Take Off is a sports drama loosely based on a true story of how a Korean national team was formed. It is the Korean Cool Runnings but instead of bobsledding, it is about Ski Jumping. The underachieving crew of first timers is tasked to qualify for the Olympics so that their country has the chance to host the games.
If you’ve seen Ski Jumping before then you’ll know that there’s nothing spectacular about the sport. Guys go down a ramp and try their best to land the farthest. There are no special moves involved. This was one of my apprehensions with regards to Take Off. How can they make Ski Jumping interesting?
They did it by focusing on character development and did well at that. Take Off centers on six individuals from different backgrounds with one common denominator; they all can ski. Coach Bang (Sung Dong Il), with the help of Cha Heon Tae (Ha Jeong Woo), assembled the team composed of Choi Heung Cheol (Kim Dong Wuk), Ma Jae Bok (Choi Jae Hwan), Kang Chil Goo (Kim Ji Seok), and his mentally challenged brother Kang Bong Goo (Lee Jae Eung) as the team mascot of sorts.
Like any typical sports drama, Take Off highlights the flight of each individual. Bob or Cha Heon Tae is a former US ski jumper who took the job because he wanted to find his biological mother. Choi Heung Cheul joined the team to impress the coach’s daughter, played by Eun-seong. Kang Chil Goo wanted to avoid military duties and leave his brother and grandmother behind.
For Coach Bong, it was just a job. As you can see each team member had his own selfish reasons but as their bond grew, the Korean Ski Jumping team only has one goal and that was to bring honor to their country.
As Take Off goes on, you’ll find yourself rooting for Team Korea. People love underdogs and there’s no greater underdog in the movie than these guys. Although they failed in their attempt, their competitive spirit is something to aspire for.
Another thing you’ll learn through Take Off is that we should not degrade mentally challenged people. They too have skills that can bring honor to the country. When Kang Chil Goo was injured, his brother took his place so that the team can avoid disqualification.
Yes, Take Off is a mediocre sports drama that lacks any excitement but omit the sports part in the label and you have a damn good drama. This is one movie worth watching.
