Invasión, insurrección

There are good things to enjoy about this. The action is well realised, the plot provides some pace and the actors make their characters come to life.

So if all that adds up to a film you might enjoy then give this a go.

However, much of it fails to ring true, meaning I never got beyond knowing this was a story made up in an attempt to entertain me. At no point were my emotions engaged in the characters. Their predicaments did not move me. Their actions and reactions carried very little weight.

Nevertheless I did gain some enjoyment from it. Keep your expectations low and you might well too.

Admittedly not perfect, as it goes quite over the top with the depicted villainy of certain characters, and does a less than stellar job of showing why exactly both main characters are friends. But a very good film overall and one that will be enjoyed moreso by those already invested in the genre.

Great fight choreography, good cinematography, and all-around entertaining. Pacing could use some work for sure, and the plot is coherent if not spectacular. This is a film that leans more towards style than substance at its core. More impressively, it does so without egregious usage of CGI. Two hours well-spent, I'd say.

An issue with historical fiction mediums is that they can either bend too far and become so detached from the period that you don't feel connected. The other side is that they can be so rigid, sticking to the history, that it struggles to be a narrative. I find Uprising to be a beautiful blend. Whereas the series Kingdom deals with the Imjin War (the invasion of the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi) with a mix of zombies, Uprising looks at the issues of a top-down power structure in human terms. Honestly it helps one to see how and why the top views the people as near less than human -- while also wholely calling it evil.

That aside, I love single-shot action sequences. There are two, looking from either perspective, that are right next to one another. I was squealing with delight. The scenes were absolutely heavy, but I'm also a fan of the Berserk manga by Kentaro Miura, so it's my safe space.

The storytelling, action sequences, choreography, and even the English dub all are great. Highly recommended.

"Uprising" is a gripping and intense film that delves into the complexities of rebellion and the fight for freedom. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, the movie masterfully captures the raw emotions and sacrifices of those who dare to stand up against oppression. The screenplay is well-crafted, weaving together personal stories with larger historical events, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, showcasing the internal and external struggles faced by someone caught in the crossfire of revolution. Overall I think it's a well watch.

A Visually Striking but Confused Film

Uprising (2024) delivers stunning visuals and impressive fight choreography, yet it struggles with its identity. The film swings between being an action-packed spectacle and a historical drama, but never fully commits to either. This results in a movie that feels disjointed, with brutal violence often coming across as excessive, more for shock than to drive the story forward.

While the action sequences, especially the sword fights, are captivating, the plot itself is chaotic. It's easy to get lost in the non-linear timeline and convoluted character motivations. The emotional stakes feel underdeveloped, and the complex relationship between the two main characters doesn't receive the depth it deserves.

In the end, Uprising excels in style but falters in storytelling. Those seeking pure action without a deep narrative may enjoy it, but for anyone craving a cohesive plot, the film may leave them unsatisfied.