, it makes one wonder if this is a Korean movie or an American movie.

1988. It is indeed impressive how the setting of the movie took us back to 1988 in a beautiful way to portray the modernity in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

It is a mixture of political events unfolding in speedy action rhythm, with not much car races but races with a lot of purpose! Blended with comedy! There is no other creative way to display it beautifully more than this!

Each character have their own charm, but what made me pleased and happy is actress park juhyun as the biker Yoonhee because this character may sound sassy, courageous character in our age but at that time she was viewed as a rebellious woman, and its a good reminder to not forget how women were looked at in the late 80s. However, she represents the bravery of a lot of Korean women who have been fighting for their dreams, the way they want to dress since the 80s. Women in South Korea still suffer from how the society want them to be, so looking at this character, it is such a great addition from the writers because we need more characters like her, to remind the world that, unfortunately, things might have changed, but discrimination against women still exists.

Overall, I give the movie 10/10 because they managed to transform many genres like how a painter mix their oil colors in a smooth way, a must watch? Definitely!