Review of Fists of Legend (2013) by Robert H — 18 May 2014

Fists of Legend (Jeonseolui Jumeok) South Korean MM sports drama and semi-comedy film. Written by Jang Min-seok and directed by Kang Woo-suk. The film is based 'Legend Punch' by Lee Jong-gyu. Starring Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Jun-sang, Yoon Je-moon, Lee Yo-won, and Jung Woong-in. Film received several nominations but no win at Grand Bell Awards. Film's title refers to the television-program called 'Fists of Legend' which invites the middle-aged men in their 40s to show off their college-days muscles and power.

Three estranged friends from college-days now spending their lives separately and quite miserably - namely Deok-kyu (Hwang Jung-min - playing central role) is a noodle-restaurant owner with his estranged teen daughter who lives with her grandma. Sang-hoon (Yu Jun-sang) is a white-collar executive at a reputable company, where his job includes servitude to his boss. Jae-suk (Yoon Jea-moon) member of gangster group that is one of the most-feared in Seoul.

Tv hostess calls upon Deok-kyu to join the television program 'Fists of Legend'. Deok who was an avid fan of boxing in his college days, and dreamed about going to Olympics - but somehow he had to abandon the dream (explained in the mid); he finds this as an opportunity first to advertise his low-running noodle-restaurant and fund his daughter's studies.

Sang-hoon is manipulated by tv-hostess by influencing his boss to come to fight in the ring. He has no intention of returning to fight, but he has to obey his boss so that he could keep sending money to his son and wife.

Jae-suk life has changed nothing but miserable over the period - but somehow his ego has remained intact and always has had his trust in Deok-kyu to opt for goodness/honesty.

Film also holds flashback stories of three friends, first time meeting, and cementing their friendship - following codes of ethics, but stuck in the whirlpool of deception. How they sent waves of terrors with their fight skills - a record of beating more than 20+ gangster men in their own bar - saving each other from bullies - how some big sharks took their innocent away - how they withhold their principles and morals.

Fists of Legend is one of the great films from South Korea. Some should find its 2hrs33min length quite the limit but for me it arranged the stories, frequent flashbacks and momentum altogether quite beautifully. Acting is superb, the comedy and hilarious scenes deserve praise (of course it was my first time to experience comedy from South Korean cinema - and I am confident about this already). Please go ahead and see this great movie.