My Punch-Drunk Boxer

I've read some bad reviews, but don't let that deter you. Take joy in Uhm Tae-Goo's performance, as well as the rest of the cast. Also beautiful is the drumming and singing...reminiscent of Native American pow-wows (along with some of the humor in the chants).

The PR made this movie seem almost like a typical rom-com, I think it is not. It is poignant and bittersweet. I very much liked it and will probably see it again in the future; but I do realize it is not for everybody.

A brain damaged 29 year old who desperately wants to do what he loves one last time and knowing he is on the fast track to dementia is human emotion on a deeper level. Or, like our main character when he sees the strays, maybe I just empathize too much.

The other characters in the movie indeed act as a mirror, reflecting both the progress and shortcomings of Byung-kyu. However, the ultimate key lies in the protagonist's own efforts and changes. He learns how to find opportunities in adversity and enrich his skills with different concepts. Through Byung-kyu's story, the film conveys a profound message to the audience: genuine change and progress come from one's own hard work and reflection. While surrounding support and environment are crucial, the ultimate achievement depends on personal willpower and dedication. This spirit of independence leaves the audience with deep contemplation after the movie ends.

My Punch-Drunk Boxer is a quirky heart warming romantic comedy. And is remarkable for a number of reasons. Most of which can be credited to the impressive directing debut of Hyuk Ki Jung. Mr. Jung not only directed a very well crafted film but he wrote it as well. His script is full of wonderfully surprising characters, who are acted with great nuance. These fine players take us through an underdog comeback boxing story in a way we have not seen before. And although the film is not flawless (a couple of story threads are a little forced) the over all effect of the great acting, strong cinematography, editing and very story motivated (and at times comedic) music is quite remarkable. Is the film quirky? Yes. So maybe you'll know right off the bat if this film is for you. But if quirky is your kind of film, well I think you'll enjoy it.

So you are either going to hate this movie (or at least be bored by it) or you are going to love it. It is an art-house dramedy about a disgraced former boxer who is pushing 30 and suffering from too many blows to the head but decides that his dream is to fight once again. It is slow. It takes its time getting there. And for the first hour of the movie, I had it pegged as a solid 4 stars. But I realized at some point deep in the film that I liked these characters and I was invested in the story and my attitude towards it changed. It was creeping up on a high 6 low 7. And then the last 15 minutes brought it all home and I was totally engaged and tearing up and hanging on every word. This movie isn't Rocky or Creed or any other rah, rah sports flick that spikes your testosterone and has you leaping from your seat. It isn't trying to be. To be honest, it's a weird little movie, but it's also kind of beautiful. 8 stars.

Recommended. It's been way to long since i last saw a true masterpiece in cinematography, and even if several movies have come close, this really stands apart from most movies. If you are a lover of cinema, watch it patiently with focus until the end. These kinds of movies do not come along too often. Mikra Anglia (2013) directed by Pantelis Voulgaris is the masterpiece that comes closest to mind, it also weaves its own weave with a simple metaphore and complex analogies to back it up. The metaphore of what life is is not as clear here but the comparision with rhytm should make it come across to those watching, everything reverberates down to the Korean rythm; voiceover/interludes, strife, value, honor, love, teamwork, friendship, religion and companionship. They're all interwoven with the backdrop of the drums.

The movie is slowpaced and the build is allmost not there to be seen, the slow build does reach a crescendo and the pace of reaching it doesn't spoil it (many buildups like these do not come through).

Pro's The editing, the weave is beutiful, one of the best I've seen Retaining artistic vision within the storytelling Pacing, I didn't deconstruct the movie until after the end, I had no urge to.

Con's The otherwise excellect editing could have put more time on the transition to the end scenes. Missing scenes of sadness when his memory of loss comes back. Transition to white play of light towards the end to play into some of the previous useage of light to emphasize the movie.

End notes (SPOILER); When Byung-gu (Tae-goo Eom) finally reaches the moment of singularity he finds the rhytm (read; embraces life and becomes furfilled). Then he "runs" into the setting of the sun, that metaphor has always been open to interpretation but always very simply to draw and connect to.

The open plot is maybe not the best, as it concerns doping, but it is made clear (not crystal) that it was painkillers to be able to fight, this is one of few things that detract a little.