I like the fact that this was not a formulaic boxing movie, where the protagonist is the underdog David fighting against Goliath. Instead it's about TWO underdogs who are down and out and have one last chance for redemption. It was realy tough to root for one person and I think that made the movie great.
I did thought, however, that the Choi character had more riding on it. Especially after his wife left him and being in debt with the mafia...
It is brilliant! The best boxer drama I know.
The movie with the most realistic boxing scenes I have ever seen before. The idea is so simple: Showing the lives of two underdogs which give all their wishes in winning a local championship. They never saw before, just in the ring.
This is the first movie I saw made by Ryoo Seung-wan. Seems that there is another young and talented director in South Korea. The story, better the stories, about two underdogs includes a lot of stereotypes. But it is inscenated very straight, very elegant and very emotional. Choi Min-Sik is as great as ever. And Ryu Seung-beom becomes very good in the second half of the story.
The second round of their fight is a one take shot. You are in the ring with Sang-Whan and Tae-Shik. And they are fighting! They must have had great coaches who prepared them for the scenes. Of course there are also much dramatization and slow motion. But it works. And i think the brutality of a very intense fight is adapted for the big screen but it is not to exaggerated.
It also has its "Adrian"-moments. But much more silent. That two guys will remain in my head.