Going to be one of my favs!!!
I started the movie with a smile and curious mind. It was so funny all along. There were hardly and moment that I didn't like. And each and every artist's delivery and usually their reactions were top notch. Suddenly the film got serious, I cried so bad for a movie after a long time. I'm a person who is up for anything if it includes my friends and it definitely touched my soft point, making me feel the characters every moment. I totally loved the film but I really wished that Cha Eunwoo's character would show up but nah it had to be a sad ending nothing can be done. Broke my heart into pieces yet loved it to every bit!! Great movie!! I wish such movies or series are made at least once or twice a year but with a happy ending.Was this review helpful to you?
Thrill Ride
This movie kept me hooked from start to finish, and every time I thought I knew what was happening? Nah it took another turn.I watched it in theatres in Korea, having seen a 30 second intro clip, intermediate Korean skills, and barely knowing what I bought a ticket for. But I had so much fun I'll probably rewatch once its on streaming
The plot kept me guessing, and if you pay close attention things will connect, but while watching I had no idea what was coming next. Although it could be jarring, almost everything connected. Plus, the timing was fast and comedic, almost never catching a break, it kept the movie upbeat and us on our toes.
The cast's chemistry was amazing, the friendship of the characters was so funny, and the theatre kept laughing as they ran into disaster after disaster. Their acting plus the music really added to the atmosphere, and even the funniest ending scene, but damn could they pull a gut-wrenching sob.
I won't reveal direct spoilers, but throughout its runtime, The First Ride slowly starts to piece together a heart-wrenching movie about friendship, mental health, and the bittersweet idea of "다음" ("Next time"). In Korea, it's normal to say "next time" and pushing it to later - but really never. Although keeping it light, there are moments I had to sit and reflect on that idea. "When is next time? What if next time never comes?"
Overall, the movie was a lot of fun, though sometimes it felt a bit all over the place, the action matched the energy of the characters. I'd really recommend checking out this movie, it's such a ride.
p.s. Although definitely a lead, Cha Eunwoo doesn't appear as much in the movie as the others. //And his doll is absolutely hilarious, legit every scene killed me//
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One Hell of a First Ride
Who says tragedy cannot be a source of happiness too? The First Ride is a heartfelt mix of friendship and life, packed with laughter, tears, and an emotional roller coaster that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It balances heaviness and joy surprisingly well, making the experience feel cathartic rather than draining.The story throws plot twist after plot twist, but nothing feels messy or forced. Everything is laid out beautifully, like a wild ride you willingly stayed on knowing it would make you laugh, cry, reflect, and get a little sentimental along the way. The chemistry among the cast is genuinely strong, bringing the characters to life, and the writing deserves extra praise for knowing exactly when to hit and when to hold back.
This is definitely a film I would recommend if you want something that lifts your mood while also reminding you to be grateful for life and the people you share it with. Just a heads-up, you might finish this with puffy eyes and a slightly fuller heart.
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Fun story that doesn't reinvent the wheel but has a great kick to it
I also had a chance to watch this in theaters in Korea (like the other reviewer up now). Contrary to that reviewer, I did see what was coming pretty steadily. Some of the details of how were less clear, but the core emotional issue that is brought up later in the film was pretty clear to me within about 15-20 minutes.THAT SAID, a great film doesn't have to be shocking or surprising constantly, and that's how I felt about this. The acting and cinematography were solid, and even with my very lacking Korean skills and no subtitles, I found it funny and the characters highly relatable, if a bit cartoonish (that seemed to be the point, though, so it's not a knock).
It made me want to watch other things by this writer/director, and turns out I've seen Homme Fatale, too, which I also really enjoyed!
Mildly spoilery take below:
((And, honestly, I think you can guess that "core emotional issue" just based on reading the synopsis and looking at the casting, particularly the ages.))
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Entertaining and fun
A chaotic slapstick comedy mess that has all sorts of elements in its trickery, school flashback, foreign backdrop, intimate brotherhood, unrequited love, though they all felt like side dishes that made up for a loose plot with an okay-ish ending. The movie production itself is not bad, in fact quite entertaining and fun for most of its runtime, but it's that kind of lightweight family friendly weekend getaway genre aimed at the masses, while boosted by enormous star power with big names cast, just it was never meant to be taken seriously.Was this review helpful to you?
Weak Execution
while kang haneul is always great in comedy, the rest of the cast feels a bit forced at times. overall the movie is just okay and lacks a clear direction on which theme it wants to focus on more, whether it’s comedy or the heavier topic of friendship. both themes could have worked well together if handled better, but that’s not really the case here. though cha eunwoo doesn’t have much screen time, but his acting feels very natural and he manages to draw me into his role within the friendship. i honestly wish i could rate it higher because i really love kang haneul’s works, but this time a 7 is the max for me.Was this review helpful to you?
A good time
This is a really good comedy thanks to solid jokes, dialogue and situations in which our characters find themselves in. The chemistry between the actors is really good, Kang Ha Neul and Han Sunhwa are definitely the standout with the unhinged and savage performances, while Kang Young Seok delivers a very fun character and Kim Young Kwang some heartfelt scenes. The friendship is the best part of the story.While I really enjoyed this film, I can't help but feel The First Ride missed an opportunity to properly develop mental health issues in the aftermath of a tragedy. In one hand, I am glad this wasn't a sob fest but, at the same time, sometimes this issues were used as a punchline and even forced the story to be more emotional when the set up was already touching enough.
Overall, this is a good watch and I recommend it.
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