YMCA Baseball Team: Comedy as a Deflector

While watching the film YMCA Baseball Team I found its approach to the reiteration of an unpleasant time interesting. First of all the quick movements of the camera as it swerved through streets and alley ways of Seoul created a storybook feel. Perhaps, the childish, playful feel of the the movie was attributed to the fact that the story was being recalled by a child. The movement of the camera as well as the interesting characters in the film, such as the twins and the odd silent man, made the story feel like make-believe, with a slight fantastical feel. The film was filled with comedic moments, which allowed the film to glaze over the more serious moments. For example, when, i believe it was Min Jeong rim’s relative, committed suicide Ho-chang’s love letter lightened the mood . Also, when Lee Ho-chang was having a serious conversation with his father comedic relief was provided with the throwing of the beads at Ho-chang. The film itself reminded me slightly of slap stick comedy. The silly moments in the film allow the movie to come off light hearted, in spite of the slightly darker events that occurred during the time. 

The film itself is fairly nationalistic, displaying the triumph of Korea over Japan through the classic American pastime, baseball. in reality  the occupation of Korea by Japan had just begun, and Korea would have to submit for many years to come. In film, during the final game between the Japanese team and the Korean YMCA team, Oh Dae-hyeon potentially sacrifices his freedom for the hope of Korea. The Koreans in this film are very nationalistic, which is contrary to what is believed they actually were at the time. 

Korea at the time was heavily influenced by both the Japanese and the Westerners. In this film the villain are the Japanese who are determined to take Korea. The Americans on the other hand, even though they too are influencing Koreans to adapt their ways, are portrayed as a part of the “good guys.” An interesting quote that was uttered during the final baseball game was when the announcer said that “the Koreans are looking to the YMCA team to give them what the Korean government couldn’t.” The YMCA baseball team is very western made apparent by its name and the sport they play. Therefore, I found it interesting how Korea was defending their country with such an American activity. It all ironically didn't seem nationalistic.