Is Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2001)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 2001 release of Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Jin-su, a 9-year-old elementary school student whose dream is to become a boxing referee, doesn't know why he wants to be a boxing referee, but at some point he started to feel a sense of duty to become one. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "Jin-su, a 9-year-old elementary school student whose dream is to become a boxing referee, doesn't know why he wants to be a boxing referee, but at some point he started to feel a sense of duty to become one. However, he is suspicious of his father, who has nothing to do with boxing. "Where did the hot boxing referee's blood flowing in my body come from?" Jin-su turns his gaze to the three uncles who used to be around his mother. Seong-jin, Bi-chan, and Wang-gu. They are all uncles who only look at their mother and exercise at the boxing gym that their grandfather used to run. Jin-su sees from these uncles the qualities that a boxing referee must have and learns the whole story. On the day his mother announced her marriage to the three people, everything happened because of that."

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. Park Won-sang does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Choi Equan 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 18 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 Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? 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 Modern Cinema, 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 0/10 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, Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2001 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Choi Equan 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, Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? 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 Park Won-sang or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Why Do I Want to Be a Boxing Referee? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.