Review: Taekwondo (2016) – A Sun-Soaked Slow Burn of Friendship, Desire, and Unspoken Truths

Taekwondo (2016) isn’t about martial arts — it’s about the tension between what’s felt and what’s never said. Directed by Marco Berger and Martín Farina, the film uses the heat of an Argentine summer to explore the quiet complexities of male intimacy, longing, and identity in a way that feels both bold and beautifully restrained.

Set in a secluded countryside house, the trailer introduces us to a group of young men enjoying their vacation — laughing, drinking, swimming, and sunbathing. But just beneath the surface, there’s a different kind of energy — one filled with subtle glances, charged silences, and questions left unasked.

At the center is Fernando, who invites Germán, a slightly more reserved friend, to join the group. As the days pass, the bond between them grows — not through dramatic revelations, but through physical closeness, quiet observation, and the kind of tension that only builds when everything is left unsaid.

The trailer lingers on small, wordless moments: hands brushing, shared smirks, an accidental touch during a sparring match. The cinematography is soft and natural, with sunlight bouncing off skin and water, making every moment feel intimate — even when nothing is happening at all.

There’s no big conflict, no traditional plot twist. Instead, Taekwondo invites the viewer to look closely — to feel the atmosphere, to notice body language, to hear what’s not being spoken. It’s a film about male bonding, queerness, and the blurry line between friendship and desire in a society where masculinity is often armor.

Trailer Verdict: 8.5/10 – Subtle, sensual, and deeply human. A quiet masterpiece of mood and meaning.