Watch Arahan

Arahan is a 2004 South Korean action-comedy film directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, starring Seung-beom Ryu, So-yi Yoon, and Sung-Ki Ahn. The movie follows the story of a small-town policeman named Sang-hwan (Seung-beom Ryu) who is lazy, incompetent, and often ridiculed by his colleagues. But one day, he discovers that he has been chosen to be a successor of a legendary martial arts master who has been protecting the world from a group of evil forces known as the Heuk-woon.

Sang-hwan is initially skeptical of his abilities and dismisses the idea of being a martial arts hero. But his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a woman named Eui-jin (So-yi Yoon), who turns out to be a member of the Heuk-woon. Eui-jin is on a mission to retrieve a mystical object known as the Buddha's relics, which she believes will enable the Heuk-woon to destroy the world. Sang-hwan is tasked with protecting the relics and stopping the Heuk-woon from carrying out their diabolical plan.

Together with the eccentric and wise martial arts master, Elder (Sung-Ki Ahn), Sang-hwan undergoes intense training and learns the art of martial arts. They embark on a journey to stop the Heuk-woon and protect the Buddha's relics. Along the way, they encounter numerous obstacles and fierce battles with the Heuk-woon's minions, requiring Sang-hwan to utilize his newfound skills.

Arahan is an action-packed martial arts film that blends humor and thrilling action sequences. The movie also exhibits a greater social commentary on South Korean society, particularly with the theme of youth apathy and nihilism. Most of the characters in the movie are cynical and disillusioned with their lives, and Sang-hwan initially embodies this outlook. However, as he progresses through his training, he comes to realize the importance of discipline and the value of his role as a protector of the world.

The fight scenes in Arahan are particularly well-choreographed, showcasing a unique blend of various martial arts styles that add to the film's appeal. The use of special effects and wirework is also impressive, adding a supernatural element to the action scenes.

In addition to the action and comedy, Arahan features strong performances from all the cast members. Seung-beom Ryu delivers a convincing performance as a reluctant hero, while So-yi Yoon portrays Eui-jin with grace, strength, and vulnerability. Sung-Ki Ahn steals the show as the eccentric, yet wise Elder, who provides the necessary guidance and humor to the younger characters.

Overall, Arahan is an entertaining and engaging film that combines elements of action, comedy, and social commentary. The movie provides an insight into South Korean culture and the struggles of everyday individuals to find purpose and meaning in their lives. Anyone looking for a thrilling, action-packed martial arts film that also has heart and wit should definitely give Arahan a watch.

Arahan is a 2005 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.