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Friend, also known as Chingoo, is a South Korean film released in the year 2001. The movie was directed by Kwak Kyung-Taek and features renowned South Korean actors like Oh-seong Yu, Jang Dong-Gun, and Tae-hwa Seo in prominent roles. The movie is based on the theme of the gritty underworld of gangsters, their bonds, and their battles.

The plot of the movie revolves around four childhood friends, Joon-seok (Jang Dong-gun), Dong-su (Oh-seong Yu), Sang-taek (Jung Woon-Taek), and Jung-ho (Kim Bo-Kyun), who grow up together in Busan. They attend school together and spend their days roaming the streets, riding motorcycles and getting into trouble as teenagers. The boys develop close bonds, but each of them also faces their own struggles.

As they grow up, the boys find themselves drawn to the world of gangsters, and they become involved in a life of crime. Dong-su becomes a fiercely ambitious gangster and moves up the ranks quickly, while Joon- seok, a more moderate and peace-loving character, becomes a lawyer. Sang-taek continues to live the street life and eventually gets into trouble with the law, and Jung-ho becomes a successful businessman with connections to the underworld.

As the boys' adult lives intersect, their bonds are tested by the harsh reality of life in the criminal underworld. Friend explores the complex emotions and motivations behind gangster culture, and how it can both strengthen and destroy relationships.

The film showcases the evolution of the boys, and the challenges they face as they try to reconcile their past and present. The four friends struggle to stay loyal to one another as they navigate the treacherous world of gangsters. The movie delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and self-preservation, as the boys face increasingly difficult decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Throughout the movie, the cinematography, sound, and location detailing create a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the Korean underworld. The movie features some phenomenal action sequences, with impressive stunts and gun battles that add to the intense realism of the violent world of the gangsters. Friend is a gripping movie that keeps the audience hooked throughout with its powerful storytelling and incredible performance by the lead actors.

The performances of the actors in the movie have been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Particularly, the performances of Oh-seong Yu and Jang Dong-Gun have been noted as some of the best of their careers. The chemistry between the two actors on screen is palpable and adds to the authenticity of the boys' relationship.

Friend was a massive commercial success in Korea, and the movie has become an iconic piece of Korean cinema. The film's popularity is a testament to its powerful storytelling and gripping narrative, which has resonated with audiences across the globe. Friend remains a must-watch for anyone interested in Korean cinema or gangster movie genre.

In conclusion, Friend is an intriguing movie that explores the bonds of friendship in a world of violence and corruption. It is powerful, intense, and utterly gripping, making it an essential watch for movie lovers looking for a great storytelling experience. The movie is a must-watch for any fan of the Korean film industry, and the incredible performances by the lead actors only add to its authenticity and quality.

Friend is a 2001 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.