If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in (retro-)style...
If you´re in the mood for divertingly wasting your time in style (retro-style to be precise).With a lightweight story, lots of action and some fun, too, this will perfectly do.
Its professionally done. You won´t regret it.
Other than that:
Too fast to be substantial or something that lasts or give something that remains. The focus here is on visual and acoustic effects. Storytelling is secondary. At least there was no saving on top-class actors. And, yes, they are in a good mood.
Recipe:
-top-class cast
-action with car chases
-hip scenery locations in the look of the 80s
-speed
-fancy retro styling - cool retro fashion (if you´re into it)
-all sorts of retro cars - styling and tuning (and noises, too)
-light and camera effects
-deliberately/supposedly ´cool as cool can be´
Final remark:
Never mind the drop of truth behind the backstory - corruption and money laundry in the context of the 1988 Olympics in SK. The bad (and good) guys could be anyone, anywhere. That's just the hook to give an interchangeable action movie at least a coating of its own: a Seoul-Vibe - here in an 80s retro look. (However, even this particular ´SEOUL´ Vibe shown could actually be anywhere - It´s more about an ´80s´ Vibe)
Overall, the movie comes across as a solid action movie production for an international audience.
Don´t expect unique Korean-style. (Except for the cast and their acting of course ... and even they can usually do much better, too...)
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80s nostalgia at its worst meets suspence and 80 nostalgia at its best
This movies starts off all colorfull as it ooses of 1980's refrenses making me wonder if the writers/stylists started this movie by just googling the 80's-1990's USA and then copy pasted whatever words they could find.As The Fast and The Furious/ Oceans goes to Seoul, the view of tiers burning to the sound of disco is actually not that bad. What is however a ceime against humanity is how they could take some of koreas most good looking men and make them look unatractive as no one and I mean no one not even Go Kyung Pyo can look good fake gold chains, 1988 or not.
While I get that the point of this show was action and nostalgia, it could have been achieved without ruining the boys images. As the sight of Yoo Ah In in gold chains is now forever loged in my brain. However Park Ju Hyun won the styling lotteri in this as she got to wear the best if the 80s and came off bad ass and cool unlike the boys who just look silly most of the time. Jokes aside this drama does have some ok stayling for the boys here and there too, as well some good car roaring vibes, not to mention raging lunatics, some beloved old characters without a pulse and beautiful use of colors and PPL that shows the evolution of popular brands combining nostalgia with modern day product placement. All light... And to be honest not that interesting/slightly annoying.
But once the first hiest is over the movie turns dark (not only the lighting) and becomes more and more bloody, nailbiting and interesting (styling gets better too), thus making pretty good use of colors, light and contrasts working perfectly together enhance whatever they are trying to enhance, and creating a situation where dark/light, betraial/loyalty, comedy/suspense, friendship/rivery, issues/nonsense... work together pretty well. And though Ill admit most of the comedy is not really my bottle of vintage coca cola the twists and my appreciation for these contrasts did end up making me go from thinking this is meeh lets just get thrue it to see what happens to thinkig oooo now this is interesting.
So in numbers:
Suspence: 8
Nostalgia: 10
Friendship: 9
Cinematography: 8,5
Emotional: 7
Annoying elaments: yes
Twists: 9
PPL:10
Styling: -10
Explosions: 8
Use of cars/trucks/skatebords: 10
So deffenetly an ok watch once you get passed the first half of second hand imberrisment and meehness
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Cruising Through Nostalgia; The Retro Film That Missed A Few Gears…
There’s something about Moon Hyun Sung’s ( ‘ As One’, ‘ The King’s Case Note’) ‘ Seoul Vibe’ that held a lot of potential on paper; a group of 80’s youths caught in between the past memories of the autocratic government of South Korea, as well as the newly democratic era marked by the Olympic Games and economic growth. However , while ‘ Seoul Vibe’ possessed a certain nostalgia of 80’s fashion brands and VHS camcorders, the general progression of the narrative and car chases played out like a paler imitation of a 'Fast & Furious' franchise movie interpolated with a less gritty Scorsese action film .
