I gave it an 8 because...

Rating: 8/10 (22 March 2005)

It had all the hallmarks of a foreign film. Overacting, soap opera storyline and cheesy ending.
I gave it an eight because despite the above, it was a fine depiction of the horror and violence of the Korean War. I like how it stuck with the Korean side and resisted the temptation to show Americans: A very risky move. Having more American involvement would have given it a broader appeal in the States. However the movie is well made enough that it could and did stand very well on it's own merits. The effects are the equals if not better (in some cases) than contemporary American movies. The cinematography is wonderful and the props are largely gear is authentic This is not a masterpiece. To see one of those, please view Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, The Winter War or Stalingrad. Some serious overacting and some cheesy scenes that have you reaching for the fast forward button, hold it back. Some of the scenes, I have to say, are down right painful to watch. Fortunately the movie does not dwell on those scenes and it moves along fast. For every cheese ball scene there are plenty of powerful and well-scripted scenes.
What this is, is, a very good representation of the brutality of the Korean War and how it was much more of a Civil War than a war between nations. It is a great "anti-war" film that has the ability to bring out very strong emotions despite some overacting and over the top melodrama. You hate both sides equally at different times and you are left with the keen sense of the utter futile waste that war is. For that, the movie deserves a well done/Bravo! It deserves an 8.