Punch (2011)

First off, I'd like to mention: No, this isn't an action movie. The real title of the movie is "Wan Deuk Yi"--the main character of the book and film. Not really sure why it's called Punch. -___-;

For those that think that this is a movie about a kind teacher who shows compassion and does everything he can to help his troubled student--that's not completely correct. I recommend you watch the trailer. But if you can't, just know that all that nice stuff is on the inside--something you can't see right away.

This movie isn't a tear-jerker (at least IMO). BUT it is a feel-good movie and will give you a couple of laughs here and there. There are some painful-to-watch fighting scenes (kickboxing or not) for those of you who like a little action sprinkled here and there. They did an amazing job with setting the mood of the movie. It was never meant to be a gloomy-look-at-this-pitiful-child movie. They wanted it to have a certain brightness to the dark characters/setting. And I'd say they succeeded.

The cast is absolutely fantastic. Kim Yun Seok had perfect comedic timing with his joyously foul-mouth. The comedic bickering was between teacher and student was so much fun. Yoo In Ah did an awesome job preping for his kickboxing scenes; although the film was trying to not be so gloomy, Yoo In Ah did a great job bringing the heaviness of certain issues to the scenes.

All in all, if you enjoy feel-good moments, mama drama, a bit of fighting, love-lines, and cursing--and all without breaking out the tissue box--this is the movie for you.

Lire davantage

Lovely film about family (chosen and blood). I particularly enjoyed the way the film depicted the difficulties of a family struggling with change and poverty. The father figures are all unique and flawed but they dearly love the "son".

Not being Korean, I didn't have any concept of racial issues that were addressed in the show. It made me sad. But the relationship that develops between the prickly teacher and wayward student and then between the estranged mom and son is sweet and special. One of my favorite scenes from the movie (there were quite a few so this is just a taste) was when Do Wan-deuk is praying for God to do something to get the teacher (who is trying to help the kid) off his back and concludes (then prays for) that the only hope is for God to kill the guy. Then a bit later, the teacher is injured. A classic k-drama piggy back ride ensues with Wan-deuk saying, "This is not what I meant!" Good stuff.

There's not really a romance but the little bit there is makes you smile. It's a little predictable (reminiscent of Good Will Hunting - an American film) and a little too tidy at the end but I enjoyed watching it. I felt the acting, especially the two main leads (Yoo Ah In and Kim Yoon-seok) was superb and lifted the film out of the predictable plot.

Well worth the watch if you can find it.

Lire davantage

Quite old school film, but warmth in the heart still remains.

It’s an optimistic, warm, funny and bright story. Are you tired of netflix grim monsters? Do you want to watch something real, sweet and deep? This film is for you.
Actors are just amazing! Yoo Ah In and Kim Yoon Seok create an original tandem of student and teacher. Their dialogues are so vivid and their dialogues with God are so funny!
I love it because the story presents the meaning of everyday life. The relationship of son and mother, son and father is told with vulnerability and with warm emotions.
Unique characters and entourage of old and cheap houses with a story of love, empathy and forgiveness make this film a piece of art.

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