Brotherhood/Taegukgi (NC-16)
Opens July 15
Running Time: 140 min

Cast: Won Bin, Jang Dong-Gun, Lee Eun-joo
Director: Kang JeGyu

Till Death Do Us Part

By Poon Shumin • UrbanWire
• email reporter • email story • printer friendly

"Not another war movie!!!" you beg, falling to the ground as if you've been shot at repeatedly.

Now before you go overboard with your melodramatics, and start crawling towards your imaginary medic shrieking in mock pain, why not give Brotherhood a chance?

Brotherhood is the latest offering by Kang JeGyu, whose past works include The Gingko Bed(1996) and Shiri(1999) which was shown in Singapore. According to the film's official website, Brotherhood was an "all time #1 box office in Korean film history."

The movie opens with excavators unearthing skeletons of dead soldiers at a Korean War memorial site. Upon uncovering one believed to belong to Jin-seok (Won Bin), the excavators run a check and realise that Jin-seok actually is still alive. They call up the 68-year-old who hobbles excitedly to the telephone thinking they have found the body of his older brother Jin-tae (Jang Dong-Gun). Jin-seok is, however, disappointed.

From here, we're transported back to Korea in the 1950s. Jin-seok is an intelligent and bright-eyed 18-year-old student. Jin-tae shines shoes for a living to see Jin-seok through college. Their mother, together with Jin-tae's fiancé, Young-shin (Lee Eun-joo), run a noodle stall. Life is difficult but the love and happiness in this closely-knit family is evident.

One is almost instantaneously struck by the close bond between the brothers -the ever-protective and sacrificial older Jin-tae, and Jin-seok, the hope of the family, who looks up to his older brother as a role-model. Things seem to be going just dandy for the family as Jin-seok tops his class, while Jin-tae and Young-shin's marriage is only a few days away.

However, the happy days are short-lived, as the Korean War erupts and both brothers are drafted and are sent to the frontline. After learning that he can only have Jin-seok sent home upon earning a medal of honour, Jin-tae decides to do everything in his ability to earn the medal by volunteering for the riskiest missions, facing imminent danger and even death.

All Jin-tae wants is to be able to send his brother home, alive. However, Jin-seok is unable to comprehend his brother's actions and soon, conflict arises as both brothers are forced to make choices that will alter the course of their lives forever.

Scenes from the Korean War are painstakingly recreated in this film, from crumbling buildings to the rain of bullets. The horrors of war are further exemplified through the blood, gore and maggot-infested bodies. Painfully realistic and almost on par with Hollywood blockbuster, Saving Private Ryan, Brotherhood strikes a raw nerve as you find yourself struggling to find meaning in the senselessness of war. According to the official website, while trying to film a battle scene at the Doo-Mil-Ryung, "15,000 bullets, 3000 extras, and 500 stunt experts" were used.

The score of Brotherhood, composed by Dong-jun Lee, is spectacular, enhancing the entire movie experience as it echoes hauntingly in the background. From cheery, light-hearted pieces to sombre refrains, much of Brotherhood's emotional pull comes from the score.

Both the leading and supporting cast impressed with their acting. Won Bin proved his acting prowess with a flawless transition from an innocent and weak schoolboy to a strong-willed and righteous soldier. Not to be outdone, Jang Dong-Gun also engages audiences with his captivating performance as Jin-tae.

Filled with ample action, explosions and a heart-wrenching storyline, coupled with tear-jerking performances from the cast, Brotherhood is so much more than just a war movie. So girls, you might be walking into the theatre thinking you're just there to drool over Won Bin, but don't forget to pack lots of tissue. Trust me, you'll need it. And guys? A film about war and the bond between brothers. Need I say more? Don't forget your tissue either. After all, in the unlikely event that you don't use it, you can always offer it to the girl next to you.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Official Site
View The Trailer

Pictures courtesy of www.taegukgimovie.com