Taegukgi 
    UK/US Title; Brotherhood/Brotherhood of War

Director: Kang Je-Gyu

Producer: Lee Seong-Hun

Plot: A domestic war breaks out between North Korea and South. Two young brothers from South Korea are drafted into the army against their will.

The brothers, Lee Jin-Tae (Jang Dong-Gun) and Lee Jin-Seok (Won Bin) are the simple loving family. Lee Jin-Tae is shoe shine; he just travels the streets cleaning and repairing shoes with his friend young-seok. Jin-Tae saves up all his earnings hoping he has enough to send his younger brother to College.

Jin-Seok is the casual caring brother (remember this is set in 1950, this is where brothers and sisters actually got along with each other), who is studying in school to bring a brighter and more wealthy future to the family. Although this poor chap has a weak heart and has troubled him in the past.

When drafted into the army Jin-Tae tries everything in his power to find away to send his Jin-Seok back home. One of the generals inform him that achieving a medal of honor could give you the opportunity to send his brother home, but this medal is achieved by acts of bravery and excellence.

Jin-Tae now has only one thing on his mind, earning that medal, no matter how deadly the situation is...

Review: One heck of a movie, visually stunning and well done. Jang Dong-Gun is a remarkable actor, past roles was in Friend which was just as good as this film. The scenes of Dong-Gun fighting for the Flag Unit was cool with him battling his brother, that scene had me hanging on the edge of my seat.

Won Bin showed real innocence and fear. During the battle where he spares the soldier but then he attempts to kill him, showed some real development in his character.

It gives you the real feel of the war, how you cant let your guard down, if you show mercy to someone, they could easily turn around and kill you. Some of the scenes of the brutality of war are just chilling.

I must say the leading actress was great, she looked authentic and innocent with then sudden twist involving her character is shocking.

Written and directed by Kang Je-Gyu, whose previous movies were the sharp shooting police thriller - Shiri. I seriously wouldn't have know this was the same director, I guess its just the sudden change from doing modern movies to a 50's war epic.

Now for guest appearances? My knowledge of korean actors and actresses is pretty slim, but Choi Min-Sik (also appeared in Shiri and Chan Park-Wook's OldBoy) makes an appearance as the enemy general who ends up doing some fisticuffs with Jang Dong-Gun.

Final thoughts, a great movie, maybe run a little too long, but the action scenes are just stunning.

Rating: 8.5 out 10.0