Going Korean (again): A Barefoot Dream

People dream dreams and we seem not fear anything when we are really persuaded to reach them. This spirit I saw in Coach Kim Sin-hwan of the Korean film, A Barefoot Dream.

 

With my two Korean fanatic friends 

As a rule and by experience, we don’t get to expect too much of the things given for free. We initially perceive them to be substandard and not worth any meager cost. After reading some online ads of this free Korean film marathon, I happily spread the news to my friends. Everyone knows, I’m not a fan (remember I’m Chinese by heart) of anything about Koreans but since it’s free, trying the show won’t be a bad idea. 

Oh Min and Ning Li: Breed of Chinese and Korean by heart

We came late, so late we had no better choice but to squat like a frog on the floor. Good that we found a space to crouch near the fire exit side of the cinema where it’s less uncomfortable and the big screen was still easy to view.

The story took place in East Timor where a soccer team of barefoot players once dreamed of playing and winning a real competition. Coach Kim gave away soccer cleats, which these kids should pay in gradual terms. Due to limited resources, no one made it to shell out what was paid for each pair of shoes.  Each boy tried, in all fairness, to execute his best in pursuit of sourcing out money. Some sold goods, some solicited funds, some broke their “jar” banks. With much compassion and big hopes for these children’s soccer career, all he wanted in return was for his team to strive more and achieve an international exhibition soccer tournament in Hiroshima. He had a hardworking team, real dreamers eyeing for success in each local competition they engaged into. Despite all these, their resources fall short of sending them to Japan ─ adding some untoward situation of Kim needing to go back to Korea for some social-political reason. 
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Coach Kim reminisced his words, “I have always dreamed but never finished it, 

now I brought the team, these barefoot children to the finish line, successfully.”

Kids do fight and the story didn’t miss to describe the reality behind being in a team. Montavio and Ramos never had harmonious encounter. They hated each other’s floor techniques and even brought the dilemma to their game in Japan. Yes, these children and Coach Kim made it to reach their Hiroshima dream through and by the kind support of the Timor local and foreign government associates, from plane tickets to full board accommodation. This boy, Tua, whom I first thought to be eliminated because of shortness in height, did the magic kick, which led the team to winning over their Japanese opponents. The match wasn’t a smooth one. Coming from a tropical country, the cold weather in Japan was their biggest challenge. The players were seen rubbing their arms in chill. 

East Timor locals were only able to catch up on the live game through radio transmitter. Imagine the challenge of just listening and painting the scenario in their imagination! Everyone jumped in glee after announcing the team’s success. The magic kick, Tua's kick hit the score and made them bring home the bacon.

It was all worth it basking on the floor at the corner of the cinema for nearly two hours. 

The film was a simple story with comprehensive lessons in life to share to everyone. We all relearned the spirit of teamwork and working our every dream out to make success happen. Of course it won’t be possible without God’s final touch in every circumstance. We pray for our plan, plan our work and work our plan.

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