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Now to "Fly, Daddy, Fly." Look at this formula. A high school student who comes from the wrong side of the tracks becomes a mentor to a 40 something salary man who has obviously lived longer, has more experience, more wisdom and more maturity under his belt, yet you have Lee Jun Ki being perfectly believable as a young man whose been knocked around so much that he can offer something more to the mature and devoted father. He actually pulls it off as a mentor to the old guy. He, a snot nosed teenager with a checkered past, can teach the dad something about being prepared to deal with the harsh realities in life that always sneak up when you are not prepared to cope with them.
The film becomes a tribute to the benefits of healthy male bonding. Whereas the old fart gets his fighting weight and strength back, the young man finally gets a father figure who cares about whether he is okay or not. Obviously that was something lacking in the character of Lee Jun Ki and the longing was subtly underplayed, not showcased in a sob story that pierced my heart all the more with it's "it is what it is" factor. The laughs are fabulous, inspiring and perfectly placed through out the movie. This is a solid 9.
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The acting is fabulous. Lee Jun Ki is wonderful, as always. I haven't seen much of his work, but oh boy is that gonna change. Lee Jun Ki brings the right amount of toughness and vulnerability to his character, making it so that you can't help but sympathize with him.
As for the other major player in this movie, Lee Mun Shik is also fantastic. His ability to portray the emotion and pain that he's going through in this movie is incredible. His transformation throughout this movie is quite moving as well.
The writing is fantastic, pacing is very well handled, and all in all this movie is definitely worth watching over and over and over again. I will say though, be ready for the ending, because this is one of the few Asian movies I've ever seen with a happy ending, and I cried anyway.
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I also liked how 'daddy' was somewhat adopted by Lee Jun Gi's character. I felt for that young boy - he looked like he needed a protector too. My only beef is that the ending - we don't know what happens to those three boys. I wanted more and thought the story was a bit unfinished.
The story - I felt that this was what would happen in a Joseon period. The rich take advantage, but the Iljimae type combats it. I liked this movie a lot.
The music also had me dancing in my chair all the time. Loved it.
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Story:
The plot focuses on a salaryman, that decides to take a revenge on a high-schooler who had assaulted his daughter. At this very moment, one might wonder is that a grown man's reaction and is revenge really the answer, however, we do have to take in account father's love towards his only daughter, that plays a large role as his motivation.
Through various different training ways, with the help of 3 high-school boys, he not only reveals his physical potential but also changes his view on life and starts changing his personality to a more brave and decisive man, rather than a coward he was before. It's a journey that usually a young man would go on, but here a middle-aged office worker takes this serious step in order to defend his daughter's honor.
Apart from the main plotline which eventually leads to the final "fight", there are several small side plots, stories of people directly around him that either has gone through this road themselves or are actually inspired by him to try and improve themselves. It also touches upon the back-story of one of the boys helping him, adding a twist of father-son relationship building between them, which adds another layer to the movies base - family.
The small additions of the side plot were nice and so was the actions repeating themselves and showing the development of the character, yet one could argue it might have been too repetitive and, perhaps, a bit slow paced. The motivation for 'revenge' is questionable as well, but the focus on family makes the viewer forget about it while watching.
Acting/Cast:
Not much can be said about the side character, as their involvement and presence is very minor throughout the whole movie. The main characters played by Lee JoonGi and Lee MoonShik are very interesting and actually complex, however, the fact this is a movie does not give us as much insight on either of them as we would want. It gives glimpses and narrated backstories (Lee JoonGi's character) or a narration over ongoing action (Lee MoonShik's character), however, it feels more could be known about them. That being said, both actors did a splendid job with what was given to them!
Music
Tunes from the time when the movie was made and even early, mostly focusing on the theme of the movie in the lyrics, enhance both the main thought behind the movie as well. The chosen singers, songs and lyrics all tie together with the story. But would this be a soundtrack we would search for to listen to daily? Probably not.
Over-all, the movie was an easy watch and it didn't feel like it was dragging on for too long. Yet if I have to admit I probably am watching it only one time, the plot not being something one wants to watch over and over again. I would recommend it for a one time watch.
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