Lee Sung-min (이성민)

'Go Go 70s': Cha Steals the Limelight

Source | 2008/09/25 | 0 comments | Permalink |

By Kwaak Jeyup
Korea Times Intern

Inspired by a true story, "Go Go 70s" relies on an embellished narrative and brushes past its characters; perhaps a little too much. The actors are left on their own to develop their otherwise spotty personalities, as if the director sowed them like seeds to see who would grow the tallest. The result is mixed at best, but an unexpected gem is found in Cha Seung-woo.

Cha, a rocker, guitarist and first-time actor, shines in virtually every scene, even in split-second shots. While the camera follows experienced actors Jo Seung-woo and Sin Min-ah much more, they fail to give their roles any substantial character. Their awkward discomfort is in stark contrast to Cha's effortless brilliance.

"Go Go 70s" is a film that traces the band The Devils' rise to stardom in the `70s, playing soul music. Go-go refers to a style of dance that became a kind of zeitgeist for Korean youth's thirst for freedom against an era of government-imposed curfews and regul...| More