Chaem-pieon

Ma Dong-seok plays the arm wrestling hero, Mark. In real life he loves the Sylvester Stallone 1987 arm wrestling film, "Over The Top" so he's most likely very happy to have made his own. He happens to be one of the very top South Korean actors and once again he shows us here just why!

I quite enjoyed the 1987 film but I honestly feel that Ma Dong-seok out classed Stallone's film and, the entire film is superb. There are several story's going on within the film itself but neither takes precedent over another but, it does allow for the other actors in the film to shine outstandingly. There are 2 young children in this story and as per usual they outdo all the other actors; especially the young girl, Ye-Rin Ok. Asian children are 99% of the time brilliant little actors (forever stealing the limelight...lol), but this young lady is so very, very good and absolutely adorably cute. Put it this way. She is better than even Hannah Dakota Fanning was at the same age, 7, when she appeared in the2001 film, "I Am Sam".

Lovely film and well worth the watch; unless you're a one track mind for certain film types kind of person!

This film stands out as one of the best I've ever seen, blending motivational and inspirational themes with deep social and dramatic elements. Its strength lies not just in its compelling narrative and rich character development, but also in its respectful approach to storytelling. Notably, it maintains a high moral standard by completely avoiding any explicit or unethical scenes, setting a commendable example of how powerful cinema can be when it focuses on uplifting and thought-provoking content. This combination makes it a unique and unforgettable experience that resonates on multiple levels.

I love the story it's simple maa dong acting was just aswome champion movie has become one of my fav movie....

A heart-warming very well acted and directed movie. The music supports and lifts the emotional flows and action of this film just right, the many comical moments are fortunately not over-acted but very well dosed, the dramatic moments are sincerely touching and although Mark has an introvert "come what may" life-style opposed to Jin-Ki's extravert hustling kind of life-style, the fact that both men's lives are not in balance binds them and secures their friendship.

The only nano bit that might have had more attention is when Soo-Jin learns via a telephone call that her very young children left the house and cruised the big city on their own to go to the arm wrestling match to return Mark's medal. Besides her lukewarm reaction to this, the medal was never discussed with her but she doesn't ask about it.

Ma Dong-seok, Kwon Yul, Yeri Han, director and writer Young-wan Kim and all the other cast and crew members did a great job in making this film for us as this film contributes to happiness in your life.

The only people who hate on this are jaded cynics and Americans with tunnel vision who compare it to "Over The Top", as if it were just a cheap knock-off of that. But it clearly isn't. It's more like a hommage that doesn't take itself too seriously. I would describe it as a wholesome, charming, light-hearted comedy with some emotional elements and a bunch of funny characters. If you want some light entertainment, you can definitely give it a watch.