Movie Review: “REBOUND”

There’s nothing quite as heart-wrenching/warming as a story of triumph in the face of incredible adversity. There is also no other genre that pulls off those stories quite as well as sports movies do.

What made “Rebound” different among other “David vs goliath movie” is the story’s focus on the fight outside of the ground, the clash of traditional vs new approach of the game strategy. That way the movie transcends its sports and its genre. It’s a perfect study of the amazing human capacity for change, the courage to challenge the existing norms and the so called conventional wisdom, to embrace the new and the science; and the wonders it bring. It’s the story of one team and their belief to set foot beyond the horizon, towards unknown, while risking everything they have, also while carrying the baggage of their failed, misplaced dreams. 

“Rebound” is a 2023 South Korean sports drama film directed by Jang Hang-jun. Kim Eun-hee with Kwon Seong-hui wrote the screenplay based on the true story of basketball coach Kang Yang-hyeon and the Busan Jungang High School's 2012 run to the national championships final despite having only six players on its roster. The once-renowned basketball team of Jungang High School in Busan is in shambles and on the verge of being shut down after years of poor performance. Alumnus Kang Yang-hyeon, who had been on the coaching staff of the U-16 boys' national team, is brought in as the new head coach, but his appointment sparks many players to walk out as they refuse to play under a still-relatively unknown coach. After some convincing, Coach Kang manages to scrape together a ragtag team of six players, most of whom were rejected by other top basketball schools, for the upcoming National Basketball Championships. They learn to play and live by his motto: "There is no such thing as missed shots, only rebounds!"

Rebound is a very inspiring and emotional film. For me, it is one of the best sports movies of all time. Great acting - exceptional acting. I’m not generally a huge Korean fan, but they can absolutely nailed it in this role. They turned in great performances. You don’t have to be a sports fan to really enjoy this movie, but if you even like basketball a little bit - this movie will blow you away.There are numerous heartfelt monologues, the players train until they collapse and cry, there are bitter defeats, etc. But the happy moments are just as moving.