Fighter In The Wind- A Review By Addy

Fighter In the Wind is a 2004 Korean film that is based on the true story of Choi Yeung-Eui. Forced by circumstances that come to light in the film he changed his name to Masutatsu Oyama, although his preferred name was Choi Bae-Dal to show his Korean ethnicity. He created his own martial arts called Kyokushinkai karate and successfully challenged and defeated every master Japan had to offer. The film is an intelligent, spirited and emotional affair and a great insight into what one single person can achieve against all odds. Rarely have I seen a true story where someone goes from having so little and gaining so much.

Masutatsu Oyama

Born 27th July 1923 Gimje, Korea.
Died 26th April 1994 (aged 70) Tokyo, Japan.

Film Specs

Director: Yang Yun-Ho
Release date: 12th August 2004
Running time: 120 min.
Language Korean/English Subtitles

"Justice without power is empty and power without justice is only violence." Choi Bae-Dal

Synopsis and personal opinion

So the film is based on a true story but for the film the main character is named Choi Bae-Dal, a Korean that wants to fight for Japan during WW2. Being unsuccessful in his attempts to become a pilot, he ends up on the streets instead. Initially he faces extreme prejudices from the Japanese for simply being a Korean. As a result of this he faces lots of violence and verbal abuse, to the Japanese the Koreans may be allies but they are seen as inferior almost like a Japanese lower class. It is here that Choi is badly beaten by a Japanese officer that becomes Choi's ultimate goal for defeating. Eventually once the Americans defeat Japan things just take a turn for the worse and he also suffers at the hands of American GI's. He suffers intolerable beatings stabbings and horrendous misery but stays true to his yearning to become a competent martial artist. Eventually he becomes reasonably good and starts to mete out some punishment to the GI's that are raping Japanese women and being abusive in general. Eventually he befriends a Japanese Geisha called Yoko who he saves from some nasty Americans, and he finally gets a modicum of happiness in his life. He actually becomes an anonymous local hero whilst combing the streets as a rickshaw driver he saves many people from the evil doings of the American soldiers. However, Choi Bae-Dal changes his course of destiny. He goes out into the wilderness in harsh climates and extreme conditions and begins a training regime that pushes his body, spirit and capabilities to the highest extremes. I make no joke about this, it makes SAS training look easy. Now he will seek out the greatest masters that Japan has to offer, in all aspects of martial discipline and challenge them. At last he will gain the respect he deserves by beating them all and showing that Koreans are not weak.

This film includes a decent soundtrack including a track from the gothic metal band Epica which is appropriately played during the training scenes. The character development is excellent, you really feel empathy for the main character and it is an awesome sight to see him finally push himself to become the legend that he was. The raw emotion of the film is so intense and is likely to touch even the most hardened hearts. The fighting is so realistic and very hard hitting. The action scenes are some of the finest I have ever seen. If you like to see real martial arts at its finest, then indulge yourself in this movie. There are no lavish artistic movements it is more like how martial arts would be applied in a real fight. The amount of abuse Choi's body can take is impressive and you see how he achieves this through his training but the power he has in his attacks is incredible. In many respects the film is like an Asian equivalent of Rocky but then so much more. Choi does not already have the skills that Rocky does. Choi also does not have a supportive family or even a slightly good life, his motivations and inspirations are so different. The training is far more brutal and pushes Choi's tolerances to the limits. Also unlike Rocky's last bouts there is none of the frills around the edges. Choi looks like an unlikely hero with his great unwashed caveman style, wild hair and torn dirty clothes. Yet it is all profound everything about Choi tells a story and its one that makes you want to listen. It is a heartfelt genuine film that about an underdog and who doesn't like to see an underdog get the upper hand.

It is hard not to like Choi and even pity him. During his life which is shown in the film, he is shot, stabbed, and beaten senseless on various occasions and survives. He also finally falls in love but Yoko is forced to let him go. This is because her love for him runs so deep she cannot any longer stand to see him get hurt. The final straw is when in a huge crowd an unknown assailant stabs Choi in the back attempting to kill him. This is because of the humiliation he is heaping on the Japanese and that they feel threatened by all his successes against their masters. His lover nurses him back to health but once he is well enough she makes him choose either her, or continue to fight. He has to keep fighting and you do understand this about him once you see all his motivations he really is not just doing it all for himself.

This is how a martial arts movie should be. There is none of the fancy wire work and fantasy elements within this movie. This is a very gripping film that relies on real hardcore fighting to wow the viewers, rather than glitzy special effects but it has a wonderful story also.

Extras

The DVD includes Action Diary of a Martial Arts Director, which is ok but hardly the strongest selling point for me. I feel it really does not need to even be on there. There are also cast and crew interviews. I prefer the cast interviews especially the insight of what it is like to make a film about such ah honoured legend. There is also a decent music video that is worth a look. The final extra is the theatrical trailer, which seems daft when it's on the disc of the movie and you are going to watch it anyway. Never mind at least the music video is a reasonable bonus on the DVD.

Access the Incredible Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhRJSVzhJ6U

If this does not whet your appetite and get your juices flowing then I will be surprised.

Thanks to all that read/rate my review, Addy

© June 2008