Movie Digest
The movie is based on true events during the 1980s. Jung Joon-Kyeong is a high school math genius whose childhood dream is to see a station in his village. Despite having running rail tracks, the train never stops there. It is dangerous for the villagers who take the rail bridge and the tunnel for their daily commute. His father, Jung Tae-Yoon, is a train driver, but he hardly took the initiative of setting up a station. Kyeong wrote several letters to the president regarding his proposition but to no avail. His new mate Song Ra-Hee helps him to continue writing those letters. After many efforts, they get legal permission for the station building. Together with the villagers and his sister, Jung Bo-Kyeong, they finally built a small station by themselves and named it Yangwon. Soon he receives a significant proposal about his education to a higher aspect and is about to leave his home. But he struggles with past happenings related to the eminent desire for the station building.
The Feel-Good Part
The sibling bond between Joon-Kyeong and Bo-Kyeong is very heartwarming. Their routine life represents the love, care and concern for each other, which becomes tearful once the truth gets revealed. The nostalgic love between Joon-Kyeong and Song Ra-Hee and their moments are surly like modern-day fairy tales.
The Disappointing Factor
Despite having a good story, the plot meanders through different situations, often falling abrupt. The first half went slowly compared to the second half, where it gained pace suddenly.
In-Depth Analysis
The plot carries significant shifts and emotions, switching from comic to tragic, ending up in a tearful burst of laughter. It oscillates between the protagonist’s story and family drama, with sprinkles of love shown in between. The first half introduces a glimpse of Joon-Kyeong’s childhood and the day they faced a dangerous situation at the rail track. But then it begins with his high school life and introduces Ra-Hee, thus marking the start of their sweet relationship. Afterwards, it focuses on his story about the station building and his relationship with his father. He doesn’t get much screen time in the first part. Mainly because of living apart from his son. It was late in the second part that his on-screen presence was frequent. This way, the appearance of the supporting cast summons different parts of the protagonist’s story. But the linearity holds markings between narratives.
The sibling relationship between Joon-Kyeong and Bo-Kyeong gains significant gestures compared to other connections. There are only hints of his possible importance as the rising fame in the academic arena. It can be understood from director Lee Jang-Hoon’s style of screenwriting. It is his second feature film after ‘Be with you’ (2018). It shows a lot of similarities with the former one and embodies his style. The notion of being a true story enhances the emotions evoked in the film, hence vivifying those tear-jerking moments. Profound expressions of determination, love and a traumatic past are portrayed. Lastly, the beautiful scenic representation of the countryside added an extra plus point to the film.
Star Power
Park Jung-Min was splendid as Jung Joon-Kyeong as usual. His portrayal of a nerdy high school teenager was apt. No wonder his superb acting skills almost convinced the viewers of his on-screen age. Lim Yoon-A marvellously skilled Song Ra-Hee. More on-screen presence might have shown her ability clearly. Jung Bo-Kyeong’s depth in characters proves Lee Soo-Kyung’s immense ability as good acting personnel.
Overall Opinion
Light-hearted but not devoid of tissue paper, this movie will make you laugh and cry (a lot) together. But it won’t fail to draw that line of happiness, and you can expect a prominent closure. Hence, grab those tissue papers and give it a go.
