A Heart-Warming & Fun Ride You Shouldn’t Miss
As the film begins, Cha Eun Woo's character did warn us that it will be a sad story. But as it concludes, his character agrees, that maybe it was not that sad. And I couldn't agree more. This is one of the movies that will stay with me for a long time, and I couldn't have asked for a better start to my 2026 viewing experience.I had been wanting to see this movie because of the cast in it. I think anyone who's familiar with Korean entertainment would have seen the cast members in more than one work, and know that individually they are a powerhouse. Together, they were even better. The story is about friendship, how it changes over time and about how friends struggle to find the "next time" to do something together as they grow up. It carefully, cleverly, humorously and tearfully shows us how that "next time" happens for these friends as they plan to go on a trip to Thailand.
I understood the plot twist early on - yet it left me in tears. Yes, it has elements and fun as you'd expect from stories about friendship (think: The Hangover) and at the same time you need to keep tissues handy (think: 20th Century Girl, Way Back Home, Soulmate etc. I don't want to give out spoilers, but a fair warning. Personally, I don't like to watch such movies, cause hits home on a personal level. But then I can't help how beautifully they have addressed heavy topics of loss, with a dash of humour and lots of heart.
Definitely a one-time watch for sure - you'd not be bored, and enjoy the ride. And the message: "next time" it is indeed vague, so value the present and make the most of it. This is definitely my mantra for 2026 - you'll know why when you see the film. I am not giving it a 10 cause its a masterpiece, but then again I found no faults, stories likes these are my weakness.
Was this review helpful to you?
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//
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.))
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
SPOILERThis movie has a unique approach to talk about loss and sense of guilt. What at the beginning might look like a comedy, becomes a process of healing. What I found really interesting is that the comic side, continues during most part of the film, yet there are really strong, deeper and tragic scenes that do not lose their meaning because of this. The funny moments actually make everything so bittersweet, yet in a strange way comforting.
Even if there are some absurd moments, I found them necessary to create balance and keep the interest of the public always alive.
All the actors were really good in their characters, they really felt like a group of silly friends who grow together and are also forced to face a tragedy that will change them, but not their bond.
I also found surprising how even if the time spent on screen by Cha Eun Woo was really short, his presence was felt during the all movie. This is due to the combination of his ability to convey the character so well in so little time and the amazing job that all the other actors did in always making us feel his absence and his influence in their life.
I loved this movie, even if it made me cry a lot 🥲 But I laughed a lot too!
Was this review helpful to you?
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?
This review may contain spoilers
With our friends, we are the dumbest fools of the world!
The First Ride is fast, chaotic, and genuinely funny.The background is dark. But the storytelling is pure comedy.
The movie opens with Cha Eun Woo’s narration: “It’s a sad story."
Well, it is. But maybe not. That line is sad, but his tone isnt. So I obviously assume it's a straight-up light comedy. The line actually is a premonition for the whole movie vibe, which will present you with absurd tragedies in a weird and fun comedic way. And what follows is wild, loud, and hilarious.
This is exactly my kind of genre. I vibed with it from the first minute.
Yes, the reality behind it is heartbreaking. Mental illness is not a joke. Trauma is not funny. But the way the film is shot makes everything feel sharp and alive. The editing is quick. The camera work is restless. Almost no second is wasted.
The technical execution deserves praise.
The pacing is tight. The transitions are smooth. The background score pushes the chaos forward. The dialogues land well. The expressions are exaggerated in the best way. The movie lets me forget myself for a moment and join them in the chaos. To be part of their journey, and to reminisce abiut my friends and childhood.
More than the first half is unapologetically hilarious. It is loud, unpredictable, and full of energy. From Yeon Min’s birth to his journey of bonding with the “fools,” every moment feels spontaneous. The gang dynamic is crazy but lovable. I laughed constantly for two hours.
Later than the midpoint, during one of their fights, I started to sense something deeper. That’s when I realized the hidden truth behind Yeon Min’s doll. From that moment, the movie changed for me. It was no longer just comedy. It became a more than just a story about friendship, Travel and absurd humor.
And towards the end? I cried buckets.
The cast has done an abosultely amazing job.
After watching this, everything else feels a little dull.
If you’re alive and love chaotic storytelling with heart, there’s no reason to skip this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing Ride!!!
I absolutely loved it. It made me laugh out loud, but it also made me cry when things got serious. The heart of the movie is their friendship—I love how they always stick together no matter what. Their trip to Thailand was so crazy and unrealistic, but the characters are so charming that you fall for them anyway. A beautiful story about loyalty and memories.Was this review helpful to you?
They warned us twice...
They warned us twice and I believed them instantly, it wasn't just an exaggeration it was the plain truth, that this movie was gonna be sad. Honestly don't have much to say, I truly loved this masterpiece of a movie, I'm not really the type to watch much sad movies but this was a perfect balance, it make me cry, laugh, made me feel so many emotions. And I truly felt it all, all the love and care they all had for each other, everything. This is truly beautiful. Amazing movie, a must watch. 100% recommend. But have your tissues nearby. You'll need them.Overall 10/10
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
