Friend (2001) is a South Korean drama film directed by Kwak Kyung-taek. The movie revolves around the themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a volatile and tumultuous period in South Korea’s history. It explores the life of four childhood friends growing up in Busan, a city with a tough, gangster-driven atmosphere.
The main characters—Tae-soo, Dong-su, Jun-seok, and Sang-tae—are inseparable during their younger years, but as they grow older, they find themselves drifting apart due to circumstances beyond their control. Tae-soo becomes a gangster, while the others take different paths. The film focuses primarily on the bond between Tae-soo and his friends, as well as the trials they face in their respective lives.
The narrative skillfully blends the harsh realities of organized crime with emotional struggles, examining the weight of past relationships and the cost of loyalty. “Friend” captures the spirit of friendship and the painful choices that come with it. With gritty performances and intense drama, it became a major hit in South Korea, resonating with audiences due to its relatable themes of growing up, facing loss, and reconciling with one’s past.
Friend (2001) Review
“Friend” (2001), directed by Kwak Kyung-taek, is a South Korean film that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Set in the backdrop of the 1970s and 1980s, the movie follows four childhood friends from Busan, whose bonds are tested by the pressures of life and crime. The film paints a vivid portrait of their growth from innocent youths to hardened adults, immersed in the violent underworld.
The strength of “Friend” lies in its character-driven narrative. Each protagonist is well-developed, with their personal struggles and moral dilemmas driving the plot. The film explores how circumstances shape individuals, leading them down paths of crime, ambition, and regret. The relationships between the friends are central, with the theme of loyalty repeatedly coming into conflict with self-preservation.
The performances are exceptional, particularly by the lead actors, who embody the emotional turmoil and intensity of their characters. The film’s pacing allows for gradual, meaningful developments, and the script doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of human nature.
Though at times bleak and violent, “Friend” offers a compelling exploration of friendship in a world where survival often comes at a cost. It’s a gritty, poignant tale that resonates long after the credits roll.
Friend (2001) Trailer
Friend (2001) Details
Friend (2001)
Duration: 155 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Genre: Drama
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Cast: Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Amrita Arora
Production: T-Series
Language: Hindi
Singer Name: Sonu Nigam
Budget: ₹ 15 Crore
Release Date: 14/12/2001
Friend (2001) Screenshot
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