7.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
The story of two brothers who are unwillingly drafted into the South Korean army following the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950. The older brother strives to protect his younger brother on the battlefield, while struggling to find a way to have him discharged so he can return to their village and care for the family they left behind. However, as the war progresses, the horror and violence they witness begin to take its toll on each man and severe their bonds as brothers and soldiers.
Starring: Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin, Lee Eun-ju, Kong Hyeong-jin, Yeong-ran LeeForeign | 100% |
War | 32% |
Drama | 29% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 2.34:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Korean: DTS-HD 5.1
Korean: Dolby Digital 5.1
Korean, English, Japanese
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
A gruesome account of the Korean War seen through the eyes of two brothers whose loyalty and patriotism will place them in the face of death, “Tae Guk Gi” a.k.a “The Brotherhood of War” (2004) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of KD Media. Terrific camera work and a great cast elevate pic amongst one of the best war films to be produced in Asia during the last fifteen years. English-friendly. Region-Free.
The war scenes in Tae Guk Gi are graphic
Presented in an its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080i transfer Tae Guk Gi arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of South Korean distributors KD Media.
The image quality on this fairly recent South Korean production is good. Unlike what other reviewers have claimed, detail is probably as strong as one could expect it to be – from the opening scenes to the gloomy war shots to the requiem at the end, clarity, detail and contrast are very pleasing (I think that there is a great deal of misinformation in some of the reviews circulating on the net in terms of how this Blu-ray disc looks - specifically when the film is seen in motion, and why it looks the way it does - that is primarily based on the fact that this is a 1080i transfer). Furthermore, the faded look from the opening scenes as well as the memories are meant to look worn out, and they are very much in tune with the director's vision. The color-scheme, a very important element of the film's overall composition, is also striking; it is lush and consistent, allowing one to follow the dramatic progression of the story with the intended breaks between past and present as envisioned by the director (through adjustments in the color scheme, clarity, detail, etc). The actual quality of the transfer used by KD Media also appears to be exceptionally strong - I did not detect any specks, debris, or dirt. Additionally, I did not spot any striking examples of DNR-filtering either. The film's delicate grain-scheme is very much intact and free of external manipulations. (Note: Even though the back cover for Tae Guk Gi indicates a Region-A only status, this is in fact a Region-Free release).
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: Korean DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1. The DTS-HD 5.1 mix is strong but not exceptionally active. A serious gap between the two soundtracks is, as expected, especially easy to note during the massive battle scenes where all sorts of different explosions occur. The dialog is easy to follow and without any serious issues as far as balance is concerned. The grand music soundtrack also comes off the speakers in an adequate fashion, allowing the audience to absorb the heroic overtones Tae Guk Gi boasts quite well. All in all, while this isn't a spectacular audio presentation that would flex the muscles of your home set-up, it is by no means average; it is strong and complimenting the film in a deserving fashion. Optional Korean, HOH, Japanese, and English subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.
Aside from the original theatrical trailer for Tae Guk GI, this Blu-ray disc also offers a commentary with the director of the film (as well as a few cast members). Unfortunately, it is not subtitled in English.
A film with a powerful message, Tae Guk Gi reconfirms the old maxima that in war there are no winners. Its message is moving and deeply humane. Highly Recommended.
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