IMDb RATING
6.9/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
A wimpy, incompetent bank clerk decides to become a pro wrestler.A wimpy, incompetent bank clerk decides to become a pro wrestler.A wimpy, incompetent bank clerk decides to become a pro wrestler.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 3 nominations total
Jang Hang-seon
- Jang Gwan-jang
- (as Hang-Seon Jang)
Jang Nam-yeol
- Cheong-wong
- (as Nam-yeol Jang)
- …
Kim Soo-ro
- Yoo Bi-ho
- (as Su-ro Kim)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
10bratzo
Kang-Ho Song is a genius.
He reminds me of Buster Keaton. What is amazing is to see the other films he is in. Once you have seen this, make sure you check out YMCA Baseball, and then for something completely different, JSA (Joint Security Area). It is clear that some of the best films lately are being made in Korea, and he seems to be a part of them. His gift for physical comedy is remarkable, and this movie keeps going in directions I did not expect.
Anyone who has worked in an office will understand this film. It is not only for WWF fans, in fact I HATE Wrestling...but this is something altogether different.
Do yourself a big favor, see Foul King, JSA, and YMCA Baseball, and then lets start the North American Kang-Ho Song fan Club.
He reminds me of Buster Keaton. What is amazing is to see the other films he is in. Once you have seen this, make sure you check out YMCA Baseball, and then for something completely different, JSA (Joint Security Area). It is clear that some of the best films lately are being made in Korea, and he seems to be a part of them. His gift for physical comedy is remarkable, and this movie keeps going in directions I did not expect.
Anyone who has worked in an office will understand this film. It is not only for WWF fans, in fact I HATE Wrestling...but this is something altogether different.
Do yourself a big favor, see Foul King, JSA, and YMCA Baseball, and then lets start the North American Kang-Ho Song fan Club.
Aptly reflecting on themes of job frustration, identity, self-esteem, passion & transformation, Kim Jee-woon's sophomore feature is a heartfelt & hilarious delight that's powered by another smashing showcase from Song Kang-ho, and is one of the finest & funniest films about professional wrestling.
I purchased this movie based upon the recommendations of many people from different websites. Most of them claiming that the movie works well because its comedy is cross cultural.
I don't disagree that when the comedic elements are present - they work well. However, and this is a big however, they are few and far between. The movie fails for me because of its pacing. There is nothing really fantastic going on between the comedic moments. It's just filler material that tries to tell a story about the blandness of a man's life, and his interactions with his environment. It succeeds in showing why he would go into wrestling, but also succeeds in putting the viewer to sleep. I watched it once myself, and watched it again with friends. During the second viewing I had multiple requests to fast forward through dull, drawn-out scenes.
Don't get me wrong, I repeat, there are spectacular moments, but they are few and far between. Rent this or just don't even bother.
I don't disagree that when the comedic elements are present - they work well. However, and this is a big however, they are few and far between. The movie fails for me because of its pacing. There is nothing really fantastic going on between the comedic moments. It's just filler material that tries to tell a story about the blandness of a man's life, and his interactions with his environment. It succeeds in showing why he would go into wrestling, but also succeeds in putting the viewer to sleep. I watched it once myself, and watched it again with friends. During the second viewing I had multiple requests to fast forward through dull, drawn-out scenes.
Don't get me wrong, I repeat, there are spectacular moments, but they are few and far between. Rent this or just don't even bother.
Love the camera work, the 1st 10mins really sell the movie for me to hookup.
Like other commenter say, the downside of the movie is the final fight.
It's good but when they go full violence & stiff fight that's not good, I prefer if viewers that watch any wrestling movies know it's not fake but scripted but having 2 guys fight it for real is bad.
Anyway quite impressive because all the wrestlers are actually actors that's quite known in Korea, also the final boss is such a hunk back then I can't believe he actually have superb body thought he's just fat lazy villain these days😅 Solid 7/10, lacking storyline..what's the point of his other co worker with bank.
Can scrap that & just show the interaction with really terrible boss & viewers can relate & enjoy the movie more.
If they scrap that timewasting storyline & make the final fight be good vs evil in a really safe wrestling way this movie can easily be 9-10/10.
Like other commenter say, the downside of the movie is the final fight.
It's good but when they go full violence & stiff fight that's not good, I prefer if viewers that watch any wrestling movies know it's not fake but scripted but having 2 guys fight it for real is bad.
Anyway quite impressive because all the wrestlers are actually actors that's quite known in Korea, also the final boss is such a hunk back then I can't believe he actually have superb body thought he's just fat lazy villain these days😅 Solid 7/10, lacking storyline..what's the point of his other co worker with bank.
Can scrap that & just show the interaction with really terrible boss & viewers can relate & enjoy the movie more.
If they scrap that timewasting storyline & make the final fight be good vs evil in a really safe wrestling way this movie can easily be 9-10/10.
10vanrosss
This outrageous comedy was a box office smash in Korea for a reason. It was hilarious and poignant! The direction was terrific as the tone was always right on, and placed every event into the evolution of the story. The absurd slapstick humor hides the statement about barriers of social status and changes to one's life. The performances make this film even more outstanding.
Did you know
- ConnectionsReferences Beavis et Butt-Head (1993)
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- The Foul King
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h 52m(112 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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