.jpg)
AT what point does a movie franchise become too overplayed? Zooming into Netflix, the only vibe that Seoul Vibe seems to bring to the audience is Korean Fast and Furious.
As much as I enjoyed the first two Fast and Furious movies, the speedy car races and anti-hero concept soon became boring just as quickly as the excitement came. I admit that I am not a car person and that I may be biased when it comes to these sorts of movies, but trust me when I tell you that Seoul Vibe was practically Fast and Furious in Korea in 1988.
Set during the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the plot follows a group of anti-heros known as the Sanggye-dong Supreme Team, who get arrested and would only be released – as they have criminal records – if they help law enforcement apprehend a group of corrupt individuals. They go undercover after passing a ‘test’, get caught up in the middle of an ordeal, figure a way out, and come out victorious.
If you're shocked at being spoiled, don't be, just reimagine one of the Fast and Furious movies in Korean.
However, an element that Seoul Vibes successfully brings forward – that the modern day Fast and Furious could not – are the vintage cars as well as the 1988 self-expressions of the young people in the face of globalisation.
This movie materialised what street racing looked like without the fancy modern-day technology and modifications, showcasing the true strength and beauty of the car itself, as well as the raw skills of the drivers.
I would say that individuals who consider themselves car fanatics would definitely be able to appreciate the production of this movie a lot more than individuals like me who just view cars as modes of transportation.
During the press conference for Seoul Vibe, the director (Moon Hyun-Sung) and cast (Yoo Ah-In, Ko Gyung-Pyo, Lee Kyu-Hyung, Park Ju-Hyun, Ong Seong-Wu and Moon So-Ri) did bring up the fact that the most difficult part about shooting the movie was not only sourcing for the cars, but also acting and shooting with these cars, especially as most of them weren’t functioning at top condition, as well as having to destroy some of them during the car chase scenes.
One element that was prominent throughout the movie was the desire to live the 'American dream'.
Particularly seen within the Sanggye-dong Supreme Team, the group is frequently inspired by Western hip hop songs and fashion, which is especially obvious when it comes to their sole female member, Yoon-hee (Park Ju-hyun).
Often reprimanded by her elder brothers in the group, Yoon-hee often dresses in crop tops and dad jeans. Although this doesn’t sound very significant, do keep in mind that this was set back in 1988, where any extra form of skin shown on a woman in Asia was considered inappropriate and sexual.
Yoon-hee stands by the ‘my body my choice’ ideal and portrays her strong biker-girl identity with strength and confidence. It was particularly interesting to hear that her original costume ideal was more feminine and sexy, which probably emulated the outfits of one of the girls in the Fast and Furious movies.
I’m glad that Ju-hyun and the costume designers made the change in Yoon-hee’s outfit choices, as it kept more of the Asian flare of the movie.
Personally, the highlight throughout the movie was Minho’s debut as a supporting character, Galchi. It was fun watching him embody the fun character that exuberates his already-present hip hop charm in his music.
Overall, Seoul Vibes is a movie that, in lead actor Yoo Ah-in’s words, is a movie for entertainment purposes instead of one that is trying to send a philosophical message. So if 1988 Korean Fast and Furious is what you have been dreaming of watching, what are you waiting for? Strap in and hit that play button. – The Vibes, August 30, 2022
