“Uprising” is a Korean movie starring Gang Dong-won, Park Jung-min, Cha Seung-won, and Kim Shin-rok. It is directed by Kim Sang-man.
“Uprising” transports viewers to the grandiose realm of Korean cinema, presenting an epic tale filled with adventures, class struggles of the medieval era, slave uprisings, and, most notably, breathtaking combat scenes. This film centers around one of the Japanese invasions of Korea, weaving a narrative of friendship, bitterness, and vengeance between two childhood friends who find themselves divided by social status and circumstances following the arrival of the Japanese.
The film showcases a series of stunning, highly impressive scenes, particularly during the Japanese invasion and the climactic finale. Director Kim Sang-man displays his directorial prowess with visually dynamic sequences, rich in photographic contrasts, and powerful in editing and sound design. These sequences undoubtedly make “Uprising” worth watching for its epic and spectacular treatment, brimming with sound effects, dramatic leaps, and dazzling flames.
When it comes to the screenplay, character development, and storytelling, the movie presents a starkly different picture. Although it is a historical fiction film based on real events, it features fictional characters. This aspect of the film falls short, presenting a narrative of nobles and slaves that fails to convince with its main characters and their stories. These elements often feel like mere placeholders or justifications for the battle and combat scenes. Consequently, the characters appear forced and unnatural within the realm of fiction, serving more to affirm the historical theses that the film espouses rather than standing out as individual personalities.
If you are looking for a family-friendly movie, “Uprising” is not the right choice. The film is replete with pervasive violence aimed at achieving visual grandeur: severed heads and limbs, gushing blood—these elements serve more to create spectacle than to advance the narrative.
Thus, “Uprising” emerges as a commendable Korean production, meticulously crafted with epic grandeur and a carefully curated aesthetic. However, its narrative and character development are often neglected, which at times detracts from the otherwise spectacular combat scenes. With a focus on visual splendor, the film may leave viewers wishing for a more coherent and compelling storyline to match its impressive visuals.
Where to Watch “Uprising”