| If you've seen the Korean blockbuster "Friend" you know that the director and lead actor Yoo Oh-Sang have teamed up again for this film. The life of famous Korean champion boxer Kim is chronicled here. This film may not necessarily be a celebration of the fighter's life. It starts off with a "Rocky" like beginning showing Kim's humble and poor beginnings. This is highlighted when he works long hours as a laborer and then starts working out at a local gym (starting at the bottom of the pool of boxers and moving up slowly). One scene has him returning to his small home and making his meal for the evening. It's not much.
As Kim starts winning matches and quickly gains fame, he trains harder and begins to eat much better. Eventually, boxing starts to be a full time gig. He starts dating and eventually marries the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately, this time of happiness is short lived.
A world championship fight with Ray Mancini has tragic consequences for Kim. He is hospitalized after the fight and never gains consciousness. Kim falls into a coma and dies five days later.
What the film doesn't show is how Kim's mother's heart is broken, so much that she commits suicide. What would have made the film more complete is a brief showing of the effects of Kim's death on his family, especially his mother and young wife. Also, Mancini's reaction should have been included.
The fight sequences are done very well. The non-Korean actors and actresses do a very good job. It actually feels like you're in the U.S. Don't hope for a happy ending. Overall, a good film about a very good fighter's life. | 
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