TaeGukgi (2004) Review:

War time dramas are typically not easy topics to cover, especially for those who have family members involved or people who were directly apart of the setting. Looking back on it through the lens of today works, but only to an extent. To many in the United States, the Korean War was something not really spoken of. It was never seen as a victory really nor was it seen as a total loss. For South Korea though it remains one of the most pivotal moments in its history. With that noted, long since then films have been made about this moment in time. Some documentaries, while other dramatizations of characters within that time period. To clarify there’s nothing wrong with making stories that are in this kind of setting, but it does feel off when the story isn’t based on any actual event.

The plot to this film is about two brothers, Jin-tae Lee (Jang Dong-Gun) and Jin-seok Lee (Won Bin) who are as close as brothers can get. They are living their lives until North Korea invades the South. Now things are changing and the military has drafted Jin-seok. Fearing he will lose his brother to the carnage of war Jin-tae follows suit and joins as well to protect his brother at all costs and send him back home to the family with Mother Lee (Yeong-ran Lee) and Young-shin Kim (Eun-ju Lee). However, as time progresses, the war begins to affect the two brothers differently. The script was written by Sang-don Kim, Han Ji-hoon and Je-kyu Kang. Kang directed the picture too. According to many, this film is highly regarded and thought to be one of the best films that take place during the Korean war.

As mentioned before though, dramatization around the setting is fine provided it makes sense to the history. Here though, there doesn’t seem to be any “true story” based on the events that take place in this narrative. Sure, the Korean War happened no questions asked. But there doesn’t seem to be record of a soldier under the name Jin-tae Lee who made his way through the ranks. If the soldier was that brave and memorable, it would have been all the more interesting that the film was based on a “true story” or “true events”. However, the writers seemed to have crafted this story on their own. Credit to them for making such a captivating story surrounding actual events. But it still is weird that the actual characters didn’t exist, at least so it seems.

Aside from the historical inaccuracies the story about the characters is worth the watch anyway. It is because of the brothers’ change in perspective on war that helps give the audience new takeaways from such moments in life without having to experience it like soldiers in the army have thankfully. It should also give many viewers an appreciation for their fellow infantryman who put their lives on the line from then and now. As much as films love to indulge in glorifying war and the people involved, it really is something no one should ever have to experience. And yet, humans are flawed enough where it’ll happen anyway. There are several moments where viewers will get emotional or tear up due to just the sad nature of the inevitable dread that comes with war and its consequences.

The visuals were well on point with the film. Hong Kyung-pyo was credited as the cinematographer. The film throughout has large of enough shots to show the audience the scope of the war and the toll it takes on the characters. Kyung-pyo is able to show the realism of war as well, it is not pretty. Kyung-pyo would also shoot for Parasite (2019). The only part that doesn’t work are the close up fight scenes which involve shaky camera. It’s understood that the idea is to disorient the viewer because that’s essentially how the scene would feel in first person, but it does get annoying at times. Lastly the film score composed by Dong-jun Lee was impressive. Containing full orchestra along with a male choir really helps give the film a heroic feel. The soundtrack also exists and is a great listen.

There are many positives to this film. It’s production, components and cast all make the viewing experience worth the watch. It has all the characteristics of a good war film. The only downside is that the character story doesn’t seem to be based on anything historically other than the war setting.

Points Earned --> 7:10

My Little Bride (2004) Review:

Among the big movie studios known around the world, Hollywood and Bollywood are probably the most out there. Japan is mostly known for their anime films, and anyone else is pretty much beneath that. However, in the recent decade, Korea entertainment has become more of a mainstream offshoot. K-pop was a big aspect but now their films have begun making an impact as well. An example of this was Parasite (2019). Looking back though on some older films from this country, perhaps there might be a reason why it took a while. While arranged marriages are not unheard of, they are very much not the usual western way of conducting things. Unless it is one’s religion, believes in the concept and the other side is also in on it, then that’s fine. But forcing something between two who do not feel a connection is where it gets questionable.

The premise to this story is about two families where the grandfathers agreed their children, which ended up being grandchildren, would wed before they passed away. The catch is, Park Sang-min (Rae-won Kim) is an adult while his bride Seo Bo-eun (Moon Geun-young) is only fifteen. According to the movie, as long as both families agree, it is legal. Forget that part and the whole being forced idea. The idea of a minor being married to an adult is definitely a no-no in most of modern society. It’s just not done or proposed, let alone thought of. Perhaps the writing is accurate either to the time of the film or for Korean culture in general, but the concept is likely why this hasn’t had any kind of resurgence in popularity. Directing this feature is Ho-joon Kim in their first theatrical film credit. The writer is Sun-il Yu in their only writing credit. Wondering if that’s again because of the premise.

Despite the idea for the film, the writing does address the whole idea in itself. This is good because it’s by no means glorifying the situation in any way. Bo-eun and Sang-min are both childhood friends but never saw each other as a couple. Again rightfully so due to the age difference, but in order to fulfill an aging family members request, they do so reluctantly. Of course this is where various scenarios and hijinx ensue where events are made fun of, misinterpreted or hijacked. One example of this is that Sang-min is assigned as the new art teacher in Bo-eun’s school. Meanwhile, one of the faculty develops a crush on him that wasn’t wanted named Ms. Kim (Sun-yeong Ahn). All these moments are cheesy and can produce a chuckle but they don’t cause hysterical laughter. However, this does not mean the story execution doesn’t have its moments.

The actors and their chemistry works to the advantage of the viewing experience. Both Moon Geun-young and Rae-won Kim give their own personalities and flaws to the characters that make them unique. Sang-man may be older but he still acts juvenile at times but does his best to be supportive as possible. Meanwhile Bo-eun very much is a young school girl trying to fit in and find her place. She also has the attitude when its needed at times, along with a very expressive face of disgust. As time progresses though, viewers will see these characters change and discover things about themselves they didn’t realize. Rae-won Kim has continued to act in movies since as well as Moon Geun-young. Although for those unfamiliar with Korean films, this may not mean as much.

The technical aspects to the film are fine. Since this is not some big budget action film that’s highly reliant on digital and practical effects, there’s not as much to find unrealistic. The camerawork was handled by Jeong-min Seo who worked on films going all the way back to 1959. Quite a history there; in fact, this movie was their second to last to be credited. From what is shown the shots are fine and have a standard display to them that is competent looking. The film score was interesting to hear, composed by Sun-shik and Man-Sik Choi. Together they produce music that does hit its mark when needed and other places stands out for incorporating not only the usual orchestra but also singular instruments. Even whistles which are normally not done or recommended. Yet for this film, it adds to the charm and lightheartedness that is the story. There’s even a soundtrack available.

The idea may make viewers initially cringe at the thought but after watching, it is a respectable effort. The comedy bits are not as strong as they could be, but the more sentimental moments are poignant enough thanks to the actors and their chemistry. Cinematography is handled well and the music supports the experience with its different sound.

Points Earned --> 6:10