I saw this film on a recent trip to Korea and was absolutely blown away! I'm still thinking about it and trying to get my hands on a copy. Seung Woo Cho's portrayal of an autistic boy whose mother encourages him to start running is brilliant and heartbreaking. The film accurately illustrates the social and private difficulties for people with autism and their families. Based on a true story, you can't help but fall in love with this boy because he's so pure-hearted and misunderstood by everyone, even his own family members. His mother even questions her feelings about him, which is something rarely shown in films. Despite the odds, he becomes a champion without meaning to or wanting to, and by the end of the film you are in awe of what this person accomplished. Everyone should see this film and experience the joy and agony. Korean cinema has never been so poignant! Just a warning--you might want to keep a box of tissues beside you, especially for the second half of the film. If you see one foreign film this year, please make it this one!

Well this is a movie about personal struggle of a mother and her son who is diagnosed with autism.I mean i am tired of seeing all these meaningless romantic comedies which are churned out these days.This movie simply the story of these two persons and how they navigate through their lives against all odds.It evokes the deepest of your emotions with it's brutal honesty and simplicity.It is about a disabled person who runs to find meaning in his life.It is a story of the triumph of human spirit.I am really surprised that they make movies like these anymore.I definitely assure you that watching this movie will change your life.A brilliant masterpiece about the indomitable human spirit.Fantastic performances from all the cast.Compelling and powerful.Highly recommended.

P.S. I truly broke down after seeing this movie.I sobbed my heart out and felt strangely happy about it afterwards.

this film is a charming look at an autistic man who overcomes his mental deficiencies with the drive of his mother to successfully race in marathons around Korea. while this may sound like a conventional plot, the great performances by the actors playing the autistic man and his mother propel this film into thoughtful melodrama. the film is also based on the true story of a 21 year old korean man suffering from autism who has successfully won marathons in Korea with help from his mother.

marathon is the top film in Korea currently and a quick sweep of the korean video shops in nyc reveals that the dvds are ALWAYS sold out.

bring tissues to your screening, this is a major tear jerker worth seeing.