The Brotherhood of War

Genre: War, Drama
Starring: Jang Dong-Kun, Won Bin Lee
Release year: 2005
Language: Korean
Subtitle: English




SYNOPSIS:
Jin-Tae (Jang Dong-Gun) shines shoes hoping to save money ti send his younger brother Jin-Seok (Won Bin) to university. Their mother runs a noodle shop wishing the best for her two sons even though things have been tough since her husband has passed away. Sending Jin-Seok to university has become the shining light in their family's everyday lives

With the start of the Korean War (June 25, 1950), Sin-Seok is unwillingly conscripted into the war, which forces Jin-Tae to join the war to save his brother and send him back to his mother. Without money or influence, the only hope to save his brother is for Jin-Tae to enlist in suicidal missions in order to earn the Medal Of Honor, which will guaranteed Jin-Seok realises the truth of his brothers sacrifice

Jin-Seok fails to understand his brother's actions and misinterprets them as a dangerous mix of patriotism and an obsession with fame and glory. It is only at the fatal end that Jin-Seok realises the truth of his brother's sacrifice

RATING: 9/10
USER RATING:





REVIEW:
" ...The pairing up of the charismatic Jang Donggun and handsome idol Won Bin is amazingly effective. The inner struggle of JinTae, a man of few words but conveyed successfully by Jang’s brooding eyes and compelling body skills. Won Bin who in the past has acted only in Korean Drama serials (“Taegukgi” is his second big screen feature) have shown tremendous potential opposite Jang. If both of them were unable to convince the audience, the movie would be a straight flop seeing that their screen time occupied at least 98% of the 140 minutes movie. The rest of the supporting cast did a marvelous job as well. Due to the limitations of the plot, most characters are left mostly unexplored citing the case of Lee EunJoo who portrayed the pitiful, wife-to-be of JinTae. Towards the last act of the movie, a little portion of the communist issue gets lengthy and nearly falls to the trap of being too emotional and melodrama.

Technically, “Taegukgi” has achieved great heights. Possessing the highest production budget (US$13 million) in Korean movie industry. The efforts which go to the props, costumes, locations, ammunition, armored vehicles and extras are comparable to a Hollywood production. Even the ongoing seasons and unpredictable weather are captured beautifully on screen. With the exception of the CG enhanced fighter planes which looked too cheesy even from afar. Guess the comfort of engaging ILM is out of the question. Apparently, a tremendous amount of research is done to ensure the authenticity of the numerous details.

Did I left out the battle sequences? Nope, we are coming to that. For those who like plenty of battle sequences, well, there are plenty. Multiple explosions, mutilated bodies, gunshots and hand-to-hand combats graced the screen for almost every 15 minutes of screen time. Though it would be better if the cinematographer can actually pulled back the camera a bit so as to allow the audience to indulge in the spectacle.

Director Kang JeGyu has proven he is not just an ordinary box-office director. But one that possess the heart to weave a tale that is heart-warming and touching to the core of many. Next time, don’t dismiss your gifts from your love ones as simply gifts, a pen or a pair of shoes can do wonders to memories (I wouldn’t want to give away anything here, go watch the movie). “Brotherhood” as it is re-titled here locally, is a touching tale worth telling and watching. If there is only one movie that is going to put Korean movie industry to the world. This is going to be it! ... "
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