‘ Seoul Vibe’ opens up inexplicably in 1988 Saudi Arabia, with ace driver Dong Wook ( Yoo Ah-In-‘ Burning’, ‘ Hellbound’) skirting around a rough desert track in his dilapidated Chevy with his videographer and younger brother Joon-Gi ( Ong Seong Wu-‘ Moment At Eighteen’ and ‘Would You Like a Cup Of Coffee?’). Returning back to Seoul, the duo reunite with their old friend and taxi driver friend Bok-nam (Lee Kyu-Hyung - ‘ Life’, ‘ Dr John’ and ‘ May It Please The Court’) , resident DJ John (Go Kyung-pyo) and Dong and Joon’s sister Yoon-hee (Park Ju-hyun), learning that their part of the city has pretty much been demolished to the ground ahead of hosting the Olympic Games. The only thing left is their father’s old auto body garage, somewhere that the group seeks refuge inside.
Enter the big nuisance of the film: Prosecutor Ahn ( Oh Jung-se). Knowing all about Joon’s illegal involvements overseas, Ahn strikes a deal with the group that he will eradicate the group’s criminal records in exchange for the crew bringing down the money laundering operation of underworld kingpin Kang In-sook (Moon So-ri).
As mentioned previously, ‘ Seoul Vibe’ possessed an edge of nostalgia that was as warm and bubbly as its neon palette schemes and Coca Cola bottle shots. However against its sweet and entertaining edge, ‘ Seoul Vibe’ struggled when it came to its execution. The comedy was variable from scene to scene and while the mindless car chases and lack of physics can be taken with a pinch of salt, the writing of the movie was a mixed bag to say the least.
It’s necessarily bad per say that ‘Seoul Vibe’ was heavily inspired by movies such as from the ‘ Fast & Furious’ franchise. However rather than interspersing the film with lively and fleshed-out characters ( aside from a few backstory mentions that rarely play a bigger role), a plot boasting unique, key and central messages against its backdrop of an ever-changing late 1980s South Korea or helping to explore the relationships and dynamics of the group to their full potential ( especially considering most of them or siblings or old friends), the film often felt somewhat cut and pasted from other works. In particular, this was shown by the formulaic events of the narrative; the setup, the big chase scenes, the final showdown and then the fairytale ending for the main characters.
The acting front of ‘ Seoul Vibe’ was fairly consistent. The chemistry between Dong-wook’s gang of old friends and misfits was decent enough but rarely did it feel awe-inspiring. There wasn’t a lot of opportunities given in the movie to actually explore these bonds or for viewers to fully understand the significance of their achievements together. One of the few spotlight performances of the movie was Park Ju-Hyun ( ‘ Extracurricular’) , who starred as the two brothers’ sweet and lively younger sister.
The OST of ‘ Seoul Vibes’ was certainly one of its few soaring prides with tracks such as “You be Illin’” from Run-DMC and " One for the Treble” by Davy DMX, helping to add to the cartoonish and easygoing vibes of ‘ Seoul Vibe’.
‘ Seoul Vibe’ is a fun and energetic action romp which is filled with a lot of lighthearted fun. However while ‘ Seoul Vibe’ was entertaining and did provide a small lens into a bygone era, the storyline felt as though it could’ve been taken from any car chasing action film. Perhaps with better execution, writing and special effects, ‘ Seoul Vibe’ could’ve been a lot more than the finished product.
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This review may contain spoilers
Could've been better.
It's a decent one time watch movie.But, as the headline says it all, this movie could've been better.
I didn't, at all, get the vibes of Korea in 1988. I'm not a Korean and born in the 90s. So, I truly don't know what it would be in Korea in the 1988. But we do have a parameter to compare it with, Reply 1988. And the only thing common in these two were the presence of Go Kyung-po. Nothing else. Nowhere I got the vibe of 1988.
So, ignoring this basic thing, I would now focus on the story.
Honestly, it was quite good. It was funny, thrilling, entertaining and the actions were good. That being said, there were many glaring mistakes too. I felt that come characters were way underutilized like that of Lee Kyu-hyung. Bok Nam will make absolutely no difference in the story if he wasn't in it. So that's a big flaw. All other characters were good and engaging, but not the same with Bok Nam. But I understand this as it's very hard to give importance to all the characters in a movie with an ensemble cast.
