Review of Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004) by Hilary M — 23 Nov 2010

In a heart-wrenching look at the Korean War, Taegukgi follows two brothers trying desperately to survive, more for each other than themselves.

Older brother Jin-tae has given up much in his life for his younger brother, Jin-seok. Instead of going to school himself, Jin-tae works at a shoeshine and takes care of the brothers' mother while Jin-seok is away at university. When Jin-seok comes back for a visit, the country is on the brink of war, unbeknown to most of the civilians. The two brothers end up on a train taking them away to becoming soldiers for the South with all the other young men in the village, as the families are left behind wondering what will become of their sons, fathers, brothers, and uncles.

Jin-tae, ever the protector, knows that Jin-seok isn't built for war, and knows he needs to get home to the family as soon as possible. Jin-tae strikes a deal with his commanding officer--if he earns the Medal of Honor, Jin-seok will be allowed to return home. What follows is a beautiful, emotional, and devastating look at the effects of war on soldiers and civilians, what war does to one internally, how the brothers struggle to live, find each other, and the bonds that are made and broken throughout.

With the use of sweeping cinematography, unique storytelling, and a haunting score, director Kang Je-gyu delivers the complete package and takes viewers on an emotional journey, pulling them into his film and not letting go until the very end.