Review of Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004) by Willy M — 23 Mar 2013

This was generally a good film. Unfortunately, what was distracting were the crying scenes. Two in a film of this scope would've been enough, but a "tug at your heartstrings" scene every 20 minutes? Overkill.

It's as if the director was trying to keep every eye wet in the audience. Maybe there was a sale on Kleenex at the concession stands he'd taken stock in. The battle scenes were extremely brutal and realistic, though.

The music was a little schmaltzy and repetitive. Yes, this film is a lot like Saving Private Ryan, but in the hands of Spielberg, the overly sentimental content would've been lessened a bit. Despite the slightly aggravating over-emotional acting from younger brother Jin-seok, this is still a highly recommended film that will stay with your psyche long after the curtains have raised.