Watch Swing Kids

Swing Kids (2018) is a South Korean musical drama film set in the backdrop of the Korean War. Directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, the film stars Jared Grimes, Kyung-soo Do, Oh Jung-se, Park Hye-su, and Lee Jae-in in pivotal roles. The movie explores the fascinating world of swing dance - a genre of jazz that emerged during the 1930s and became a rage in the U.S. It portrays the struggles of a group of young dancers in war-torn Korea who find solace in swing music and dance, even as their country is torn apart by political and ideological differences.

The film begins in 1951 in Geoje prison camp, a POW camp for North Korean soldiers captured by the South. It is here that we are introduced to the protagonist, Ro Ki-soo (Kyung-soo Do), a young North Korean soldier who is caught stealing rice from the camp's kitchen. He is punished by being forced to clean the dining hall, where he comes across a group of fellow prisoners practicing swing dance steps. The group is led by Jackson (Jared Grimes), an African-American GI who teaches the inmates the art of swing dancing as a way to relieve stress and build camaraderie.

Ro Ki-soo, who has never heard of swing dancing before, is initially skeptical of Jackson's motives and accuses him of trying to indoctrinate them with American propaganda. But as he watches the dancers move in perfect sync, he is drawn to the captivating energy and rhythm of swing music. Gradually, he becomes a part of the dance group and even befriends his fellow inmates, who hail from different countries and races.

As the story progresses, we learn about the various backstories of the characters - Jin-man (Oh Jung-se), a Korean nationalist who despises American culture; Dolmuchi (Kim Min-ho), a Korean-Chinese criminal who is trying to survive in the prison; and Yang Ho-young (Jang Ki-yong), a North Korean officer who sees Ro Ki-soo as a traitor for dancing with "the enemy." Despite their differences, the group finds common ground in swing music and dance, which helps them forget their woes for a brief moment.

As the war intensifies and tensions rise within the camp, the group decides to organize a swing dance performance for the other inmates. They practice tirelessly, creating new dance routines and perfecting their moves. The performance is a huge success, with prisoners from all nationalities and backgrounds cheering for the dancers. The joy, however, is short-lived as the camp authorities discover the performance and accuse the group of engaging in anti-state activities.

The film then takes a dark turn, as we see the group being interrogated and punished by the prison guards. The dancers are accused of being spies and traitors, and their passion for swing dancing is used against them as evidence of their disloyalty to the state. The characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the consequences of defying authority.

Swing Kids is a poignant and visually stunning film that expertly weaves together themes of friendship, love, music, and war. The film's biggest strength lies in its stellar cast, who deliver powerful performances that resonate with the audience. Kyung-soo Do is exceptional as the conflicted Ro Ki-soo, who struggles to find his identity amidst the chaos of the war. Jared Grimes brings energy and enthusiasm to his role as the charismatic Jackson, who is a symbol of hope and liberation for the prisoners. Oh Jung-se is impressive as Jin-man, whose fierce nationalism and hatred for the U.S. and Japan are tempered by his love for swing dance.

The film's music and choreography are also top-notch, with swing classics like "Sing Sing Sing" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" being used to great effect. Director Kang Hyeong-cheol does an excellent job of capturing the exuberance and vibrancy of swing dance, showcasing the dance sequences beautifully.

Overall, Swing Kids is a must-watch film for anyone who loves music, dance, and powerful storytelling. It is a celebration of the resilience and courage of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Swing Kids is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.