In western countries, ballroom dancing evokes images of graceful, aristocratic couples twirling in luxurious settings. In South Korea it is quite the opposite. For decades it has been considered a sordid, morally dubious activity for philandering housewives and slick, scheming men - who sometimes swindled large bundles of cash from their partners. The “cabaret bars” where such dancing took place were considered a direct threat to the institution of the family. It was not until the late 1990s that a younger generation picked up the hobby abroad and re-introduced it in Korea under the new name of “dance sports,” where it is now becoming increasingly popular.
Dance with the Wind, adapted from a 1999 novel by acclaimed writer Ji Seong-sa, tells the story of a man named Poongshik who, having fallen in love with dancing, plunges headfirst into this unseemly world. Torn between his idea of dance as art and a society that won’t accept such ideals, Poongshik ends up dragged deeper and deeper into a world he never intended to inhabit. Meanwhile, a female detective named Yeonhwa is assigned to go undercover to collect evidence against Poongshik that will lead to his arrest. Soon, Poongshik agrees to teach her to dance.
Dance with the Wind is the directorial debut of Park Jung-woo, who probably ranks as Korea’s most famous screenwriter. The man behind such famous stories as Attack the Gas Station! and Jail Breakers takes a departure from the slapstick comedy of his previous works to present a nuanced and funny account of a self-proclaimed artist who will never be recognized as one. Together with a strong cast that underwent intensive dance training in the months before shooting, Park brings us a memorable and bittersweet film that brings new life to the genre of Korean comedy.
Darcy Paquet