Marathon

Marathon

Year: 2004

Runtime: 74 min

Language: Russian

Director: Amir Naderi

Drama

A once-promising Soviet athlete struggles with personal loss and a career derailed by setbacks. When an eccentric older woman challenges him to compete in a major American marathon, he reluctantly begins training. The rigorous journey sparks a renewed sense of purpose, reigniting his passion for both competition and life itself.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Marathon (2004)

Trace every key event in Marathon (2004) 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

Cho-Won's Early Struggles

As a child, Cho-Won faces immense challenges due to his autism. He frequently throws tantrums and self-harms, feeling disconnected from the world around him, finding comfort only in zebras and his favorite snack, Chocopie.

2

A Mother's Determination

Cho-Won's mother remains steadfast in her belief that her son can lead a normal life. Her unwavering support and encouragement become pivotal in her efforts to help him navigate his struggles and discover his interests.

3

Finding Passion in Running

As Cho-Won grows older, he discovers a profound passion for running. This newfound enthusiasm not only gives him a sense of purpose but also strengthens the bond between him and his mother, who continues to support his pursuits.

4

Financial and Family Challenges

Despite their passion for running, Cho-Won and his mother face significant financial and familial challenges. These struggles highlight the obstacles they both must overcome together as they navigate life’s difficulties.

5

Meeting the Old Marathon Champion

The duo encounters a former marathon champion, now a languid man grappling with alcohol issues. Reluctantly, he agrees to coach Cho-Won as part of his community service, creating a unique dynamic filled with challenges.

6

Strained Training

The old champion's lack of motivation becomes apparent as he often lazes around and takes Cho-Won's snacks. However, Cho-Won's determination shines through as he accidentally exceeds expectations during training sessions.

7

Accidental Overachievement

In a surprising turn, Cho-Won runs 100 laps around a soccer field after misunderstanding his coach’s instructions. This accidental achievement showcases the extent of his dedication and passion for running.

8

First Competitive Race

Cho-Won participates in his first 10km running race, where he secures an impressive third place finish. This success ignites his mother's ambitions, and they set the next goal: completing a full marathon in under three hours.

9

Setting New Goals

Following his race success, Cho-Won's mother becomes determined to push him towards more significant achievements. They decide that running a full marathon will be their new challenge, placing even more emphasis on his training.

10

Finding a New Coach

To help achieve his marathon goal, Cho-Won's mother hires another former marathon runner, who is also serving community service for a DUI. This presents a new set of challenges and learning opportunities for Cho-Won.

11

Emotional Struggles

The movie explores the internal conflicts faced by Cho-Won's mother as she grapples with the pressure of pushing her son in running. She questions if her aspirations align with his true passions and desires.

12

Deepening Bond Through Challenges

As they face training challenges and setbacks, the emotional bond between Cho-Won and his mother deepens. Their journey becomes a testament to love, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

13

Running as a Means of Expression

Cho-Won's commitment to running allows him a unique way to communicate and express himself. The sport becomes a vital outlet for him, showcasing his strengths and capabilities beyond his autism.

14

The Climactic Marathon

As the movie approaches its climax, Cho-Won prepares for his first marathon, embodying the hopes and dreams of both himself and his mother. Their journey culminates in a race that symbolizes determination and love.

Last Updated: May 21, 2025 at 07:30

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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 second chances with an unlikely mentor like Marathon

Eccentric figures who challenge disillusioned people to reclaim their passion.If you enjoyed the dynamic in Marathon between the athlete and his challenger, you'll like these movies about unexpected mentors. This list features similar stories of disillusioned individuals who find a new lease on life through the guidance of an eccentric or unorthodox figure, leading to personal triumphs.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist who is stuck in a rut, often due to past failures or personal loss. The entry of a persistent, sometimes quirky, mentor figure disrupts their stagnation, forcing them to confront their fears and re-engage with a forgotten skill or dream. The central conflict is internal, battling self-doubt, while the journey is one of gradual rediscovery and growth.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by the specific character dynamic of a reluctant hero and a catalyst figure. They share a tone of hopeful perseverance, a steady pacing that builds towards a significant personal achievement, and a focus on the emotional rewards of reclaiming one's identity.

Movies with bittersweet triumphs and personal journeys like Marathon

Stories where victory is meaningful but complex, tinged with sacrifice.Fans of Marathon's emotionally complex ending will appreciate these movies about bittersweet triumphs. This collection features dramas where characters achieve their goals, but the victory is layered with the sacrifices made and challenges faced, resulting in a deeply satisfying yet poignant conclusion.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist overcoming significant adversity—be it physical, emotional, or societal—to reach a meaningful finish line. The climax is a genuine achievement, but the resolution acknowledges what was lost or changed during the struggle. The focus is on the character's growth and the nuanced nature of success, which is often more about self-realization than external validation.

Why These Movies?

This thread connects movies that share a specific emotional tone: a blend of hope and melancholy. They balance the satisfaction of accomplishment with a reflective, sometimes somber, acknowledgment of the path taken. The pacing is typically steady, allowing the emotional weight of the journey to build, leading to an ending that feels earned and realistic rather than purely celebratory.

Unlock the Full Story of Marathon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Marathon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Marathon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Marathon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Marathon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Marathon Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Marathon

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Marathon. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Marathon

Marathon Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Marathon that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Marathon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Marathon

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More About Marathon

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