Kick the Moon

Kick the Moon

Year: 2001

Runtime: 118 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kim Sang-jin

ComedyDrama

Ten years after graduating, former classmate Choi Ki‑dong, now a mild‑mannered teacher, crosses paths with Park Young‑jun, who has fallen into a life of crime. Both men vie for the affection of Min Ju‑ran, reigniting a fierce rivalry that echoes their very different high‑school personas and the choices that set them on opposite paths.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kick the Moon (2001)

Trace every key event in Kick the Moon (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Field trip to Gyeongju begins

Ten years ago, Gi-dong leads his high school on a field trip to Gyeongju, where a life-changing moment awaits. Park Young-joon, a timid straight-A student, sticks close to the group, anxious about what might happen. The day sets in motion a turning point that will shape both men's futures.

Ten years ago Gyeongju
2

Gala night erupts into a brutal brawl

During a school gala, Gi-dong steps up to lead a massive street confrontation against a local gang. The fight spirals into chaos with blood and brutal blows, turning the streets into a battlefield. Young-joon watches from the sidelines, paralyzed by fear and separated from the action.

Ten years ago Gyeongju streets
3

Gi-dong earns admiration for bravery

Gi-dong's fearless leadership during the chaos earns him instant admiration from peers and teachers. He becomes a symbol of courage, his name whispered with pride. The incident cements his reputation as a formidable fighter.

Ten years ago Gyeongju city streets
4

Young-joon ostracized for fear

Young-joon, who hesitates to join the violence, faces social ostracism and gossip among classmates. He is left alone while Gi-dong's legend grows. The rift between them widens, planting seeds for future conflict when they meet again.

Ten years ago Gyeongju
5

A decade passes; change in life paths

Ten years have passed and both men have forged new identities in Gyeongju. Gi-dong becomes a daunting physical education teacher at a high school, while Young-joon has climbed into the world of organized crime. Their separate lives set the stage for a dramatic reunion.

Ten years later Gyeongju
6

Unplanned reunion at a club in Gyeongju

Gi-dong and Young-joon unexpectedly cross paths at a club in Gyeongju, sparking a rush of old memories and unspoken tension. The contrast between the two men's current roles amplifies the awkwardness and curiosity. What began as a casual encounter threatens to reignite old rivalries.

Ten years later Club in Gyeongju
7

Old rivalry surfaces during reunion

Despite the initial warmth, the old rivalry lingers as both men test boundaries and read each other's intentions. The shared past colors their conversations and decisions. The atmosphere is tense, hinting at the trouble to come.

Ten years later Club in Gyeongju
8

Ju-ran enters the scene in distress

Before parting ways, a damsel named Ju-ran appears in distress, drawing both Gi-dong and Young-joon into a common moment. Her trouble gives them a reason to interact beyond casual banter. The moment stirs protective instincts and a surprising pull toward her.

Ten years later Gyeongju
9

Both men fall for Ju-ran

Ju-ran's gleeful smile captivates both men, and they instantly fall in love with her. The competition for her affections turns a simple reunion into a romantic battlefield. Their friendship begins to strain as desire redefines loyalty.

Ten years later Gyeongju
10

Gi-dong asserts his claim

Gi-dong makes his claim on Ju-ran, triggering a direct challenge with Young-joon who calls it a fair game. The competition blends romance, pride, and past grievances into a volatile mix. The two men's bond begins to fracture under the weight of their pursuit.

Ten years later Gyeongju
11

Young-joon doubles down to win

Young-joon prolongs his stay in Gyeongju to win Ju-ran's heart and to settle old scores with Gi-dong. The extended pursuit becomes a test of determination and cunning. The love triangle intensifies as more people get drawn in.

Ten years later Gyeongju
12

City-wide stakes escalate

The rivalry expands beyond the two men as friends and locals get drawn into the feud. The entire city becomes invested, turning ordinary nights into charged spectacles. The environment fuels aggressive acts and risk-taking.

Ten years later Gyeongju
13

Final showdown for Ju-ran's heart

In a brutal culmination, the two men push each other to the limit in a fight-to-the-finish to win Ju-ran's heart. The clash tests loyalty, friendship, and the extreme lengths people will go for love. The outcome will redefine their futures and their bond.

Ten years later Gyeongju

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:40

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about high-stakes rivalries like Kick the Moon

When past rivalries resurface, they ignite a dangerous and high-stakes personal war.If you enjoyed the intense personal duel in Kick the Moon, you'll like these movies where old rivalries explode into high-stakes conflicts. These stories feature characters pushed to their limits by jealousy, pride, and a dangerous competition that risks everything.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a simple but powerful structure: a confrontation from the past (often school or youth) is revisited in adulthood. The rivalry intensifies dramatically, fueled by a present-day catalyst like a love interest or a power vacuum, leading to a fast-paced escalation of conflict that tests loyalties and defines fates.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core emotional engine of intense, masculine rivalry. They deliver a tense, fast-paced experience built on competition, high personal stakes, and the dramatic consequences of choices made in the heat of conflict.

Movies about fate and life choices like Kick the Moon

A single moment from the past forever divides the destinies of two rivals.Fans of Kick the Moon will appreciate these films that examine how past choices dictate future paths. Watch stories about former classmates or friends whose lives take dramatically different turns, leading to a nostalgic and tense reunion that questions fate and destiny.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative juxtaposes two character arcs defined by a shared past. A critical juncture (like high school graduation) splits their trajectories—one toward order and stability, the other toward chaos and crime. Their inevitable reunion creates a tense exploration of destiny, regret, and the lingering what-ifs of their younger years.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies that share a thematic focus on fate, choices, and the lingering impact of the past. They create a specific mood blend of nostalgia and tension, as characters are forced to confront the divergent paths their lives have taken since a defining moment.

Unlock the Full Story of Kick the Moon

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Kick the Moon Summary

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Kick the Moon Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kick the Moon

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Kick the Moon

Kick the Moon Spoiler-Free Summary

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Kick the Moon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Kick the Moon

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