Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Netflix period movie 'Uprising' to explore tapestry of lives woven together
Actors, from right, Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min, Kim Shin-rok, director Kim Sang-man, actors Cha Seung-won and Jung Sung-il pose during a press conference for Netflix’s movie “Uprising” at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul hotel in Seoul, Thursday. Newsis
By Baek Byung-yeul
Netflix's period movie "Uprising" portrays diverse human stories set against the devastating post-war environment, its director Kim Sang-man said Thursday.
"The movie's Korean title 'Jeon, Ran' means war and uprising. However, this film isn't simply about war but rather a story that penetrates through time," the director explained during a press conference in Seoul. "The comma between the words was essential to convey the stories of people living through and after the war."
He revealed that the film is set against the backdrop of the class-based society of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), saying, "I wanted to show perspectives from various social classes and their unique viewpoints."
Starring movie stars Gang Dong-won and Park Jeong-min, the sword-action period film is set during the ancient kingdom of Korea and follows the son (Park) of a powerful nobleman and his servant and friend (Gang) as they turn their swords on each other.
Actor Gang Dong-won performs Cheon-yeong who has exceptional swordsmanship in Netflix's movie "Uprising." Courtesy of Netflix
Gang shared that he joined the project primarily because of its portrayal of diverse characters.
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading the script. It's a story with character dynamics and individual narratives. While many other films focus mainly on the protagonists due to time limits, I really liked how this movie unfolds the stories of each character," he said.
"Uprising" was selected as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on Oct. 2, marking the first time in the festival's 29-year history that a streaming platform film has been chosen as the opener.
"I deliberately waited to see the film at the BIFF's opening ceremony, declining earlier viewing opportunities. The film exceeded expectations, and I felt grateful to have been part of it," Park said.
Following its screening in Busan, the film has garnered positive reviews both domestically and internationally, heightening expectations.
The director mentioned that overseas attendees at the film festival noted how post-war uprisings were common in their countries too, suggesting the film's theme would resonate with international viewers.
"While the film is set against a specific event in 16th century Korea, I believe its portrayal of individuals within society carries universal relevance," Kim said. "Overseas guests at the BIFF also told me that war and civilian uprisings are universal themes that occur across different countries."
Actor Cha Seung-won, who performs King Seonjo, expressed confidence in the audience reception thanks to the strong ensemble of actors. "I was impressed by how well the actors' roles interconnected," Cha said.
He revealed that he focused on creating a unique portrayal of King Seonjo, differentiating it from previous depictions in various dramas and films, adding that he lost weight to portray a more cynical and sensitive ruler.
"Since King Seonjo has been frequently portrayed in media, the key challenge was finding ways to differentiate this interpretation. I focused on balancing the character's recurring destabilizing presence and malicious actions," he said.
The film will be available on Netflix from Friday.