Seoul Vibe

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.

Apart from the fact that the film is rather conventional and not very original, it's atmosphere, the set up and the characters are good enough to lead you to the end.

The real dissapointement come from the chasing and racing parts. It feels too fake, too much CGI. And when it's not CGI, most of them feel too slow.

The soundtrack is quite nice.

You could have thought that with all these sponsors, they could have done better. A point that will probably irritate more than one. Especially when famous drinks explod exactly like in a commercial, this was clearly not necessary.

Worth the watching anyway.

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.

OMG!! It captivated both eyes and ears.

It's a film of perfect material for entertainment.

The clumsy characters who aim for American culture are so cute.

By combining hip-hop, fashion, and music in 1988 Korea, the eyes and ears of the audience were entertained.

I think I've never seen a Korean movie with this kind of material.

The scenes of car-chasing in the old car are amazing and it's killing me.

People who have only seen serious and message-filled Korean movies will be surprised to see this movie.

It's a great movie to laugh and enjoy.

I hope these kinds of movies come out often in Korea.

I recommend it to everyone who needs a laugh.

I mean I absolutely adore kdrama but this movie feels just a korean version of every single american movie about cars and racing that has ever existed. Even the plot is just the same as many other movies. ( even the music are all 80's American hits)

Korean dramas have something unique and special about them and they have gained a lot of popularity in the last few years because of that. You can usually experience their culture through the screen but everything that makes people fall in love with korean shows and movies is missing here.

I have watched the leads in many dramas and I know how good they are ( specially Yoo Ah-in which completely transforms in each role).

The movie, regardless of everything is entertaining enough and it's fast paced but I was expecting more.