Baseball Girl (2020)

A realistic and moving story about pursuing your dreams

Although the story may not be groundbreaking or entirely new, the film delivers a touching message along with an excellent performance from Lee Joo Young.

Story
Even though the title of this movie is literally "Baseball Girl", I would say this isn't really a baseball movie. I truly believe you don't even need to like sports to enjoy this film. At the forefront, this film is about the obstacles and difficulties that we all have in life and trying to face them. The primary character Joo Soo In is not the only one fighting for her way, but others around her too. However despite the hard times or failures that all the characters have, we need to find the determination to continue forward. Overall, the tone of the movie is subdued and slow. However that is not a criticism as this gives time for reflection and really conveys the mood of characters, mainly the female lead Joo Soo In. I also appreciated how the family felt very real, and personally I could heavily relate to the relationship between the mother and daughter.

Acting
The standout in this entire movie is definitely Lee Joo Young as Joo Soo In. From her performance, I really felt the character's struggles but also determination. The rest of the cast was very good as well. It is always nice to see Lee Joon Hyuk, especially in role completely different from those he's done before. Without this cast, the movie's story would have fell completely flat.

Aside from the story and acting, the cinematography was quite nice as well. All in all, Baseball Girl is a well crafted film that I recommend you to watch when you're in the mood for an uplifting but realistic female-lead story.

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This is not a film about baseball. It's about chasing your dreams

Baseball Girl is a simple, yet heartfelt story about a girl dreaming to be the first female professional baseball player, and the prejudices she'll have to face from her teammates, school and family.

STORY ---

Despite having a new coach who doesn't think she's good enough, and a mother pressuring her to come up with "realistic" future plans, Soo In has never thought about anything else other than baseball and she's determined to prove them all wrong.

The relaxed pace of the film unfolds little details of her story and those around her. It's a slow burn that mostly focuses on Soo In, but surprisingly has a few tense moments when she tries to showcase her talents on the field.

CAST & CHARACTERS ---

I enjoyed watching Soo In go after exactly what she wants. How many of us, even later in our lives, has a dream as clear as hers?

Lee Joo Young is probably best known in her roles in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo and Itaewon Class. Here, she plays the quiet, but seriously determined athlete and is incredibly natural in the role. Her acting was amazingly subtle, and she's definitely one to keep an eye on.

The rest of the cast is rounded out by solid veterans, and when the film is mostly about it's characters, you're glad that this cast can bring them to life.

Don't worry if you know nothing of baseball (I certainly don't!). This film is about the prejudices that we all face - be it gender, class, parental expectations, or just people telling you that you can't do something - and overcoming those obstacles in order to go after what you want.

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