Is The Techniques of Fighting Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Action cinema, the 2019 release of The Techniques of Fighting stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Geon-woo used to be a promising taekwondo athlete, but quit after kicking an unfair judge in the face. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Geon-woo used to be a promising taekwondo athlete, but quit after kicking an unfair judge in the face. On his first day at Deoksang High, he gets involved in a fight with the school bullies, but defeats them and becomes the subject of school gossip. While Geon-woo was previously tired with everything in his life, he slowly finds interest after his fight with the bullies. In the end, he takes over the school by defeating Deok-soo, the school's best fighter. However, Sang-goo, the best fighter of Dae Jin High, asks him for a bribe, but Geon-woo declines him. Sang-goo is not happy and wants to break Geon-woo."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Yoon Kyung-ho, the performance in The Techniques of Fighting feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Kim Hee-seong is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 67 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Techniques of Fighting truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 1.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Techniques of Fighting explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kim Hee-seong respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Techniques of Fighting is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Yoon Kyung-ho or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Techniques of Fighting is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.