Friend is not your typical gangster movie. Already a huge hit in South Korea, it's not hard to see why. Although Americans may find some of the cultural differences hard to understand, or appreciate for that matter, Friend can still be a rewarding cinematic experience for those willing to give it a shot.

Chronicling nearly three full decades in the lives of 4 childhood pals, Friend spans the 70's, 80's and 90's in an epic cinematic tour de force. Sang-Taek and Joong-Ho take the more likely of paths through school and work, while Joon-Suk and Dong-Su evolve as ultimately rival gangsters. The film takes us from their carefree childhood days in 70's (video games and the disbelief of the advent of the VCR) to their college years and beyond (girls and guns). At times touching, other times shocking and disturbing, Friend can be an emotional roller coaster. The emphasis here is on drama and relationships (the characters go through a range of emotion including conflict, betrayal, and finally understanding). There are a few scenes of violence which are extremely intense and frightening (albeit extremely short as well). Director Kwak Kyung-Taek has a great visual style, and even the darkest scene of violence (a brutal stabbing on the sidewalk) is easily paralleled to a moment of intimacy.

Friend is an extremely well made and well acted film. Accurate in each of the era's it's depicting and packed with great sweeping shots along with a unique visual style. While challenging to an American audience, if given the chance Friend can be a most positive movie-going experience.

Thumbs up.