Underrated soon to be Korean War classic

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2007)

The Korean War is thought of as the "forgotten" war in the U.S. because it came on the tail end of WW2. For Koreans it symbolizes a conflict that never ended, a civil war between a nation divided that has never been resolved. If you watch the movie in this context then the symbolism of the protagonists and the name has a much deeper meaning. Viewers have criticized the melodrama involved but there are events in war similar to the ones in the film that have happened. The film steps away from glorifying war and shows it as brutal and unforgiving and sometimes turns family members on each other. It is a state of complete breakdown of human rationale and consequences There is no real "happy" ending like in many Hollywood films and the violence is not glorified. This movie is a testament to Korean War veterans all over the world. It is to South Korea's credit that they could make such an important film for future generations.