The best foreign film I've ever seen

Rating: 9/10 (5 August 2005)

Even for an enthusiast of war movies, this film was stunning. I have to say at the beginning, though: if graphic violence bothers you, do NOT watch this film. It is among the most violent movies I have ever seen, even more so than Private Ryan. That said, the story is truly engrossing and the acting excellent. Dialog was good also; however, I suspect that much is lost in translation. And since the story is told from a Korean point of view, it takes for granted many aspects of Korean culture, with which the European or American viewer might not be familiar. Also, you have to have at least a passing familiarity of the 1950-1953 Korean War; otherwise the film will make little sense to you. I have seen very few films about the Korean war, which makes this unique in its own right. So much the better that it is well-directed, well-acted and poignant. One cannot help but be moved by the story of two brothers, at once thrust together and torn apart by a truly vicious war (do a little research; Korea was no picnic, even by the standards of modern warfare).
If you like war movies, don't miss this. Even if you don't, it's still worth a look.