At first look "Radio Star" (directed by Lee Jun-Ik, King and the Clown) seems like many other movies that circulate that follow the general storyline of a washed up star trying to make it in the aftermath of a "one shot" glory days. However as the movie progresses and we follow the troubled and self-fish ex-star Choi Gon (Park Joong-hoon) we find that it's more than just that, but rather a profound and deep friendship borne through hardship between two men, and the unlikely ragtag staff that gathers around them. While at first I want to dislike the Choi Gon for his selffish attitude, we find that despite that he is earnest and open about his feelings. The slightly off the wall, yet compassionate character, Park Min-soo (played by Ahn Seong-Gi) puts me off at first with his antics and seemingly silly slap stick performance, but as the movie progresses he wins us over as we see beyond the facade to the real character, one that seems to shoulder two heavy responsibilities of his family and his best friend. While the music didn't play quite as big of role as other movies, it still served as a good setting and emotional framework for a lot of the scenes...and yes, they do play "Video Killed the Radio Star"...the perfect song for this movie.

The cinematography by Na Seung-Ryong is very well done and really brings out the raw emotions of the characters as well as paints a down to earth picture of a comical yet homespun, lovable rural Korean town that rallies around a very unlikely hero. The movie strikes a chord with all of us. That reality, and life in general can be hard and sacrifices are always to be made...however success and ultimately inner reconcilation can come from anywhere as long as you never give up and keep your spirits up. The ending seemed to cut short what could have been a better climax, although the final scene is certainly memorable and shot well. If you haven't seen this movie, you REALLY need to.