연합뉴스
| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-12-20 07:47:32
SEOUL, Dec. 20 (Yonhap) -- "This place is full of vitality. It's the land of opportunity."
When asked why he refuses to return to Korea, Suyoung (Lee Hee-jun) replies that he fears becoming insignificant back home. From the luxurious setting of a hotel overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Suyoung and Guk-hee (played by Song Joong-ki) share this exchange, setting the tone for "Bogota: The Final Land of Opportunity" (hereafter referred to as "Bogota"), a tale of ambition and survival among Korean immigrants striving for a foothold in a foreign land.
The film begins with Guk-hee and his family arriving in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, in the aftermath of Korea's financial crisis. There, he encounters Suyoung, a prominent figure in the local Korean community, and Sergeant Park (Kwon Hae-hyo), which propels him into a battle for survival.
The exotic allure of Bogotá immediately captivates viewers. The film’s authentic atmosphere owes much to its on-location shooting in Bogotá, showcasing the city's vibrant scenery. The actors' Spanish performances and Lee Hee-jun’s character design, including his mustache, further enhance the immersion.
Central to the narrative is Guk-hee’s transformation. Initially out of place, he gradually adapts to his surroundings, shedding his former self as a series of events unfold. His evolution is highlighted through visual cues, such as his cropped hair, earrings, and tailored suits. Song Joong-ki captures this transformation, notably through his fluent Spanish, which he described as a key focus during the film's production.
During a press conference held at Megabox COEX in Seoul on the 19th, Song Joong-ki emphasized his dedication to mastering Spanish. "I believed that convincing the audience of Guk-hee’s integration into Bogotá was crucial to portraying his transformation convincingly," he explained. "I didn’t just memorize lines; I improvised to make my performance more natural."
The film employs brisk pacing to keep the audience engaged, using time skips to advance the story. Director Kim Seong-je drew inspiration from "Peppermint Candy" (2000) and utilized jump cuts, cross-editing, and montages to craft the narrative.
Kim noted, "'Bogota' explores significant events across different timelines, showcasing evolving relationships and conflicts. Whether it ends in growth or tragedy, 'Peppermint Candy' served as a valuable reference for structuring these elements."
While the film is polished and well-executed, it occasionally lacks the intensity to leave a lasting impression. Its absence of bold, striking moments falls short of the fervent desires driving its characters. Audiences expecting the gritty allure of similar Colombian-set dramas like "Narcos" may find the film subdued.
Moreover, the reliance on event-driven storytelling can make character developments feel abrupt.
At 106 minutes, "Bogota" opens on the 31st and is rated 15 and above.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]