The Box can uplift your mood in a gloomy afternoon with its lighthearted musical trip around Korea.
Drunk in his car, music producer Kim Min-su (Jo Dal Hwan) steps out of his car to urinate. He is the producer for Rothy, but he is being chased by loan sharks because of his piling debt.
While urinating, he gets attracted to the music that he hears from a parking booth. He discovers Ji Hoon (Park Chanyeol) as the source of the appealing sounds that he heard and immediately offers him a contract.
Reluctant to the offer, Ji Hoon explains that he cannot sing in front of people, but Min-su finds a way through using a box as a cover. At his first performance, Ji Hoon with stage fright faints even though he is enclosed in a box.
Min-su is persistent with persuading Ji Hoon as he believes that it’s better to try given that their journey could be a huge success or failure. As Ji Hoon agrees, they embark on a journey all throughout Korea for ten gigs. Busking and performing in nightclubs with a box, Ji Hoon impresses everyone with his talent.
However, he still experiences troubles from time to time with his stage fright, and also remembers unpleasant memories from his childhood.
In one nightclub, they meet a blind performer named Nana (Kim Ji Hyun), and she encourages Ji Hoon to perform without a box. In his attempt to perform without a box, Ji Hoon runs away from the stage and cries his heart out on the pier. Min-su comes over to talk to Ji Hoon and reminds him that their contract has not ended yet.
A Turning Point in Life
The two resume their journey, and Ji Hoon continues busking with more determination for music. Min-su sells his car to settle his debts and the two ride in a truck through Min-su’s acquaintance. Ji Hoon improves and informs Min-su on his intentions to try performing without a box again. They then buy a motorcycle and ride it together.
In an outdoor site with a gypsy concept, Min-su burns the contract in front of Ji Hoon. He tells Ji-Hoon that their contract is done, which makes Ji Hoon feel as if he was abandoned. Frustrated, Ji Hoon drinks, and plays music while lying down without a box covering him. The people at the site join him, and he comes to his senses and reaches his turning point through recalling all his experiences.
He begins playing again without a box, and Min-su congratulates him. He brings Ji Hoon to Busan, and he performs there without a box. Their journey together continues with Ji Hoon introducing the song he composed with Min-su at an audition.
Marcie Line watched The Box on Vivamax
Movie Rating: 
The Box Movie Peak Points
Trip Around Korea
Ji Hoon and Min-su travel around Korea to perform in public which includes busking and nightclubs. A map is shown several times in the movie, and locations they are set to perform are shown.
Throughout the movie, we are able to witness beautiful sceneries from the outdoor locations in Korea as well as their food specialties. Watching this movie, viewers may become encouraged in adding these places to their itinerary and boost tourism in the area.
Lively and Interactive Music
As the movie’s focus is on music, various covers from Billie Elish, Coldplay, Pharrell Williams, and more can be expected. Chanyeol’s talent as a musical artist is highlighted throughout the movie. Together with other artists in the movie, they all shine bright while singing together as the movie goes on.
Busking scenes in the movie are interactive not only to the audience on the set but also to those viewing outside the screen. The lively busking scene can bring color to an empty room. Viewers may find themselves singing along with the music in the movie.
Pair of Healing and Growth
The characters in the story are presented as flawed at the beginning. Both Ji Hoon and Min-su have their own boxes as they have said. Min-su has a large amount of debt while Ji Hoon is constrained to showcasing his real talent because of his stage fright. As they meet and set together on a journey with a mutual love for music, they take a step forward in their lives.
Min-su, despite being a music producer who has produced successful artists, still pursues Ji Hoon who has flaws. He knows that Ji Hoon has stage fright, yet he still believes in his talent and helps him grow as an artist.
In turn, Ji Hoon agrees to follow Min-su’s guide despite his bad credit. The two believe and trust each other, which brings them to their turning points in life. The two are successful in breaking free from their “boxes” in life.
The Box Movie Musings
Even though the plot of the movie may be predictable, it still has successfully delivered inspiring messages to its viewers. Looking at Ji Hoon’s character, viewers may be inspired to take a step out of their comfort zone. He may have a past that holds him from reaching his highest potentials, but he still chooses to seize the opportunity offered to him.
Although his journey may not be smooth-sailing, his progress is gradual and commendable. In this world, it would be great if there would be people like Min-su who believes in their mentee. Nana’s words about healing capture the idea that healing is not instant, and people can give support to those people by being there and believing in them.
Chanyeol’s acting in this movie is admirable as he has successfully portrayed a timid individual who loves music. Pairing him together with Jo Dal Hwan, they were both able to exude a comical duo that relies on each other. Moreover, the musical talents of Chanyeol and other performers in the movie would never disappoint the viewers.
Concluding with a lighthearted note, the ending can bring hope to viewers who can relate to Ji Hoon. It has a lot to offer such as music, beautiful sceneries, and inspiring messages. For viewers who seek a lighthearted movie that they can jam with, they may consider The Box.
The Box is now available on Vivamax and iQiyi for selected regions.
Photos: CJ CGV | Studio Take
