[REVIEW] 'START UP' - Exciting and Touching Story of Two Teenage Boys Finding Their Identity

Kapanlagi.com - A 17-year-old teenager named Taek Il (played by Park Jung Min) decides to run away from home because he is bored with conflicts with his mother who wants him to continue school after being expelled. He takes a train from Gunsan to North Jeolla Province without a destination.

Upon arrival, Taek Il works and lives in a Chinese restaurant as a food delivery person. He then meets Geo Seok (played by Ma Dong Seok), a mysterious and muscular chef who turns out to be a fan of the music group TWICE.

On the other hand, Taek Il's friend Sang Pil (played by Jung Hae In) chooses to work as a debt collector. Although it seems easy at first, the job unknowingly leads him to a major problem involving Taek Il and his mother.

1. Review 'START UP'

START UP is a comedy drama adapted from the webcomic titled Start by Jo Geum San. The film version is directed and written by Choi Jeong Yeol, whose debut film ONE WAY TRIP was released in 2016.

Looking at his filmography, Jeong Yeol seems to enjoy the theme of friendship among teenage boys. Therefore, the characters Taek Il and Sang Pil truly come alive on screen.

In addition, the performances of the two main actors who are able to transform from men in their 30s to teenagers are very convincing. Not to mention the presence of Ma Dong Seok, who is guaranteed to make the audience laugh with the peculiarity of the character he portrays.

The elements of drama and comedy in START UP are presented perfectly. When the drama element comes in, it is truly warm and emotionally draining. When interspersed with the rough comedy elements that are typical of South Korean films, it also succeeds in tickling the audience's funny bone.

START UP, which has been released in South Korea since December 12, 2019, is not just an ordinary coming-of-age or self-discovery film. There are insights that can be gained after watching it regarding how to bridge communication between parents and children. This film, suitable for watching with family, will be screened in Indonesian cinemas starting from January 22, 2020.

(kpl/abs/TIN)