Taegukgi: Brotherhood of War

Of course, I have become interested in this film not because it grossed to 10M (only 2 koreans films so far earned that much, SILMIDO is the other one) in its local run alone. Neither did the fact it's a critically-acclaimed film piqued my curiosity. Who's joking whom? You think I could just ignore a movie starring both Jang Dong Gun and Won bin?!?

Taegukgi is a war movie. It gives you a shockingly vivid picture of blood and gore that could make your stomach turn to a dozen different wrong ways at the same time. But exposed intestines and mangled limbs aside, Taegukgi weaves a beautiful love story: familial, fraternal and romantic. Two brothers caught in a war, two lovers torn apart and a family trying to hold on, Taegukgi will surely pull a couple (or more) heartstrings. Okay, I AM BIASED HERE (hehehehe). In fairness, the two lead actors are able to prove beyond reasonable (and unreasonable) doubt that they have the talent to go with their looks (Jang Dong Gun was recognized in the Blue Dragon Awards as the Best Actor for 2004).

Enough said, Jang Dong Gun and Won Bin beckon...... ;-)