This review may contain spoilers
That’s Why “Tambourine” is My Favorite…
Summary: You’re in for a wild ride (and no, it’s not Mr. Toad) with this zany slapstick and situational comedy that oozes cringey notes (even musically). I approached this with low expectations and was not disappointed at all. There were some really ridiculous scenes and I had to pause because of the awkward discomfort I felt in watching, lol, but there were also moments that I couldn’t stop laughing as well. Perhaps everything in life CAN be answered with a headspin. 😃
The storyline was pretty simple and complete (no apparent loose ends). I guess you could call this a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story, as this rag-tag crew struggled to make a lasting name for itself and find its true calling in life (which was certainly not insurance sales). The hand (not gang) signs and unfounded swag between boy band members were pretty hilarious. It’s no wonder everyone loves Tambourine! I mean, Triangle.
It was good to see some familiar faces in this movie: Um Tae-Goo and Yang Hyun-Min from “My Sweet Mobster” thugs (in which I learned the word “shoulder thug”) to misguided rapper and determined cop, Park Ji-hyun from “See You Tomorrow…” depressed office worker to sassy street girl, and Oh Jung Se from “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” autistic brother to a pop singer turned huntsman. 😂
On a serious note, this movie kind of underlined the difficulties that befall young artistic people with hopes and dreams of fame and fortune, only to get used and discarded by greedy and crooked business managers, as well as the constant pressure for artists to stay relevant in their field. It’s a comedic take on that industry but also an interesting point about entertainment worker woes.
Ads: 7-Eleven…I stopped paying attention after that
Soundtrack: Unfortunately, it only has the three songs which are from the movie itself, along with background instrumentals. This would have a been a great opportunity to get creative and include some actual songs from the early 2000s like maybe 1TYM’s Hot (with lyrics: I am a gentle lion taking a nap…) 😂
Details: The story’s plot was pretty self-explanatory; nothing stood out to me other than the side notes below
Side Notes:
Opening credits: Is that really him doing that?? The guy's b-boy skills on point! 😂
Beginning stardom: Uhhh, Korean music is soooo different from U.S. music. Lol. What was considered hip-hop back then. Oh boy. 🤦🏻♀️😂 Ballad Prince, the audience swaying gently back and forth with balloons. Cringe fest. 🤢😂 Reminded me of a scary video I saw of a subdued audience reacting the same way to a glam rock band, as opposed to forming a mosh pit like American kids would. Whole other world.
Insurance meeting in a cafe: Koo Sang-gu talking smack about his client in front of him. Oops 🥴 He’s not getting paid that day! Lol
Audition for variety show (equipment): How many karaoke mics did they have to buy to do this scene? 😱
Rushing to concert but stranded:
Fave quote in that scene: "If that's freestyle, I could do it too. You just have to match the last syllable. That's it (geuge da)" 😂😂😂
“What do you have to say, Leader?” Hwang Hyeon-U says nothing, then dons a helmet to start breaking. 😂
At concert, acapella: they're pretty good without background music 🧐
The storyline was pretty simple and complete (no apparent loose ends). I guess you could call this a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story, as this rag-tag crew struggled to make a lasting name for itself and find its true calling in life (which was certainly not insurance sales). The hand (not gang) signs and unfounded swag between boy band members were pretty hilarious. It’s no wonder everyone loves Tambourine! I mean, Triangle.
It was good to see some familiar faces in this movie: Um Tae-Goo and Yang Hyun-Min from “My Sweet Mobster” thugs (in which I learned the word “shoulder thug”) to misguided rapper and determined cop, Park Ji-hyun from “See You Tomorrow…” depressed office worker to sassy street girl, and Oh Jung Se from “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” autistic brother to a pop singer turned huntsman. 😂
On a serious note, this movie kind of underlined the difficulties that befall young artistic people with hopes and dreams of fame and fortune, only to get used and discarded by greedy and crooked business managers, as well as the constant pressure for artists to stay relevant in their field. It’s a comedic take on that industry but also an interesting point about entertainment worker woes.
Ads: 7-Eleven…I stopped paying attention after that
Soundtrack: Unfortunately, it only has the three songs which are from the movie itself, along with background instrumentals. This would have a been a great opportunity to get creative and include some actual songs from the early 2000s like maybe 1TYM’s Hot (with lyrics: I am a gentle lion taking a nap…) 😂
Details: The story’s plot was pretty self-explanatory; nothing stood out to me other than the side notes below
Side Notes:
Opening credits: Is that really him doing that?? The guy's b-boy skills on point! 😂
Beginning stardom: Uhhh, Korean music is soooo different from U.S. music. Lol. What was considered hip-hop back then. Oh boy. 🤦🏻♀️😂 Ballad Prince, the audience swaying gently back and forth with balloons. Cringe fest. 🤢😂 Reminded me of a scary video I saw of a subdued audience reacting the same way to a glam rock band, as opposed to forming a mosh pit like American kids would. Whole other world.
Insurance meeting in a cafe: Koo Sang-gu talking smack about his client in front of him. Oops 🥴 He’s not getting paid that day! Lol
Audition for variety show (equipment): How many karaoke mics did they have to buy to do this scene? 😱
Rushing to concert but stranded:
Fave quote in that scene: "If that's freestyle, I could do it too. You just have to match the last syllable. That's it (geuge da)" 😂😂😂
“What do you have to say, Leader?” Hwang Hyeon-U says nothing, then dons a helmet to start breaking. 😂
At concert, acapella: they're pretty good without background music 🧐
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