A_Different_Drummer Review of Fighter in the Wind

Fighter in the Wind (2004)

Reverently filmed from the studios of South Korea.... and well worth watching

[9/10 · 15 November 2013]

Let's start with one clear salient point. South Korean films are way better than most of us in North America believe. They are way better than Japanese films, way better (in terms of constraint) than Chinese films, and although lacking a Tony Jaa, also much much more professional than the Thai product. Yes most of the reviews of this film suggest that something is lacking...? They are correct. And I will tell you what is lacking. Excess. That is the key to this film. To appreciate this production -- which it begs you to do -- you need to remember that it is based on a real story. And not any real story, but a story of a man that Koreans view the same way a religious person might see a saint. This was a Korean who, after being humiliated by the Japanese, found some sort of inner strength he did not know he had, and then literally went off to Japan to beat the ^(^(^ out of every respected martial artist -- every one! -- until finally they acknowledged his superiority. (As a child I remember seeing pictures in books of Choi stopping a charging bull with one single strike -- you won't see THAT on Americas Got Talent!) Once you understand how important this story is to South Korea, you will understand why the glitz is missing. Not just a great film but a true story about one of the most amazing martial artists of all time. But restrained. See?