The plot, which is based on 'real-life' events through the eyes of writer/director Kwak Kyung-Taek ("Sang-Taek") , is downright pure, intense, and is guaranteed to get some emotions going. It's not surprising that "Friend" was pretty much an autobiographical account because even it's most trivial examples of friendship and the way they're presented to the audience could've only existed if one had witnessed it firsthand. That's what makes this film so authentic, it comes from the heart. Frankly, anyone who has had their own childhood friends will see that it hits close to home.

The film centers on a pack of four friends: Joon-Suk, Dong-Soo, Jung-Ho and Sang-Taek.

Joon-Suk is the "leader" of the bunch and everyone looks up to him. He's cool, tough, and at the same time, gentle to his friends. Although he has the power to boss his mates around, he treats them more as equals - giving them advice, hooking them up with chicks and sometimes even taking their advice as well. Joon-Suk was naturally given the title of "leader" due to his upbringing in a family that has some serious mob ties. As the film states, he's one of the most feared students at school since he developed a reputation for beating up students much older than him.

Dong-Soo is the "second leader" or "right-hand man". He's also fearless and tough, but unlike Joon-Suk's outgoing attitude, he's quiet, laid-back and mysterious in a poisonous rattle-snake kind of way. He's also temperamental and sometimes looked at as the 'odd' one of the bunch. Still, the other three respect him 100%. Dong-Soo and Joon-Suk are inseparable.

Jung-Ho is the clown or "Ringo Starr" of the group. Harmless, full of personality and fun. He's the type of guy everyone wants around because of his uplifting presence. He might cheat on schoolwork and goof around constantly, but unlike Joon-Suk and Dong-Soo, he draws the line when it comes to breaking the law or getting into trouble.

Sang-Taek, the narrator of the film, is the most practical of the four. Quiet, shy, soft spoken and gives new meaning to the words "good boy" and "gentleman". Education and future come first with Sang-Taek, but he still enjoys the time with his hardcore buddies. Since he probably couldn't hurt a fly, he's guaranteed to be backed up by the boys when in need. Everyone likes Sang-Taek.

As the film's trailer states: "There was nothing to fear when they were together".

The film follows the lives of each character as they go from boys to men from the late 70's to the mid 90's. All four are put to the test as they take different directions in life. Themes of power, pride, sacrifice, jealousy, backstabbing, retribution and of course, respect are all encountered. But what it all comes down to is the true meaning of "friendship" and how it's forced to be altered and damaged due to misinterpretation and thoughtless decisions. Obviously, this leads to violence and death.

I've said it a million times and I'll say it again - "Friend" is a revelation for those who love film. It's beautifully directed, written, acted and shot. Even it's haunting Ennio Morrcone-style soundtrack and other recognizable tunes were chosen with thought and quality in mind. "Friend" will definitely go down as one of my favorite films of all-time.