In 1950, Yeokdosan realizes that unless he was born Japanese, he can’t reach the summit of sumo and gives it up. Spending his days drinking and fighting, he chances upon pro wrestling, and heads to America to seek his fortune. 2 years later, he returns home as a wrestler and defeats the American opponent with a karate chop. He becomes a Japanese hero but after all, his life falls apart.

This is the story of a legendary wrestler Rikidozan. As a sumo wrestler, he felt discrimination against his Korean-Japanese background and decided to be a professional wrestler. After he had become popular, he wanted to control the show business. His desire had put him to success but also led him to be isolated from others and to a total ruin. Still, he never gives up. Directing, acting, shooting and arts are almost perfect, yet the observational camera maintains a cool tone. This is Song’s version of Citizen Kane. [KIM Youngjin]