The Art of Fighting is sort of like Karate Kid (but with umpteen times more violence). Poor Byungtae keeps getting pummeled by kids in his school until he comes across the mysterious Ponsu who teaches him the art of fighting (including the use of coins ... now only if his aim were better). This is Shin Han-sol's first kick at directing and - judging by this movie - we've got more good things coming. I felt it was beautiful shot (watch for the road scenes). Jae Han, playing Byungtae, is great at acting with simple facial gestures and looks, which is a real skill. Baek Yoon-shik, as the mysterious Ponsu, plays the fighting mentor with a sorted past hinted at but never revealed. There is a good deal of comedy sprinkled throughout, like when Byungtae reads to use whatever is at hand to your advantage when fighting and opts for a fluorescent blub (still in it's fixture) and one ragtag bully ends up cutting his partner in crime while fighting. The ending is initially sad but saved under Han-sol's hand. This film has been on the Korean Top Ten list of films since its release Jan 3rd. Not for kids, very violent.
My rating 7 out of 10.
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