Namhansanseong

Enjoyed this as it's not black and white morally and you genuinely don't know where it's going. A bit of a gem actually.It's quite brutal in parts but not gratuitously as it is about a very desperate battle.

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.

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.

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!

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.