The Critics Speak

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

Critic: Steph Lewis
On a scale of 0 to Awesome, I rate this: Solid & Thoughtful
Released: 2004
Director: Je-Kyu Kang
MPAA RATING: R, for strong graphic sequences of war violence

For a plot synopsis, check out the one at Rotten Tomatoes.

One of my students really really wanted me to watch this. He brought his Korean DVD in a cool box set with a little book and trading cards. Once I figured out that it didn't work in my DVD player, Josh rigged up the computer to play it on our widescreen TV.

This is probably my favorite war movie so far (although...hmmm...Good Morning Vietnam comes to mind...but it's not really focused on the war part...dunno). First of all, the fact that it was done outside of America gave me a non-Hollywoodized perspective of war (which is a rare perspective to see here). I think The Piano was my favorite war movie following a single character (ooo...love that one). But, this one showed a struggle much deeper than individual survival. It showed a dedication to family, to self, to country...and the carnal madness that can follow the priorities set for one's life. It also shows how hindered progress towards a goal (such as Jin-tae trying to get his brother out of the war) can drive some serious rage and madness.

I enjoyed the performances by all actors and was really fascinated by all the bloody stuff. I mean, I'm not into gore or anything, but it was a bloody war and this movie didn't hesitate to show intestines spilling out, arms getting blown off, blood oozing out...all that war-related-wound kind of stuff.

Movies like this get me thinking about good vs. evil and of the many layers that occur within war settings. It makes me think about how some wars are worth fighting because the freedom of human beings is worth it. It also makes me see some serious issues with war such as divided families, people forced to compromise for survival, rearrangement of priorites, and death without question.