CAST: Park Seo Joon, IU, Kim Jong-Soo, Ko Chang-Seok, and Jung Seung-Gil

DIRECTOR:Lee Byeong-Heon

The release of “Extreme Job” took everyone by surprise, including its creators. This unassuming action comedy, boasting a talented cast led by Ryu Seung-ryong and Lee Hanee, quietly made its mark and quickly gained momentum through strong word of mouth. As a result, it etched its name in history as the most financially successful Korean film ever and the second most-attended domestic theatrical release in the country.

The unprecedented triumph of “Extreme Job” provided a game-changing opportunity for its director, Lee Byeong-heon. He had nurtured a dream project, “Dream,” for nearly a decade before the unexpected success of his action comedy. Thanks to the newfound financial and creative freedom gained from “Extreme Job,” Lee Byeong-heon could finally bring “Dream” to life, fulfilling his long-standing aspiration and passion for the project.

In this captivating film, Park Seo-Joon portrays a footballer whose popularity plummets after a regrettable incident where he pokes a guy in the eye. Struggling to reclaim his sportsman status, his team decides to capitalize on his handsome face and turn him into a celebrity. Meanwhile, IU shines as Lee So-Min, a determined individual looking to establish her reputation by creating a compelling documentary.

Fate brings them together when So-Min is assigned to film the Homeless World Cup Team, which will be coached by Hong-Dae, played by Park Seo-Joon. In a refreshing change of pace, Seo-Joon takes a back seat, allowing the other actors, including Kim Jong-Soo, Ko Chang-Seok, and Jung Seung-Gil, to naturally shine with their comical yet authentic performances. Throughout the film, their characters gradually unravel, adding depth and intrigue to the story.

While the focus could have been more on So-Min’s perspective, the movie weaves a seamless blend of drama and comedy, characteristic of Korean cinema, without compromising the entertainment factor. As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a delightful mix of emotions, making the film a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

In “Dream,” Lee Byeong-heon takes us on a captivating journey with the South Korean team at the 2010 Homeless World Cup, a team that may not have won trophies but certainly won the hearts of a nation. Within this tale, the spotlight falls on Yoon Hong-dae, the lead character, who becomes the driving force behind this spirited and unconventional group of players. Despite their inherent ineptitude, they are determined to put on a good show and prove their worth.

Lee’s expertise in comedy shines through as the film unfolds, delivering a plethora of humorous situations, both during the training sequences and when the team heads to the World Cup. From the very first scene, featuring a delightful cameo appearance, to the film’s conclusion, the humor remains ever-present, keeping the audience entertained throughout. While it may not reach the same laugh-out-loud levels as “Extreme Job” or “Twenty,” “Dream” still manages to consistently hit its mark, delivering plenty of enjoyable comedic moments.

However, it’s important to note that the narrative isn’t entirely lighthearted. Homelessness, a rarely explored topic in Korean cinema, takes center stage in this comedy. Lee seizes this opportunity to shed light on the harsh conditions and prejudices faced by the homeless in the country. The film accurately portrays the violence, disregard, disrespect, and ignorance that plague these individuals. Despite this serious undertone, the narrative doesn’t delve deeply enough into these issues, and some characters receive more attention than others, leaving some with mere one-sentence explanations. This shortcoming is particularly disappointing, given the film’s two-hour runtime.

The majority of the screen time revolves around Hong-dae’s somewhat uninteresting story, which eventually loses steam, and certain elements, like his relationship with his mother, are abruptly forgotten. Additionally, the unrealistic commentary during the football matches may prove bothersome to some viewers.

In his first big-screen appearance in four years, Park Seo-joon effortlessly exudes coolness in his performance. Though not particularly challenging, his charm makes the character likable, and his passion for football shines through. IU, despite not making her debut film role as anticipated, delivers a watchable and affable performance, showcasing her usual cutesy charm. The chemistry between the two leads is adorable, and they play off each other surprisingly well. The supporting cast also performs uniformly well, with Lee adeptly balancing their screen time.

“Dream” offers a vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience, tapping into the Korean spirit often seen in sports movies. However, it places more emphasis on the journey and spirit rather than achieving victory and success, a theme prevalent in Korean cinema. Ultimately, one’s enjoyment of the narrative may depend on personal preferences. Although well-cast and funny, “Dream” may not quite measure up to Lee Byeong-heon’s previous film, “Extreme Job,” leaving some audience members and Lee’s fans feeling slightly disappointed.

Streams on Netflix