Streaming Sleepers: Jéro Yun’s FIGHTER Still Hits Just As Hard As The First Time
I think this one’s been streaming on Tubi for a while now, but it helps to point out titles like these since they don’t always stand out in the algos. For this, I speak of Jéro Yun’s 2021 Korean boxing drama, Fighter, about an ex-soldier who finds purpose in boxing amid the hardships of reacclimiating as an exile from the North.
I saw this one during my coverage of the New York Asian Film Festival in 2021 and I very much enjoyed it. There’s an interview that I still actually want to check out as well, but I definitely wanted to put this out as a gem that I hope to see get a little more traction for fans looking to find some reprieve in the streaming arena.
Actress Lim Seong-mi is fantastic in the lead role. The film is well acted and the boxing scenes are great, and for good measure, here’s a small excerpt from my review at the time:
One thing Fighter isn’t is a Rocky rehash of any kind. It’s a family drama with a focus on generational suffering, healing, forgiveness, and the will to endure. It’s a beautiful story with a compelling conceptual and visual aesthetic, with a first time lead actress Lim Seong-mi delivering a solid feature performance that sees it all through.
I hope that sells it. Do check it out on Tubi when you get time.
