The Fortress

This film recently came up on NowTV and thought would give it a try without knowing anything about it. Very glad that I did! If you think you would enjoy an insight into a brutal period of medieval history not well known in the west with a mix of realistic battle scenes and court intrigue (and you don't mind subtitles) then I could recommend this. Central to the story being the kings aides who have differing advice for the King on how to deal with the invading Chinese army against a backdrop of a society with very distinct rich and poor divide where honour is sacrosanct. The film captures well the bleak remote location of the fortress while the combat is refreshingly devoid of the extensive use of cgi.

That gloomy sentiment, beyond the plot, is also perfectly represented via cinematography and sound design, granting The Fortress the uniquely dark aesthetic of showing us history from the side of the losers.

Inevitably, with Game of Thrones having ended, many people will be looking elsewhere for a dose of historical politics & war, but few if any will match up.

The Fortress will be an interesting one for anyone interested who falls into that area, but it's a true story, telling of The Last Stand by a King holed up in a mountain fortress in what is now Korea, in a futile bid.

There's no fantasy here, just the political realpolitik and the bloodshed, but it's more measured.

This is quite refreshening turn when it comes to large scale historical military movies, as it's about survival and not victory. The competing advisors are judging weather war or conciliation with the far greater powerful Qing dynasty is the best course of action.

The settings are beautiful as is the choreography, and it also helps that the viewpoints of the foot soldiers is taken as seriously as that of those at the top.

It's a long movie and it's fascinating to watch, not all medieval movies have to be European! The Far East has done many good films in this way too which can be recommended.

Back to this one, it's far better than you expect. It's the story & acting that will capture you, and as you watch the advisors & king mentally battle to just keep their heads afloat in a merciless environment you will have your heart wrenched.

Very good watch, give it a chance.

Choi and Kim not only share different political values but also approach the meaning of life very differently as well. 'The Fortress' lasts more than two hours, but it does not feel long because I get to focus on the comparison of these two. When one looks at this movie from afar, the main narrative seems too linear, simple, and dull. However, if one looks closely, the director does an amazing job of organizing the stories based on these two pillars of contrast between the two main characters in such a dynamic way. Lines are also beautiful, almost poetic. When Choi and Kim discuss the meaning of life and death and how it applies to their respective political views in front of the king without a single pause, it is breathtaking, almost like watching a ping-pong match. That scene emphasizes the importance of lines and how actors say it as well. Tones, pauses, speed, cadence... Everything is absolute perfection. I also have to compliment the actors' performances of bringing beautiful lines into full effect. 'The Fortress' is an uncomplicated and straightforward movie. Acting makes such a difference, making the film absorbing, charismatic, and interesting on another level.

I'm completely ignorant to the history of the time frame this movie takes place in, so I'm reviewing this as simply a movie rather than a true historical piece.

My favorite thing about this movie is the dialogue. For being over two hours long and not feeling bored the entire time is truly a testament to how well acted and directed this film is. You don't need a background in Korean history to understand what is going on in the film as everything is explained very well. Every scene is engaging because you can feel the sense of urgency of their situation, and as the plot develops new problems arise, and it was interesting seeing everyone's debate on what course of action should be taken.

Overall I highly recommend this film if you are interested in period pieces, or if you are a fan of great films in general.