Marathon 2004

Drama

Box Office

$33M

Runtime

74 min

Language

Russian

Directed by

Amir Naderi

Made by

Alphaville Films

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Marathon (2004). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The film tells the heartfelt story of Cho-Won, a young man with autism, who discovers his only true escape in the world of running. Throughout his childhood, Cho-Won experienced significant challenges, often throwing tantrums, engaging in self-harm, and struggling to communicate with others. His lifeline came from two unlikely sources: zebras and the beloved Korean treat, Chocopie. His devoted mother tirelessly endeavored to demonstrate that her son could lead a life akin to that of his peers.

As Cho-Won matures, he finds a passion for running, with his mother providing unwavering support and encouragement. Despite facing family and financial adversities, their bond remains strong. In a bid to help her son fulfill his potential, Cho-Won’s mother seeks the guidance of a former marathon champion, who has fallen into a state of lethargy and succumbed to alcohol problems. This old man, who is serving as a physical education teacher due to a DUI, reluctantly takes on the role of Cho-Won’s trainer.

While initially reluctant, the trainer often exchanges proper training for periods of laziness. He frequently takes Cho-Won’s snacks and chooses to unwind at a Steam House instead of pushing them forward in their rigorous training. Nevertheless, Cho-Won possesses an unyielding determination and inadvertently runs an astounding 100 laps around a soccer field when his teacher’s instructions were misinterpreted.

This tenacity pays off when he achieves third place in a 10km race, marking a significant milestone in his journey. Buoyed by this accomplishment, his mother sets her sights higher, aiming for him to run a full marathon in under three hours. However, this goal presents a formidable challenge, as Cho-Won yearns for victory but struggles with pacing himself appropriately.

Determined to help him achieve this aim, his mother seeks the assistance of another former marathon runner, who now must serve 200 hours of community service due to a DUI—functioning as Cho-Won’s new coach. The film beautifully explores the emotional landscape of a mother, grappling with feelings of whether she is imposing her dreams on him or if running is indeed Cho-Won’s true passion. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the profound love and genuine purity in Cho-Won’s character, illuminating the resilience of both mother and son as they navigate their compelling journey together.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Marathon (2004) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Characters

Explore all characters from Marathon (2004). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Cho-Won

Cho-Won is a young man with autism, characterized by his intense passion for running. Despite facing communication challenges and emotional struggles, he demonstrates remarkable determination and a pure spirit. His journey emphasizes resilience as he navigates the difficulties of training and familial expectations.

🏃‍♂️ Runner 🧩 Autism ❤️ Determination

Cho-Won's Mother

Cho-Won's mother is a devoted and loving figure who constantly battles societal perceptions of normalcy while supporting her son. Her journey reflects the emotional weight and unconditional love many parents feel. She is depicted as both a motivating force and a source of conflict as she grapples with whether she is pushing Cho-Won too hard.

❤️ Mother 💪 Support 😓 Sacrifice

Former Marathon Champion

The former marathon champion serves as a reluctant mentor to Cho-Won, depicting the complexities of teaching and guiding someone with such unique challenges. His initial laziness and eventual realization of Cho-Won's potential illustrate the transformative power of mentorship. His character adds a layer to the narrative about redemption and responsibility.

🏅 Coach 🍺 Struggles 📉 Redemption

Setting

Learn where and when Marathon (2004) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film's timeline is contemporary, reflecting modern societal issues and the evolving understanding of autism. This time period allows for the exploration of familial and social dynamics through a modern lens, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals with autism in today's world.

Location

Korea

The movie is set in Korea, highlighting its vibrant culture and unique landscape. Known for its rich history and modern advancements, Korea provides a backdrop that emphasizes the challenges and triumphs of the characters. The familiar street scenes and local communities create an intimate connection to the protagonist's journey.

🇰🇷 Country

Themes

Discover the main themes in Marathon (2004). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🏃‍♂️

Perseverance

The theme of perseverance is central to the film, showcasing Cho-Won's unwavering determination to overcome his challenges. Despite obstacles and a lack of support, Cho-Won's dedication to running symbolizes the pursuit of personal dreams. His journey teaches that perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements, even against the odds.

❤️

Motherly Love

The film beautifully depicts the theme of motherly love, particularly through the character of Cho-Won's mother. Her unwavering support and encouragement showcase the sacrifices and emotional labor it takes to nurture a child with special needs. This relationship underscores the profound bond between mother and son as they navigate life's hurdles together.

🏅

Coaching

Coaching plays a pivotal role in Cho-Won's development as he seeks guidance from experienced runners. The contrast between the dedicated athlete and the apathetic coach highlights how mentorship can impact growth. The film illustrates the importance of finding the right support system to reach one's potential.