1947 Boston

1947 Boston (Korean: 1947보스톤) is a 2023 South Korean sports drama film directed by Kang Je-Gyu. The film dramatizes the historical journey of marathon runner Suh Yun-Bok and his coaches as they participate in the 51st Boston Marathon in 1947, shortly after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

Plot

Set in 1947, the narrative follows Suh Yun-Bok (played by Yim Si-Wan), a 24-year-old marathon runner. He is trained by Son Kee-Jung (Ha Jung-Woo), who had previously won the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Because Korea was under Japanese colonial rule during the 1936 games, Son was forced to represent Japan. Driven by the desire to see a Korean athlete compete under the Korean flag, Son and coach Nam Seung-Ryong (Bae Sung-Woo) prepare Suh for the 1947 Boston Marathon. The film depicts the logistical and personal challenges the team faces while traveling to the United States to compete.

Production

The screenplay is based on the historical experiences of marathon runner Suh Yun-Bok and his head coach, Son Kee-Jung. Principal photography for the film commenced on September 9, 2019, and concluded in January 2020. The film was distributed by Lotte Cultureworks and released in South Korea on September 27, 2023.

Cast