Fists of Legend (2013) User Reviews

Short review.

[josephz-k · 8/10 · 15 September 2013]

Fists of Legend is a Korean action (fighting) based film.

Now usually, I don't watch fighting movies but this unusual take on fighting intrigued me.

The film starts with lots of fighting and not much character development, it was kind of disappointing actually as I had high hopes but as the story progresses, it shows various inside meanings which some people may not understand.

When watching this film, I began to think it was a drag, but around the mid point where Lim (main character) reflects on his behaviour as a youth, you begin to realise what he's thinking, you begin to empathise with him.

This brings to you, a whole new consciousness while watching the film. And through watching this, I have to take two sentences which summarise the moral from my point of view.

"Fight to protect, not to win. Protect friendships, your family and if all comes down to it, win through protecting but never for glory."

Pretty badass

[KineticSeoul · 7/10 · 30 August 2015]

Now the reason I wanted to check this movie out is because I like movies that has mixed martial arts in it. Plus it has Hwang Jung-min who is an actor that really grows on you. However unlike a lot of martial arts movies, this one is focused way more on the story than the actual fights. So the plot of this movie is about middle aged guys who are fighters and delinquents that gets a second chance to relive their dreams over a fighting tournament. I did like the build up of this movie but for a film that is around 2 hours and 30 minutes long, I think it could have been cut a bit shorter. Cause some parts just didn't seem all that necessary and some parts just seem to drag. However what really made a lasting impact was when the main protagonist gets caught in a dilemma. I just wish the fight sequences was a bit better. Cause it was kind of boring to watch. The first two fight sequences was cool in the intro, but after that it wasn't that good.

7.8/10

Korean fight flick

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 19 December 2021]

A fighting flick from South Korea. A little overlong which stops me giving it a top mark, but otherwise a good mix of character drama, media satire, and fight action. Lots of nods to the likes of ROCKY along the way, although the back stories and gangster content makes it far grittier in some respects. Very well acted, as you'd expect from Korea, and the fight choreography is top notch, so that the bouts both inside and out of the ring are electrifying.

Great movie!

[ba-842-642958 · 10/10 · 15 September 2013]

If you can get a copy with subtitles in your own language, then this movie is worth watching. It's not the usual fighting tournament movie. The movie follows a number of contestants and shows how good they used to be when younger and what they've become now that they're in their 40's. Some have lost all of their skills, but some have retained them and are still good martial art fighters.

The movie has a great build up, some good laughs, some (typical Asian) drama, but that doesn't distract at all. Overall the portrayal of the main characters and supporting characters is very well done.

This is a very enjoyable fight movie, with a good plot and some interesting surprises. Before I knew it the movie was over, it kept my attention all the time even though it's a long movie. I'm sure I'm going to watch again in time to come.

one of the best Korean movies so far

[rightwingisevil · 22 November 2013]

i think to be an actor is not an easy occupation, and to be a Korean actor, well, might be even tougher. why? being a Korean action actor, you got to have some real tough training in fighting skills, not just phantom boxing or kicking. signing up a movie like this 'fists of legend' is definitely not a job that you could waltz through the whole nine yards just by mimicking the movements of a modern day MMA fighter, you have to look real and act convincingly enough, otherwise, you might ruin the whole production. in this film, we see several familiar faces of the best popular Korean actors doing the amazing fighting scenes and you'd better believe it since there's not a scene that does not look real. i do believe that some make-up artists did a great job to all the players in the ring but they just cannot make-up the real sweat raining down from the bodies of those great actors. this is a very good Korean movie that not just portrays how Koreans love the MMA, but also shows that this is a tough race to deal with. thinking about the Koreans in the north of 38 degrees, they are even tougher than the south. look what the mother and the daughter pushing the son-father to keep fighting, not just for money but for pride, integrity and principles. another great Korean movie, that is for sure, but definitely not for the lame and timid hearts.

Great fighting movie with a good story

[joaosantos20 · 10/10 · 3 April 2021]

I haven't seen this good fighting with tense moments since Rocky or Bloodsport and you still get a good story and great action.