‘Dream’ (2023) Netflix Movie Review - A Humorous Sports Comedy

Dream is a delightful sports comedy that captures the heart with its perfect blend of humor and emotion. Starring the charismatic Park Seo-joon and the talented IU, the film takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of laughter and heartfelt moments.

The story revolves around Yoon Hong-dae (Park Seo-joon), a footballer whose actions during a game lead to embarrassment and damage to his public image. In a bid to salvage his reputation, his PR agency hires the spirited director Lee So-min (IU) to rehabilitate his image. However, chaos ensues when So-min decides to transform Hong-dae into a coach for a special national soccer team comprising homeless individuals. Their goal? To compete in the Homeless World Cup.

From the very beginning, Dream sets the tone with hilarious comedic sequences, showcasing Park Seo-joon's mastery of the genre. The first half of the film delivers perfectly timed jokes and chaotic interactions between characters, with Hong-dae being the constant source of amusement. Yet, as the story unfolds, Dream takes an emotional turn, instilling a sense of patriotism and endearment.

The movie touches on the power of teamwork over mere wins and losses, focusing on the inspiring journey of the underprivileged homeless team. Despite the hardships they face, the film avoids mocking their circumstances, instead using their unique traits to generate genuine laughs and create an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Park Seo-joon delivers a commendable performance as Hong-dae, a character full of pride and rage but dealt a tough hand in life. His unresolved anger and nonchalance about his surroundings add depth to the film, making it even more captivating. Although viewers may have hoped for a romantic subplot between Park Seo-joon and IU's characters, their portrayal of the enemies-to-lovers trope is still engaging and leaves a lasting impression.

The supporting cast, including Son Beom-soo (played by Jung Seung-gil), Jeon Hyo-bong (played by Ko Chang-seok), and Jeon Moo-soo (played by Yang Hyun-min), adds further comedic value to the movie. The footballers' interesting backstories are skillfully woven into the narrative, making the games entertaining and humorous.

Dream strikes the right balance between light-hearted comedy and touching storytelling, leaving the audience with a warm and inspiring feeling. The film successfully promotes team spirit and sheds light on the plight of homeless people, showcasing their struggles without resorting to stereotypes or clichés.

The chemistry between IU and Park Seo-joon is undeniable, leaving viewers yearning for more collaborations between these talented actors. While Dream may not have fulfilled fans' romantic expectations, it surpasses them with its well-executed comedic elements and heartfelt emotions.

Clocking in at 130 minutes, Dream is a quick and enjoyable watch that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The movie's pacing is on point, ensuring that no scene feels dragged out or unnecessary.

In conclusion, Dream delivers on its promise of being a killer sports comedy with a touch of melodrama. It showcases the brilliant acting talents of Park Seo-joon and IU, who bring their characters to life with charm and charisma. The film's inspiring message of teamwork and its empathetic portrayal of homeless individuals make it a must-watch for all audiences. While a romantic storyline between the leads may be absent, the movie more than compensates with its heartwarming storytelling and genuine humor.

Final Score- [7.5/10]
Reviewed by – Neha Krishna
Follow @Neha25Krishna on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times