[Review] Im Siwan, Bearing '1947 Boston' with a Poignant and Steadfast Shoulder

Movie '1947 Boston' Review

Ha Jung-woo and Im Si-wan Deliver Powerful Performances as Son Ki-jeong and Seo Yun-bok
Between Emotion and Melodrama... A Lively Portrayal of the Era

'1947 Boston' stills [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

Director Kang Je-gyu, who led Chungmuro in the 1990s and early 2000s, brings the true story of marathoners Son Ki-jeong and Seo Yun-bok to the screen. It is his first film in eight years since 'Jangsoo Sanghoe' (2015). '1947 Boston' began filming in September 2019 and wrapped up at the end of January 2020. It is a film meeting audiences after more than three years. Although it contains elements like melodrama and nationalistic sentiment that recent viewers tend to avoid, it has been carefully crafted through a long post-production process. Unnecessary fluff, such as marathon scenes, has been boldly trimmed, resulting in a polished and sophisticated finish. The casting alone is enough to raise expectations. Actor Ha Jung-woo firmly supports the story as Son Ki-jeong, while Im Si-wan’s spirited performance radiates energy. The film shines with the wholehearted acting of its cast.

At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, marathon gold medalist Son Ki-jeong (played by Ha Jung-woo) set a world record. On the podium where the Kimigayo anthem was played, he covered the Japanese flag pinned to his chest with a flower pot and could no longer continue running.

In 1947 Seoul, although liberation has been achieved, life remains harsh. Seo Yun-bok (played by Im Si-wan), the youngest of six siblings, struggles to make ends meet. To support his mother and family, he does whatever work he can find. Despite not even having money to buy a pair of running shoes, he participates in a marathon competition to win prize money and takes first place. Son Ki-jeong then appears and suggests they run together in the Boston Marathon.

'1947 Boston' still image [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

After many twists and turns, Son Ki-jeong and Nam Seung-ryong (played by Bae Sung-woo) join Seo Yun-bok to compete in the Boston Marathon. Their goal is to reclaim the glory of the Berlin Olympics, which was under Japanese control. In the distant land of Boston, USA, where blond foreigners didn’t even know where Korea was or what it looked like, the three raise their voices for a single purpose. Their voices are recorded in history, and Seo Yun-bok becomes the first marathoner to wear the Taegeuk mark on his chest and run.

The story of national heroes overcoming the era’s hardships and making history cannot be free from melodrama and nationalism. The film seems aware of this, cutting away scenes where emotions become excessive and deliberately avoiding overt patriotic appeals. However, scenes showing Son Ki-jeong, Seo Yun-bok, and Nam Seung-ryong struggling to raise financial guarantees and fighting to wear the Taegeuk flag instead of the Stars and Stripes carry strong melodramatic tones. The atmosphere in theaters has changed 180 degrees since the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, films labeled as 'melodramatic' or 'nationalistic' are thoroughly shunned. Conscious of this, '1947 Boston' pushes each scene forward briskly. Still, opinions are expected to be divided. On the other hand, it leaves the impression of being a suitable film for families to enjoy together during Chuseok.

'1947 Boston' stills [Photo by Lotte Entertainment]

After watching the film and standing up from the audience seat, the most striking image left in the mind is the face of Im Si-wan as Seo Yun-bok. Im Si-wan is the greatest achievement and success of '1947 Boston.' Recently, the film industry has faced criticism that young roles are awkwardly played by older actors. Considering stable investment and other factors, boldly casting young actors is not easy. The era of movie stars has passed. Im Si-wan defies these concerns by showing a strong presence. Given the production circumstances in 2019, casting Im Si-wan was a bold choice. Ultimately, his casting was a masterstroke.

Im Si-wan acts with every cell in his face, his gaunt limbs, and the quietly strong muscles of his shoulders. This is the result of the actor’s sweat and tears to become Seo Yun-bok. He dedicated himself to exercise, eating only salad and chicken breast, realistically portraying the appearance of a marathoner. Without that effort, there would be no Seo Yun-bok as we see him now. His energy matches Ha Jung-woo’s momentum excellently. Running time is 108 minutes. Rated 12 and up. Opens September 27.