Queen of Walking is a South Korean drama-comedy movie directed by Baek Seung-hwa and released in 2016. The movie stars Won Choi, Shim Eun-kyung, and Jeong-do Heo, among others. The story of Queen of Walking revolves around a high school girl named Man-bok (played by Shim Eun-kyung), who lives with her uncle after her parents divorce. Man-bok has a ion for speed walking, and she dreams of ing the national team and winning a gold medal in the sport. However, Man-bok is a bit of a loner and lacks social skills, which makes it difficult for her to make friends or find for her ion.
Things change for Man-bok when she transfers to a new school and meets a boy named Moo-yeol (played by Won Choi). Moo-yeol is a member of the school's track and field team, and he becomes interested in Man-bok's unique ion for speed walking. The two become friends, and Moo-yeol helps Man-bok train and prepare for a local speed walking competition.
However, Man-bok's journey to the national team is not easy. Her uncle, who is her primary caretaker, disapproves of her ion for speed walking and forces her to work part-time jobs to the family. Man-bok also faces bullying and discrimination from her peers for her unconventional hobby. Despite the challenges, Man-bok perseveres and becomes a better athlete with each training session.
Queen of Walking is not just a sports movie, but also a heartwarming coming-of-age story. Man-bok's journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. The movie also touches upon themes such as family, friendship, and social acceptance, and how they can impact one's personal growth and success.
The movie's direction and cinematography are notable as well. Director Baek Seung-hwa captures the beauty of speed walking and the scenic landscapes of the Korean countryside with skill and elegance. The performances of the cast are also praiseworthy, especially Shim Eun-kyung's portrayal of Man-bok. She breathes life into the character and adds depth to the emotional journey that the character goes through.
In conclusion, Queen of Walking is a charming and heartwarming movie that captures the audience's attention with its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and impressive direction. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports movies or coming-of-age dramas.