‘Road to Boston’: A Cinematographic Gem

This Korean film deserves a shot at Best Cinematography at this year’s Oscars.
‘Road to Boston’: A Cinematographic Gem
Yun-Bok Suh (Im Si-wan, R) champions his homeland as the camera department films the scene in “Road to Boston” Lotte Entertainment
Ian Kane
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NR | 1h 53m | Biography, Drama, Sport | 2023

As the 2023 Academy Awards draw closer, anticipation and speculation about the winners is building. Many predict winners for the prominent categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress, however, the technical aspects of filmmaking are often ignored.

An excellent shot of long-distance Olympian Kee-Jung Son (Ha Jung-woo) wearing a long face at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, in “Road to Boston” (Lotte Entertainment)
An excellent shot of long-distance Olympian Kee-Jung Son (Ha Jung-woo) wearing a long face at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, in “Road to Boston” Lotte Entertainment

“Road to Boston” features great cinematography and certainly deserves to be up there with Oscar nominees in this category. The film fuses a celebration of strong male characters and narrative with outstanding visuals.

The film chronicles the ambitions of Korean athletes who participated in the Boston International Marathon in 1947, a pivotal time following the Japanese Empire’s relinquishment of control over their nation, just before the formation of the Republic of Korea.

Great Visuals

“Road to Boston” boasts a highly skilled production team, particularly in its camera and electrical department. The film benefits from the expertise of seasoned primary camera operator Leroy Button, known for his work on blockbusters such as “F9: The Fast Saga” and “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One,” as well as Stephen Oh, who lent his talents to “John Wick: Chapter 4” and “Napoleon.”
Leroy Button working on a movie. (Leroy Button)
Leroy Button working on a movie. Leroy Button

Additionally, the film benefits from drone support provided by Luke Annells, whose impressive portfolio includes “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and “Lion.” With such a distinguished lineup of cinematographers, “Road to Boston” showcases some of the industry’s best talent.

Button’s trademarks are present; with sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups and with breathtaking precision, his lens captures historical references and the world’s beauty. His use of light, shadow, and color creates an atmosphere of palpable tension during the dramatic marathon scene, drawing the audience deeper into the story with each frame.

The cinematographers adeptly handle the aforementioned flashback scenes to the Berlin Olympics as well, and employ longer takes in a different color grading to vividly depict the historical context of Japan’s occupation of Korea.

Behind the scenes footage from “Road to Boston” (Lotte Entertainment)
Behind the scenes footage from “Road to Boston” Lotte Entertainment

After his disappointing Olympic experience, Son grapples with self-criticism but still retains a burning desire to advocate for South Korea as the nation emerges to establish its own identity. Therefore, Son and his bosom buddy Seung-Ryong Nam (Bae Sung-woo) decide to hold trials to find and coach long-distance runners with the potential to win international marathons. Even though Son’s Korean marathon dreams were unfulfilled, he’s decides to go all out to help worthy up-and-comers achieve theirs.

They discover a promising talent in the young and gifted runner Yun-Bok Suh (Im Si-wan), but several obstacles will hinder their progress.

More on Its Cinematographic Wonders

While the main actors’ performances are commendable, the film’s cinematography is outstanding. Utilizing a series of jump-cuts, drama pans, and variations in speed, the film’s skilled camera crew creates a sense of immediacy that fully immerses viewers in the unfolding drama.

The movie also delivers exhilarating bird’s eye shots thanks to the skilled work of Luke Annells and his drones. Annells wisely demonstrates restraint in his drone usage, deploying them judiciously rather than succumbing to overreliance.

“Road to Boston” offers a technically superior, refreshing portrayal of masculinity and patriotism, themes often overlooked in modern Western cinema. It’s encouraging to see these values celebrated in films from other countries, reminding audiences of their enduring significance—all in a technically sound package that is sure to delight audiences.

“Road to Boston” is available on Viki and OnDemandKorea (not on Moviefone).
‘Road to Boston’ Director: Kang Je-kyu Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Bae Sung-woo, Im Si-wan Not Rated Running time: 1 hour, 53 minutes Release Date: Sept. 27, 2023 Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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Ian Kane
Ian Kane
Author
Ian Kane is an U.S. Army veteran, author, filmmaker, and actor. He is dedicated to the development and production of innovative, thought-provoking, character-driven films and books of the highest quality.
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