I have a problem with this film as it purports to associate itself with Sosai Oyama and hence, it may affect the way in which young minds see the great legend. Mas Oyama dedicated his life to karate, he didn't aim for fame but instead used it as a tool to spread his message of the benefits of karate, it's meaning, purpose, etc, or "the search for the ultimate truth". My problem with this film is that instead of furthering Sosai Oyama's message or giving an accurate portrayal of his life, this film tends to be full of Korean propaganda. At a certain sequence, one of the characters, after seeing some moves from Bae-dal ( the hero ) notes that, "it's Tae Kyun" ( a Korean martial art). At the film's climax, it shows how the evil Japanese martial masters conspire to stop this upstart ( because he's Korean ) from being superior to the Japanese. With the evil syndicate conspiring to assassinate the hero. The film then proceeds to emphasize how the bad Japanese oppress the poor helpless KOREAN who uses a KOREAN martial art to defend the oppressed against the evil Japanese ( it's that redundant, trust me ) and all the Japanese martial masters including the head of the Japanese Martial Arts Association. Hell, while we're at it, why did they not portray him using KOREAN weapons and items as well! Now, I'm not Japanese, nor do I have anything against the Koreans but puh- lease, enough from the Ministry of Propaganda already! First of all, Sosai Oyama loved Japan, he loved the culture, that's why he adopted a Japanese name. He even tried to be a Japanese pilot in World War II to defend the nation he grew to admire a great deal. The leader of the Shotokan at that time was NOT his enemy. In fact, Funakoshi, Gichin Sensei was gracious enough to have taught Sosai Oyama. An event that Sosai would refer to often in his lifetime as the basis of his karate. Sosai Oyama also studied a form of Chinese Kempo, Goju ryu and Judo by the way.
As a fantasy- period piece, this film would've been fine. I liked the sets and how they portrayed post- war Japan. Granted, there may have been some forms of discrimination at that time but not to the extent this film portrays it to be, otherwise, the Japanese would not have taught so many of their arts to Sosai Oyama. As a film associating itself with the great legend, great care should have been taken as to avoid confusing young, impressionable minds.
Sosai's message was to strive hard in life, persevere, overcome all obstacles in one's search for the ultimate truth. Karate, being a convenient vehicle in such a search due to it's benefits to humanity if studied arduously and properly. This film instead, bastardizes that message and translates it into: It is better to be Korean and learn Korean martial arts to get back at the evil, cruel Japanese since all their martial arts are crap.
For the record, I respect both the Japanese and the Koreans. I also appreciate and admire all of their contributions to society. It's with this film that I have an issue with as it tends to affect Japanese and Korean sentiments which, until now, are quite sensitive. Stay away from this film, it is difficult to classify as an art piece, action film or as a documentary. It is however, clearly a form of bad, misinformed propaganda. This is the movie industry's version of an Internet Troll.
As a fantasy- period piece, this film would've been fine. I liked the sets and how they portrayed post- war Japan. Granted, there may have been some forms of discrimination at that time but not to the extent this film portrays it to be, otherwise, the Japanese would not have taught so many of their arts to Sosai Oyama. As a film associating itself with the great legend, great care should have been taken as to avoid confusing young, impressionable minds.
Sosai's message was to strive hard in life, persevere, overcome all obstacles in one's search for the ultimate truth. Karate, being a convenient vehicle in such a search due to it's benefits to humanity if studied arduously and properly. This film instead, bastardizes that message and translates it into: It is better to be Korean and learn Korean martial arts to get back at the evil, cruel Japanese since all their martial arts are crap.
For the record, I respect both the Japanese and the Koreans. I also appreciate and admire all of their contributions to society. It's with this film that I have an issue with as it tends to affect Japanese and Korean sentiments which, until now, are quite sensitive. Stay away from this film, it is difficult to classify as an art piece, action film or as a documentary. It is however, clearly a form of bad, misinformed propaganda. This is the movie industry's version of an Internet Troll.