A Korean gangster drama made just before that country really became acclaimed internationally for the quality of its cinema. I wasn't quite blown away here, but I was still impressed by this one, a story that follows the life stories of a group of four male friends from early childhood due to violent adulthood. Lengthy and realistic, it boasts quality acting and in the second half it becomes an upsettingly violent story of rivalry and almost inevitable bloodshed.

Very good movie with a great story that gets you emotionally invested in the characters. there seems to be a little lost in translation but still very interesting and different (2 viewings)

Friend This is the course of friendship over a twenty year period. Beginning in 1975 we watch as four friends spend some time on what appears to be a summer vacation. Their future looks bright. A few years on as school and life takes its toll the dynamic between them changes and re-changes again as the have to deal with growing up, shattered dreams, decent into crime and drugs and the friendship itself. This is a dark little film that reminded me of some of the work of Martin Scorsese. Life often beats on these guys, from cruelty from their teachers to murder making it hard to get by. The course of these boys lives is not clear nor does it always turn out how we, or they think it will. The cast is excellent from top to bottom. Definitely worth seeking out, though be warned some of the violence has a tough edge to it.