So letting this one slide.
Now I will address another problem, the climax. It seems to me that they tried to copy a bit too much of Hollywood movies like Fast and the Furious. I know it's a movie, but still does it make nay sense to see a car parachuting its way down to the car from a fucking cargo plane. I know it is possible, but this scene is frame-to-frame like that of Fast & Furious 7.
Coming to the acting, I think all the actors did a very fine job. I watched this movie because of Oh Jung-se and Moon So-ri, and I wasn't disappointed by it. Yooh Ah-in was exceptional, so were rest of the actors from his gang.
The best thing about this movie has to be the music. The songs of 80s provided that nostaglgic feel which was missing from the production setting. Korean as well as English songs were used quite well in the form of mix-tape.
Overall, this movie is nice and would appeal to fans and those who haven't watched much of Korean cinema.
But as someone, who has watched many Korean movies and dramas, this movie was way below mark.
Still, the acting and the funny sequences will make it a worth watch.
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lightweight, humor with touch of retro action
A wine bottle from 1988, I know the taste is good. I wouldn't mind sipping it again someday. It's a light humor action movie that gives the audience an escape to feel the retro fast and furious in 80’s style.The story had nothing special to offer, few youngsters who dream to live big get entangled between prosecutors and villains, trying to save themselves from both. Riding on modified fast cars, and wearing 80’s fashion on the Olympic opening day is the chosen for the movie climax D-day, and that's the reason for the movie title as SEOUL VIBE.
It isn't super complicated but within the first half one can probably guess what's gonna happen next. Although the story is not fresh its stellar cast which performed outstandingly without a doubt wouldn't let anyone down for watching the movie. They kept me entertained from beginning to end with pro acting and semi-humor.
The Chicago Typewriter duo reunion of Yoo Ah In and Go Kyung Pyo in one frame reminds me of TCT as if am rewatching the drama again. The fake gold chain is super funny on both of them. They are both amazing and YAI never disappoints its viewers, he always had the depth of the character he portrays. He is leading the team and drove like he is fast and furious.
GKP gave its usual pleasant and easygoing performance.
Ong Seung Wu had a messy curly hairstyle portraying the youngest of the team. His small and thin build added the necessity of the youngest and loving member. I loved seeing him because he lit up the screen with humor.
Park Ju Hyun, rode the bike like a pro. She had a good wardrobe of the ’80s and I loved her to see in that crop tops which enhanced her long hairstyle.
The 1988 Olympics of Seoul is just a time taken to intensify the fashion, funk, racing cars, and color palette of the movie which serves its purpose. Because it picks up the viewers and takes them on the nostalgic, retro ride of the 80s.
If anyone wants a deep story, with lots of action this isn't the one for you. Because its story is weak and has mild action. But yes it has amazing car chasing sequences, which are thrilling to watch.
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yoo ahin song mino joint slay
boring but not like boring as haleeeeeeeee it's just oh he's funny OH look it's getting started fucking finally oh oh we're halfway thru it already??? lmao i just fell asleep OHHH they got a new mission???? wait what boring. the dongwook galchi constant rivalry to pure love not being the main story was such a waste i'm furious. i personally think the main reason the star-studded cast chose to do this movie was its 1988 background and how devoted the prod team was to the theme? which, you know, props to them, carried this movie. but still yoo ahin has always been bounded to the banging storyline so idk??anyway they gave us yoo ahin the finest man song mino thee scene stealer pretty cinematography excellent acting from all the casts enjoyable ost and i found myself laughing several times so 8.0 it is
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Such a fun and thrilling ride with an amazing cast!
This action movie is set in 1988, a period providing an undoubtedly interesting background story-wise with its dark political situation and at the same time its bright context with the start of the Seoul Olympics. The plot is quite simple and not that original but it is for sure really fun to follow. It starts fairly light with some humour and as the story progress, the tension and the stakes increase, providing a lot of captivating and thrilling moments.The casting is amazing with a lot of known faces. The alchemy between the leads is totally believable: the friendship and family spirit within this group of hot-heads is immediately obvious to the viewer. Despite the film not digging very far in the characters' past and links, the performance of the actors made it very easy for me to grow attached to this band of misfits and to root for them.
