- Genre
- Comedy
- Year
- 2000
- Runtime
- 1h52
0
The Foul King
Fighting for respect, one foul move at a time.
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Synopsis
The Foul King, directed by Kim Jee-woon and starring Song Kang-ho, is a unique South Korean comedy-drama centered on the life of Im Dae-ho, a timid and bullied bank clerk who unexpectedly finds empowerment in the world of professional wrestling. Struggling to express himself and gain respect, Dae-ho adopts the persona of the 'Foul King,' embracing dirty tactics and unorthodox maneuvers in the ring to overcome his adversaries. The film blends humor, heartfelt moments, and social commentary, exploring themes of self-identity and courage as Dae-ho's journey in the wrestling ring mirrors his quest to assert himself in everyday life. Released in 2000, it showcases Song Kang-ho's versatile acting and Kim Jee-woon's early directorial style.
Cast
Reviews
The Foul King has been generally well received by critics and audiences alike, praised particularly for its fresh take on the sports genre enriched with comedy and thoughtful character development. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.9/10, reflecting positive viewer engagement who appreciate Song Kang-ho's charismatic performance and the filmโs quirky charm. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a widely aggregated critical score for this film, but individual reviews highlight its unique blend of humor and social storytelling. Some critics have noted that while the story follows familiar underdog tropes, the filmโs tone and inventive wrestling sequences provide an entertaining and endearing experience. The pacing is sometimes described as uneven, yet the direction and screenplay successfully maintain viewer interest throughout. Metacritic does not have an official score for The Foul King, but user reviews tend to underscore its cult appeal and the way it captures the zeitgeist of early 2000s South Korean cinema. Overall, the film is often recommended for fans of offbeat sports dramas and those interested in Song Kang-hoโs extensive filmography.
