Review of Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004) by David C — 11 Aug 2009

This is one of the most underrated films in the history of cinema. The emotion is raw, intense, and understandable. The violence is realistic, yet never glorified. This film has all the things that American cinema lacks. It isn't afraid to be over the top in its narrative. It isn't afraid to really lay on the musical accompaniment to help you feel the emotions. It isn't afraid to make you cry enough to look a fool.

This is one of the few films that you'd have to be sick not to cry while watching it. I really believe it is one of the greatest films of all time, bar none.

It is also representative of the qualities in Korean film that are so unappreciated in America. There is a sense of emotional arcs, as much as there is in the story, or even in the action scenes.

The story is, like many Korean films, the kind of thing that is meant to tell a story, and not bore the viewer with explanations of why it's so important. If you don't get it the first time, you probably weren't really trying to enjoy the film.

Tae Guk Gi should not be missed. It will show you what war really is, and it will show you what brotherhood really means.