The film making and production value are really great. The fashion and style of this era, the details on the sets, everything is superb and totally immersive. The cars are fabulous and the movie has some truly beautifully made car chase sequences. The OST with its hip-pop vibes and old school South Korean songs is absolutely on point and such a nice throwback, completing the immersion.
I would recommend this to people that are looking for a good action movie and/or that are searching for a story set in this crucial period of time for South Korea. If you enjoyed the context of Reply 1988 and if you like car chase scenes, this one is for you!
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Hip concept is the main driver of the race
Absolutely crazy retro setting for a car action film, everything looks really cool and colorful, from a bunch of classic cars to vintage fashion, the production spent a whole lot of effort in the visual designs of this film. The story though took some time to start kicking, the first half is basically a flashy intro that lasted too long, things only get interesting when the team plans for the revenge grand scheme to take down the corrupted military dictatorship. The final car chase scenes have some intense moves but yet to be groundbreaking. The mission seems like an easy miracle and everything is a perfect plan, but the hip concept is basically the main driver of the race to the finish line.Was this review helpful to you?
PROS
+ The cars and music have a cool, retro vibe
+ There are some exciting pursuits and extreme stunts that give the film a unique charm
+ It's refreshing to see the team function well together and pull off the complex and far-fetched plans (it's similar to something like the A-TEAM)
+ The sense of danger is conveyed very well once things start going bad
CONS
- The depth on each character is paper-thin and often made me lose interest
- Even some of the story seems lackluster in its writing
- A lot of the racing scenes in the beginning seem to be pretend with a heavy reliance on quick camera work and varied action shot rather than legitimate driving/racing
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I don't think I would re-watch this one, but I'm glad to have seen it once. It's nearly 2.5 hours and some of it just feels like a highlights mashup of a TV drama series.
If you're like me and recently watched Special Delivery, then this might help you come back down to earth.
7.5/10
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Great Cast Mediocre Story Telling
Honestly I was very excited to watch this because I am huge fan of some of the actors in this movie and seeing Song Minho practically play a gooft version of himself was quite interesting but the story lacks any serious stakes for us to get attach to the characters. Yes we root for them but we are not quite sure why.It's fun and easy to watch but I had higher expectations from the premise and the cast. They acted but it feels like a waste of talents who can act raw emotion... You can watch it while doing something like knitting etc where you dont want to pay 100% attention to the movie.
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The nostalgia felt a bit forced
I was really exited to watch this, simply because of the cover. I expected a funny nostalgic 80s movie with lots of action and comedy.And if you only look at the visuals, thats exactly what you get. But it doesnt feel natural.. It kinda feels as if they added every single detail that screams '80s' onto one big pile. And beneath all of that is a halfhearted storyline. I didnt watch it until the very end, simply because i got bored and because it was really underwhelming.
Having said that, if you like 80s nostalgia, you should definetly have a look and not be let down be the reviews. Who knows? Maybe you will like it. And its definetly worth it for the visuals!
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This review may contain spoilers
Cars that drift
This movie is so exciting and full of action which I loveThe movie is set in the lead-up to the historic 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the film centres around five friends who collectively call themselves the Sanggye-dong Supreme Team.
I love the classic 80s retro vibes and soundtrack
Fast and Furious in the 80s (I don't know if fast and furious have political chats never watched it)
I was a little confused with the friendship dynamic this is my understanding of them
The main lead Park Dong Wook and Park Yoon Hee are siblings, Woo Sam (John) and Joon Ki are brothers, in the middle of the movie Joon told Dong while giving the ignition "this is dad's, so I don't know
I hate politics side in these types of movies but it went straight to the point, I liked the discovery uncovering a slush fund scam during the Olympics that was really good and refreshing.
I really shipped John and the Secretary they deserved better
I gasp so loud when prosecutor died he just came out of nowhere unexpected jumpscare
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