Champion

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.

The film about arm wrestling that OVER THE TOP wished it had been (despite one of the characters being inspired by that film in the actual film). Don Lee plays a conflicted former professional arm wrestler who returns home to Korea for the first time in a lifetime since losing his standing in the professional arm wrestling world. His best friend, whom he would do anything for and is like a brother to him, convinces him that he has a chance to get back to the life he lost. Unfortunately, this forces him to get involved with gangsters and discover a family he never knew he had and the underworld they are trapped in. The film is really about a guy who's been physically and emotionally lost with only arm wrestling as his anchor until he discovers that there is more to his life than just being a champion. I absolutely loved this film and thought it gave Lee a great opportunity to show off a more emotional and nuanced performance than some of his other films. It is also, hands down, the best film about arm wrestling ever made.

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.

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!

Always been a fan of Don Lee so gave this movie a try. Quite an enjoyable movie, though it brings nothing new to the genre. Loads of comedic moments with touches of emotional ones. Sadly no cameos from any arm wrestlers I know.