Gojijeon
Directed by:
Hoon JangScreenplay:
Sang-yeon ParkCinematography:
Wu-hyeong KimCast:
Ha-kyun Shin, Soo Ko, Seung-soo Ryoo, Chang-seok Go, Ok-vin Kim, Je-hoon Lee, Seung-ryong Ryoo, David Lee, Jin-woong Cho, In-gi Jung, In-ho Jang, Jong-hwan Park (more)Plots(1)
Towards the end of the Korean War, a South Korean battalion is fiercely battling over a hill on the front line border against the North in order to capture a strategic point that would determine the new border between the two nations. The ownerships of this small patch of land would swap multiple times each day. Kang is dispatched to the front line in order to investigate a mysterious death, but gets spiralled into the terrifying face of war when he meets his friend Kim, who has transformed into a war machine, alone with the rest of his unit. As the countdown for ceasefire begins, both sides become more vicious as the stakes rise until the very last man is left standing to claim the hill. (Madman Entertainment)
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Reviews (3)
Recently, I set myself the goal of delving a bit further into South Korean cinema. The country has produced a number of solid films in this genre over the years, so I was quite looking forward to The Front Line. The theme of the Korean War set in the 1950s did not disappoint. The film provides new insights and offers not only gripping war scenes, but also a decent amount of dialogue that prompts reflection. The overall experience is enhanced by beautiful music, which is always reliable with Korean films. The adrenaline rush at the end was a pleasure to watch, just don't look forward to a happy ending. Compared to other films from the region in this genre, it loses a bit of ground, but it still offers undeniable qualities. 7.5/10
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A solid Korean war film from the skilful Jang Hoon. It doesn't reach the quality of My Way or Brotherhood of War, but still a decent affair. Technically solid, with well shot battles (too bad they were hardly bloody) and a surprising killing of own soldiers. Decent. 75%.
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A very nice story, for which I especially appreciate the fact that it's not one-sided. It doesn't just have one main character, it has several. Therefore, everyone can choose their own. The fact that the film doesn't focus on the individual but on the whole makes it even more poignant and intense for the viewer. In addition to the great Soo Ko and Ha-kyun Shin, I have to mention the (so far) not very well known Je-hoon Lee, who from film to film appeals to me more and more. When you offer your heart to a good war movie, you have to expect that it may be broken at the end. And that's exactly what happened to me. Hoon Jang has thrilled me yet again. A very powerful experience. 5 stars.
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Photo © Showbox/Mediaplex
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