Wan-deuk-i

I don't understand the low ratings for this movie. I saw this film when it premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and was impressed. It's one of the first Korean movies I've seen that actually made me laugh, and had some heart. Plus it has been a huge critical and commercial hit in Korea, so I'm surprised there aren't more Korean movie fans on here giving it positive reviews!

For those looking to get into Korean cinema this movie offers a nice alternative from the dark films that Korea tends to be known for internationally. While I enjoy some of these darker films like Oldboy, Mother, and I Saw the Devil, it's refreshing to see a Korean film that doesn't leave you feeling sick or depressed after the curtain falls.

This movie has the usual themes covered in coming of age stories, but also deals with other issues relevant to modern Korean society, such as the treatment of foreign laborers and the disabled by a Korean culture that isn't always welcoming to outsiders.

All that said, the highlight of this movie is the relationship between Wan Deuki and his teacher. This is the source of a great deal of humor and warmth throughout the movie, and will make you laugh out loud more than other Korean movie I can think of. Even if you are unfamiliar with Korean culture and cinema, if you watch this you won't be disappointed. Don't be fooled by the low IMDb rating of this film, check it out!

It makes me weird why they put PUNCH for its international title, just put WANDEUKI (taegukki?) its more suitable! Maybe its a metaphor, that boy use his punch to change his life! (right?).

What a superb director and screenwriter?! They can put on many character and they developed them well until we get nailed to know each character's story. This movie actually not depict a life of zero-boy who become hero after joined kickboxing (cliche?). This is heartwarming movie, mixed of many theme - drama,comedy,lovey dovey,religious,action. Whaaa... they did so well.

Its hard to find a live action movie without antagonist (except ghibli) nowadays. I recommend you this stuff. I tell you some synopsis, its about a poor-stupid boy who have no friend,no girlfriend,money,no mommy and his main plan how to get all that important stuff. Exciting... do I make you excited?

Through this movie, we can learns about the life of the poor and immigrant workers in South Korea. Even though South Korea in advanced in many aspects, especially technologies and K-Pop, but in reality there are still poor citizens in the country who must still struggle to eat, have good home, and good education for the future. The film also tries to depict the lives of immigrant workers and their problems when they works in South Korea. Yoo Ah-In acting is good. He is able to portray a child from multi-ethnic family. Kang Byul role as Yoon-ha is also good. She looks simple but beautiful and smart in this film. Good to watch film if we want to know the other side of life in South Korean.

Love how Wan deuk start to care about his life, family and also build a relationship again with his friend

If I had to summarize this (complex) film, I would write "It takes a village to raise a child---and the world is our village and we are all its children." I watch a lot of Asian cinema, since I am an American Buddhist. Most of the Korean films which I have enjoyed have been dark/suspenseful/supernatural. This movie is not like any other Korean film that I have watched, but it is a lot like the Japanese classic "Ping Pong" and it is a lot like American coming of age films such as "The Freshman", "Breaking Away" and "The Graduate" and the Australian movies "Muriel's Wedding" and "Strictly Ballroom", i.e. there are plenty of belly laughs, a few tearful moments and a sense that what you are watching is universal.

Anyone who watches this looking for another "Shamo" (I love Shamo, btw) or similar martial arts film will be disappointed. While it starts on a downer note, it ends on a spiritual/emotional/intellectual high. I can not praise it highly enough. I makes me feel good inside knowing that it was a commercial hit in Korea---means there are a lot of good hearted people in Korea. I am definitely going to look for more films by the writer/director.