Movie Digest
Tae II is a musician who already has a little bit of success pursuing his craft in the music industry. Upon retiring from the industry as the music scene becomes more saturated with youngsters and viral hits, Tae now wants to transition into the next stage or maybe look for new inspiration for his music. He goes back to his roots in his hometown where he reminisces his time in a band. He meets up with his former middle school band member who allows him to crash at her place. She currently teaches music at school. Tae decides to mentor the group of teenagers to give them the attention they so desperately need.
The Feel-Good Part
Following one’s passion above everything else. It’s a very popular trope that is frequently engaged in the scripts by filmmakers, and writers alike. This trope has managed to wrangle its way into cinema globally. There is this pull towards anarchy especially when it comes to working in a corporate space. This type of film is typically marketed towards the demographic of adolescents that are made to feel they own this world. Reeling in the audience with hopes of a euphoric lifestyle following one’s passion will bring. This is at the cost of everything else in their lives. Da Capo manages to evade the pitfalls of brashness that normally comes with this trope. This was refreshing to witness. We see a musician who already is on the brink of losing motivation to continue in his field of work, go back to his hometown, and start to mingle with a group of teenagers who want to make it big. The band Tae mentors have all the aesthetics of K-Rock and grunge down. With the growl, and mannerism of a veteran rock musician, their hopes are implied in the way they imitate their idols. In them, Tae is convinced that this could be something more and reignites his love for the craft.
The Disappointing Factor
This movie has a plot that struggles to maintain a balance between two vital storylines. One is Tae and the revival of his music career and on the other hand the teenage musician in his hometown that he mentors. The plot becomes overwhelmingly slow due to this. The pacing of the story needs a bit of improvement. There is a little lack of nuance though that could be credited to the storytelling pace. One good thing even after the pace is slow is that the actors cast in the role are very apt to play their parts. Both the main leads are real-life musicians so this role came naturally to them.
In-Depth Analysis
This movie perfectly shows how the characters feel about the craft of music. Songwriting and the technicalities play a huge role. Music however in this film is not seen as an anarchist move to rebel working in a corporate space or anything. It’s more of making music a part of one’s life. It’s about how music always leaves an indelible mark behind and learning to enjoy the process of it instead of being caught up in the details. It’s not seen as an access to a fantasy life or a euphoric lifestyle full of economic, and personal liberty. Rather it’s seen as a craft that needs honing, sharpening, and development of skills just like any other work an individual might commit themselves to.
Star Power
Hong Isaac and Jang Haeun are the two main leads in this film. Both are majorly invested in their musical careers; the former has dabbled in variety and reality shows that are inclined to musicians. This film acting venture is a first for Jang Haeun.
Overall Opinion
This movie has several songs that are the heartbeat of this feature. The ballads and soulful renditions are what make this movie click well. Through music, it explores the connections between people, and that is very soulfully depicted in the frame. We also hear a lot of rock compositions. This movie is good for music lovers and those that are waiting for a new perspective on pursuing one’s passion. The movie is often compared to ‘School of Rock but be prepared that this film is a little informal and lacks the energy the former gives. It’s a league of its own considering how it mainly reflects the style of storytelling in cinema we see in the eastern flicks.
