Watch A Barefoot Dream

A Barefoot Dream is a heartwarming and inspirational sports drama movie produced in South Korea in 2010. The movie was directed by Kim Tae-gyun and stars Gabriel Da Costa, Junior Da Costa, and Zefancy Diaz. The plot follows the true-life story of Kim Won-kang, a former soccer player from Brazil, who becomes a coach of a small soccer team in a rural village in East Timor. The impoverished and war-torn region has little infrastructure for sports, let alone competitive soccer. However, Kim sees this as an opportunity to not only teach the local children how to play soccer but also to find hope and purpose in their lives.

Kim's journey starts when he first arrives in East Timor with no job, money, or prospects. After stumbling upon a group of kids playing soccer on a makeshift field, he sees their potential and agrees to coach them. At first, the kids are reluctant to take orders from an outsider, especially one who doesn't speak their language. Nonetheless, Kim perseveres and finds creative ways to communicate with his team, often using gestures and simple soccer drills.

As the team begins to improve, Kim's vision starts taking shape, and his goal is to make them the first team from East Timor to compete in the Asian Youth Cup. However, to realize this seemingly impossible dream, Kim faces numerous setbacks, both financial and organizational. He has to raise funds, navigate bureaucratic hurdles, and deal with naysayers who don't believe in the team's abilities.

Despite these obstacles, Kim never gives up on his dream, and his unwavering dedication inspires his team to do the same. They begin to see soccer not just as a game but as a way to transcend their harsh reality and aspire to something bigger. Over time, the team improves dramatically, and they start winning matches against better-equipped opponents from neighboring countries.

However, the movie's heart is not just in the soccer games but also in the touching relationships that Kim builds with the young players he coaches. He becomes a father figure to many of them, particularly to one of his star players, a boy named Solo, who has a troubled background. Through soccer, Kim teaches the kids valuable lessons on teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence that they can apply to their everyday lives.

A Barefoot Dream is a movie that reminds us of the transformative power of sports, particularly in underprivileged communities. It shows how a single person's actions can have a ripple effect and bring hope to an entire community. The film's performances are outstanding, particularly by Gabriel Da Costa, who portrays Kim with a mix of grit and tenderness. The child actors who make up the soccer team are equally impressive, bringing a natural and heartfelt charm to the movie's emotional moments.

Moreover, the movie's cinematography and score are beautifully executed, vividly capturing the lush landscapes of East Timor and the intensity of the soccer matches. The film also addresses several relevant issues, such as poverty, war, and the challenges faced by immigrant coaches.

Overall, A Barefoot Dream is a poignant and inspiring movie that makes for a perfect family viewing experience. It touches on essential themes such as perseverance, hope, and ambition, making it a movie not just for sports enthusiasts but for anyone who appreciates a good human story.

A Barefoot Dream is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.