Backdrop preview Battle of Jangsari backdrop
Battle of Jangsari

Battle of Jangsari (2019)

Sep 25, 2019 1h 44m Drama History War

Korean War, September 1950. In order to fight the enemy forces based in the South of the peninsula, General MacArthur orders the start of the Incheon Landing Operation, deploying diversionary attacks in other locations. Without real military forces to spare, 772 very young Korean student soldiers, barely trained, are sent to Jangsari Beach, where they will face a heroic fate and discover the value of friendship. (A sequel to Operation Chromite, released in 2016.)

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Directed by Kwak Kyung-taek

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kwak Kyung-taek
  • Kim Tae-hun
Producer
  • Chung Tae-won
  • Chung Jae-hee

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Battle of Jangsari examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Kwak Kyung-taek brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Battle of Jangsari took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 294 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Battle of Jangsari shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Sugarland Express, which focuses more on action than character development, Battle of Jangsari subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Bravest and Hope explore similar territory, Battle of Jangsari stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 25, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 44m
  • Revenue: $7,883,200

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
Rakuten Viki
Hi-YAH
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