18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't let the title fool you; very different from the sitcom, November 11, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Friend (DVD)
This is a movie about four friends living in Busan (largest harbor city in South Korea), growing up together. Two guys, including the narator of the story, grow up to be acceptable members of society with legitimate jobs, while the other two grow up to be gangsters. The movie depicts very engaging human drama as it naturally unfolds amongst extraordinary circumstances: betrayal, loyalty, friendship, jealousy, love, hate, etc (i.e. all the stuff that makes you go to a movie in the first place).
One of the greatest accomplishments of this movie is that it avoids being a cheesy, sentimental soap-opera while dealing with intensely emotional subject: friendship. This is achieved by superb acting by most of the cast and the director's attachments to the story; the movie is based on a true story, and is inspired by the events from the director's own childhood. (The director was the narrator of the movie, which is quite fitting.) I believe that such personal attachments to the story, rather than vague, conceptual association with it, gives the finished product real depth and emotional prowess.
I imagine, however, that watching the movie in Korean adds significantly to one's viewing pleasure. Most of the dialogues in the movie are laced with heavy Busan-accent, and it provides the movie with very rich color, social context and subtle nuances. Here, I must adamantly disagree with a previous reviewer, who claims that use of Busan-accent disrupts the story-telling; such statement, in my opinion, cannot be further from the truth. Like I said, use of the accent adds exquisite texture to the movie, and gives the story more of a home-grown flavor. Once, my russian friend told me that he feels sorry that I have to read "Brothers of Karamazov" in English rather than in its original language; now I know what he must have meant. I, too, feel sorry for those who will not be able to appreciate this movie to its fullest. Nevertheless, I truly believe that the movie rings true to emotions and inspirations unniversally shared across the globe, and recommend it highly to all of you.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Errrrrr... WOW!", June 20, 2004
This review is from: Friend (DVD)
This is one amazing film. This film has to be one of my favourites of the last few years, or more. I rented it... watched it twice then bought it.
The last half hour of the film left me with my jaw unhinged. Wow I thought... this film can be watched just for one of the most moving sequences in recent cinema. And every time I watch it, the last few scenes actually move me even more than the first time through. Can't say that for many other films.
But the ending isn't what makes this a great movie. For me it's the great friendship that is so powerful and up front, and actually draws the viewer into their little group that makes the film. Although the first half hour is slow, it all builds up to a point where you can see that these guys are the greatest of friends.
And it just gets better... and better and better.
Just simply an wonderful film. And I'm now hooked on Asian cinema.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A VERY TOUCHING MOVIE; 4.5 STARS, November 6, 2004
This review is from: Friend (DVD)
FOUR FRIENDS GROW UP TOGETHER. TWO OF THEM BECOME WORKERS WHILE THE OTHER TWO BECOME GANGSTERS. THIS KOREAN IMPORT IS A VERY TOUCHING AND VERY ENJOYABLE MOVIE. THIS IS BETTER THAN MANY OF THE MOVIES THAT'RE COMING OUT RIGHT NOW IN AMERICA! IF YOU LIKE GANGSTER MOVIES, DON'T HESITATE TO CHECK OUT THIS PHONOMENAL MOVIE. THE STORY'S EVEN ABLE TO EXPRESS ITSELF WITHOUT EVER BEING PREACHY OR TOO MELLOW. A MUST-SEE. IN KOREAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
