As a person who had been practicing martial art, I have really appreciated this movie for its excellent realism. Lately, I was getting rather tired of -though visually stimulating; over fancy Chinese martial art movies. But action is only a small part of this movie; the other impressive side is the photography and genuine looking set-ups with involving actors and actresses. I especially found the two Japanese actors, Masaya Kato and Aya Hirayama excellent in the screen. Though few have mentioned that this movie is anti Japanese, I find that this is really not the case and any rational Japanese viewers will agree with me especially if you consider the following true facts:
-Being a "Korean" or of "Korean origin" in Japan during the wartime (and after) was a major handicap in the society, which caused many undesired problems
-What made Choi Be dal, "Oyama" was the harsh treatment he endured from the (bad) Japanese as described in the movie. So not graphically illustrating this will miss the main point of the story
-In the movie, Oyamas' nemesis Kato was not portrayed as a villain but someone with class, fairness and honor, if this movie is anti Japanese it wouldn't have been the case.
-Oyama had "love and hate affair" with Japan. Yes, he didn't like many things Japanese but at the same time, as the movie shows it is a historical fact that he couldn't bear Japanese being mistreated by occupying (bad) American soldiers and defended them to a point he was on wanted list by the US military police. Ironically, years later during his visits to US, he was teaching Karate to FBI and introduced martial art to general American public.
Overall, I find fighter in the wind well rounded except of the slight awkward, Korean soap opera style, romance scene with Aya Hirayama. Other wise, this movie is a must for all who are interested in martial arts!
-Being a "Korean" or of "Korean origin" in Japan during the wartime (and after) was a major handicap in the society, which caused many undesired problems
-What made Choi Be dal, "Oyama" was the harsh treatment he endured from the (bad) Japanese as described in the movie. So not graphically illustrating this will miss the main point of the story
-In the movie, Oyamas' nemesis Kato was not portrayed as a villain but someone with class, fairness and honor, if this movie is anti Japanese it wouldn't have been the case.
-Oyama had "love and hate affair" with Japan. Yes, he didn't like many things Japanese but at the same time, as the movie shows it is a historical fact that he couldn't bear Japanese being mistreated by occupying (bad) American soldiers and defended them to a point he was on wanted list by the US military police. Ironically, years later during his visits to US, he was teaching Karate to FBI and introduced martial art to general American public.
Overall, I find fighter in the wind well rounded except of the slight awkward, Korean soap opera style, romance scene with Aya Hirayama. Other wise, this movie is a must for all who are interested in martial arts!