“Taekwondo 2016” is a slow-paced exploration of male bonding and homoeroticism during a Buenos Aires summer holiday. The movie is a glimpse into the lives of young men who spend their time doing martial arts, swimming, drinking mate, listening to music, and engaging in conversations about relationships, sexuality, and intimacy. The film is like a sun-drenched pool party where tensions simmer just below the surface as desire and friendship mix in unpredictable ways. With few events or plot twists to distract from the character’s interactions, “Taekwondo 2016” is an atmospheric and contemplative meditation on male identity and desire.
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Review
If you’re a fan of martial arts films, then you’re in for a treat with the movie “Taekwondo”. This Argentine film directed by Marco Berger and MartĂn Farina tells the story of a group of men who spend a weekend together at a beach house. The group consists of friends who share their love for Taekwondo, but over the course of the weekend, their relationships are tested in unexpected ways.
The film opens with Pancho (Gabriel Epstein), a young man who arrives at the beach house to attend a Taekwondo training session. There, he’s reunited with his old friend Fernando (Lucas Papa), who has organized the event with his boyfriend German (Juan Manuel Martino). The other attendees include Ezequiel (Nicolás Barsoff), Pablo (Lautaro RodrĂguez), and Juan (Federico Fontán).
As they spend time together at the beach house, tensions begin to rise as it becomes clear that Fernando and German are romantically involved. While most of the group is accepting of their relationship, Pancho is visibly uncomfortable and struggles to come to terms with his own feelings.
The film’s storyline explores themes such as sexuality, masculinity, friendship, and love. It’s an unusual premise for a martial arts film but it works surprisingly well. The plot is character-driven and takes its time in building tension between the characters.
One interesting fact about “Taekwondo” is that all six actors are trained martial artists. They underwent intensive training prior to filming and did all their own stunts during fight scenes. This dedication to authenticity adds an extra layer of realism to the film.
The acting in “Taekwondo” is commendable across the board. Each actor brings something different to their respective roles, adding depth and complexity to the characters they portray. Gabriel Epstein stands out in particular as Pancho, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character’s internal conflict.
The film’s score is also worth mentioning. Composer Pedro Irusta provides a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s mood. The use of silence in certain scenes also adds to the tension and makes for a more immersive experience.
Though “Taekwondo” is not widely known, it has received critical acclaim since its release in 2016. It won the Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ-themed feature film at the Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for several other awards.
The cinematography in “Taekwondo” is beautiful, with stunning shots of the Argentine coast. Director of Photography Tomás Farina makes use of natural lighting and muted colors to create a dreamlike atmosphere that adds to the film’s overall aesthetic.
One standout scene in “Taekwondo” involves the characters practicing their martial arts on the beach at sunset. The combination of stunning visuals and powerful music creates a truly memorable moment that will stay with viewers long after they’ve finished watching the film.
While “Taekwondo” may not appeal to all audiences, it offers a unique perspective on martial arts films that is both thought-provoking and engaging. The film’s focus on character development and relationships sets it apart from typical action movies, making it a refreshing change of pace.
It’s not often that you see a martial arts film tackle issues such as sexuality and masculinity with such honesty and sensitivity. “Taekwondo” does just that, making it one of the most interesting and compelling films in recent memory.
In terms of production, “Taekwondo” was shot on location in Argentina over the course of four weeks. The crew faced several challenges due to weather conditions but managed to complete filming without any major issues.
One criticism some may have about “Taekwondo” is its slow pace. The film takes its time in building tension between the characters, which may not appeal to those looking for a more action-packed experience.
However, the slow pace is also what makes “Taekwondo” stand out. By taking its time to develop its characters and their relationships, the film is able to deliver a more satisfying and emotional payoff in the end.
In conclusion, “Taekwondo” is an engaging and creative film that offers a unique perspective on martial arts movies. With its strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and haunting score, it’s a must-watch for fans of the genre. Despite its slow pace, the film’s themes and character development make it a standout in its field.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 105
- Release : 2016-08-18
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Gabriel Epstein as Germán, Lucas Papa as Fernando, Francisco BertĂn as Leo, Gaston Re as Diego, Juan Manuel Martino as Fede
- Crew : Marco Berger as Screenplay, Marco Berger as Director, Marco Berger as Editor, Marco Berger as Producer, Pedro Irusta as Music
- Popularity 11.746
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Oh My Gomez! Films
- Summary : Fernando is on holiday with his closest male friends in a beautiful country house in a suburb of Buenos Aires. On their own without their girlfriends in a “men only” environment, the hunky young studs bask in the hot sun, play in the pool, smoke pot, and drink, most often semi-clad or naked. In this freewheeling and testosterone-infused environment, they talk of their desires and strengthen their individual bonds.
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