The Fortress

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.

Surprisingly good Korean history flic. Very good performance by the actors. No overacting. No trash. No cringe. Characters are well drawn. The script well written, featuring the predicament of the main protagonists. But note! if u want battle action, please opt for Lord of the rings or Avengers Endgame. Sry no offense. This is more a political movie!

Josean (Korean) King Injo (Park Hae-il) is being attacked by the Qing, led by the Khan. He retreats to a mountain fortress in deep winter, and listens as Interior Minister Choi (Lee Byung-hun) argues with the Prime Minister (Sung Hyun-soo) about whether to negotiate or fight. Meanwhile, the fortress villagers and soldiers, including blacksmith- turned-recruit Nal-soe (Go Soo) and his brother are slowly starving and freezing to death, and it is turning out to be a long, long winter.... This film is based on Korean history in the 17th Century, when China ruled much of the peninsula and in turn was being menaced by the Qing, the forces of Genghis Khan's empire. Overall, "The Fortress" points out the futility of war and, a bit unexpectedly, also that life in the end will prevail (just not for everyone). The film is quite long at about 2 1/2 hours, but it's beautifully drawn and especially interesting to see in the middle of a very hot summer; all the scenes of snowstorms made me feel a tad chilly, even!

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.

Hard to watch such suffering for power and greed, but script production, direction, and most certainly the acting made it worth my while. Kudos again Korea!