Crying Fist (2005 Film)

Crying Fist (Korean: 주먹이 운다; RR: Jumeogi Unda) is a 2005 South Korean sports drama film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan. The film explores the lives of two men from disparate backgrounds who find themselves drawn to professional boxing as a means of personal redemption and survival.

Crying Fist movie poster — Promotional poster for Crying Fist.

Plot

The narrative follows two central characters: Kang Tae-sik (Choi Min-sik) and Yoo Sang-hwan (Ryoo Seung-bum). Kang is a 43-year-old former boxing silver medalist whose life has spiraled into poverty. He works as a human punching bag in a Seoul shopping district to earn money while struggling with mounting debt and the impending dissolution of his family. Meanwhile, Yoo Sang-hwan is a troubled young man recently released from prison after committing robbery. Encouraged by a prison guard to channel his aggression into boxing, he attempts to rebuild his life amidst personal tragedy and family hardship. Their paths eventually converge in an amateur boxing competition.

Cast

The film features a prominent ensemble cast of South Korean actors:

Choi Min-sik as Kang Tae-sik
Ryoo Seung-bum as Yoo Sang-hwan
Seo Hye-rin as Sun-joo
Lim Won-hee as Won-tae
Cheon Ho-jin as Sang-chul
Byun Hee-bong as Sang-hwan's coach
Ki Joo-bong as Sang-hwan's father
Na Moon-hee as Sang-hwan's grandmother
Kim Soo-hyun as Kwon-rok
Oh Dal-su as Yong-dae
Ahn Kil-kang as the prison warden

Choi Min-sik as Kang Tae-sik — Choi Min-sik portrays the aging boxer Kang Tae-sik.

Ryoo Seung-bum as Yoo Sang-hwan — Ryoo Seung-bum portrays the troubled youth Yoo Sang-hwan.

Still from the film — A scene from the production.