Rain is excellent as the naive young cyclist Um. During the early 20th century , Um was a Korean star for beating the Japanese at races staged to show their superiority over the Koreans during their occupation . Very little is known about Um's life , but the writers created a quite interesting and poignant back story for him . The secondary story involving the Righteous Army , Korean freedom fighters , was also a creation of the writers, but is quite powerful in its depiction of the cruelty the Japanese imposed on the people . The movie works well as an inspirational sports film, and a patriotic ode to those who fought against the occupation.
The story never drags , the cinematography shows the beauty of the Korean countryside but also the moody despair of an occupied people . Good cast includes some well known Korean actors .
The story never drags , the cinematography shows the beauty of the Korean countryside but also the moody despair of an occupied people . Good cast includes some well known Korean actors .