Champion
The champion is a great love story between Halis Karatas and Begum Atman, who came together with the legendary race horse Bold Pilot. Adapted from a true story, the film is owned by the prominent name of Turkish horseshoe Ozdemir Atman and the Bold Pilot is a horse that won the love of even those not interested in horse racing. Bold Pilot and his permanent jockey Halis Karatas together achieved unforgettable successes. The 2: 26: 22 record in the 1996 Gazi Race did not pass yet. Another success of the Bold Pilot is the presence of Halis Karatas and Begum Atman. Ahmet Katyksiz is sitting in the director's chair of the film, where he is the epic topic of love between the famous jockey and Begum Atman. Serkan Yoruk wrote the screenplay to the famous jockey Halis Karatas'a Ekin Koc, while Begum Atman Farah Zeynep Abdullah gives life. The Jockey Club of Turkey Ozdemir Atman, the former president, played by veteran actor Fikret Kuskan. (Translation from CJ Entertainment Turkey).
The film earned $9.0M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Champion (2018) exhibits strategically placed plot construction, characteristic of Kim Yong-wan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 48 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The protagonist is shown in a broken-down state, struggling with past failures and current circumstances that keep him trapped in a cycle of defeat.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when An opportunity or challenge emerges - either a chance at redemption through a major fight, or a personal crisis that forces him to reconsider his path. The old way of living becomes unsustainable.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to The protagonist makes the active choice to commit - accepting the fight, beginning real training, or making a promise that he cannot take back. He enters the world of transformation., moving from reaction to action.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat A false victory - he achieves a significant win or breakthrough that makes success seem inevitable, but also raises the stakes. He becomes overconfident or the opposition becomes more dangerous., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 81 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The all-is-lost moment - a devastating defeat, betrayal, injury, or loss. Someone or something important dies (literally or metaphorically). The dream appears impossible and he considers quitting., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The breakthrough - a realization or piece of wisdom from the mirror world relationship that allows him to synthesize his old skills with new understanding. He sees what he must do and finds renewed purpose., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Champion's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Champion against these established plot points, we can identify how Kim Yong-wan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Champion within the biography genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The protagonist is shown in a broken-down state, struggling with past failures and current circumstances that keep him trapped in a cycle of defeat.
Theme
A mentor or friend states the thematic premise about what it truly means to be a champion - that it's not about winning, but about how you fight and who you fight for.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the protagonist's world: his broken relationships, financial struggles, and the boxing community that both defines and constrains him. We see his flaws, his routine, and what needs to change.
Disruption
An opportunity or challenge emerges - either a chance at redemption through a major fight, or a personal crisis that forces him to reconsider his path. The old way of living becomes unsustainable.
Resistance
The protagonist resists the call, debates whether he can really change, and encounters guides (trainer, loved ones) who challenge him to commit. He wrestles with fear of failure and past trauma.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The protagonist makes the active choice to commit - accepting the fight, beginning real training, or making a promise that he cannot take back. He enters the world of transformation.
Mirror World
Introduction or deepening of the key relationship (romantic interest, family member, or mentor) who represents what he's really fighting for and embodies the thematic truth he must learn.
Premise
The training montage and preparation period - the "fun and games" of watching him transform, overcome obstacles, win smaller fights, and build toward his goal. Success seems possible.
Midpoint
A false victory - he achieves a significant win or breakthrough that makes success seem inevitable, but also raises the stakes. He becomes overconfident or the opposition becomes more dangerous.
Opposition
The protagonist's flaws and old habits resurface. External pressures mount - the opponent is fiercer than expected, personal relationships strain, and self-doubt creeps in. Everything gets harder.
Collapse
The all-is-lost moment - a devastating defeat, betrayal, injury, or loss. Someone or something important dies (literally or metaphorically). The dream appears impossible and he considers quitting.
Crisis
The dark night of the soul where the protagonist processes the loss, confronts his deepest fears and failures, and must decide who he truly wants to be. The lowest emotional point.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The breakthrough - a realization or piece of wisdom from the mirror world relationship that allows him to synthesize his old skills with new understanding. He sees what he must do and finds renewed purpose.
Synthesis
The final fight or confrontation where he applies everything he's learned, fighting not for ego but for what truly matters. The climactic battle that tests his transformation and resolves the story.
Transformation
The closing image showing the protagonist transformed - whether he won or lost the fight, he has become a true champion in the thematic sense, surrounded by those he fought for.