K-movie - Uprising (Kang Dong Won, Park Jung Min, Cha Seung Won) (2024) review

Uprising (2024) Photo from Netlix

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The Netflix film Uprising transports viewers to the chaotic era of invasions and internal strife in Korea. The story weaves through the lives of nobles and slaves, two sharply contrasting classes, amidst the devastation of war. While the noble class, whose very existence depended on their supposed superiority, is portrayed fleeing from the perils of the invasion, the enslaved class, the lowest tier of society, takes up arms to defend the very land that had oppressed them for generations. This reversal of roles challenges the conventional understanding of loyalty, patriotism, and who truly holds the heart of the nation.

In Jeon, Ran, Park Jung Min portrays Jeong Ryeo, a nobleman who passes the military examination (Mugwa) with top honors through a proxy—the slave Cheon Yeong, who takes the test in his place. When war breaks out and King Seonjo flees, Jeong Ryeo is depicted as a warrior cutting down civilians to protect the king, a stark contrast to Cheon Yeong, who wields his sword against the invading forces. (Photo from Daegoo Newspaper)

At the film’s core, Uprising explores the moral and existential crises faced by both the ruling class and the enslaved. The aristocrats, long accustomed to privilege and protection, find themselves powerless in the face of war. They seek refuge far from the battlefield, prioritizing their own survival over the protection of their country. This portrayal of the aristocracy exposes the fragility of a class that claims to be the nation's protectors but, when tested, abandons it.

In stark contrast, the slaves, long treated as mere property, rise to the occasion, defending the very nation that has systematically oppressed them.

 

Kang Dong Won plays Cheon Yeong, a slave skilled in martial arts and exceptionally talented, but unable to take the exam due to his status. After Jeong Ryeo repeatedly failed the exam, his father promised to free Cheon Yeong from slavery if he passed the exam for him. Cheon Yeong took the test and achieved top honors, but Jeong ryeo's father broke his promise, beating and imprisoning him instead. Despite this betrayal, when war erupted, Cheon Yeong dedicated himself to fighting off the invaders. (Photo from Daegoo Newspaper)

The film gives a voice to these marginalized characters, portraying their courage and self-sacrifice as they fight to protect the land they have toiled on. Their struggle reflects a deep, unspoken connection to the nation—a bond forged not by privilege but by labor and perseverance. Through this, the movie asks: What does it mean to truly belong to a country? Is it a matter of birthright, or is it earned through acts of courage and devotion?

The film’s visual storytelling is as powerful as its thematic depth. Cinematic shots of barren landscapes ravaged by war contrast with intimate scenes of quiet determination among the enslaved, who take up weapons in defense of their homeland. The starkness of these images highlights the absurdity of a social hierarchy that collapses when tested by external threats. The dialogue, though often sparse, is poignant, with each line revealing the characters’ internal struggles and shifting allegiances.

 

Cha Seung Won plays King Seonjo, perfectly capturing the king’s cowardice, foolishness, and weakness. Even while fleeing, he complains about the side dishes at his meal, enraging viewers with his trivial concerns in the face of national crisis. (Photo from Namuwiki)

Character development is a central strength of Uprising. The aristocrats, initially portrayed as composed and dignified, gradually reveal their cowardice and self-centeredness as the war progresses. On the other hand, the slaves transform from passive figures bound by their lowly status into active, heroic defenders of the nation. This shift is not just physical but psychological, as they come to realize that the land belongs as much to them as it does to their fleeing masters.

Ultimately, Uprising leaves viewers with a powerful question: Who are the true guardians of a nation in times of crisis? The film suggests that it is not those born into privilege but those who, through their struggle and sacrifice, prove their worth.

 

In conclusion, the absurdity of the nobility fleeing during the chaos of invasion while slaves fight to protect the country forces a reassessment of who the true owners of the nation are. It is because of the efforts of those who fought for the land—despite their lowly status—that modern society has achieved the equality we enjoy today. Through its gripping narrative and nuanced characters, Uprising offers a compelling reflection on social hierarchy and the true meaning of patriotism.