Wow, That Kwon Sang-woo (권상우) guy is in like EVERY other Korean movie I watch nowadays.
'71 - Into the Fire' is a movie based on somewhat true events of a group of 71 high school students (and a few juvenile delinquents) who are drafted into service during the Korean War, left to defend a command post while the remaining South Korean and US troops fight to save Pusan from the initial North Korean offensive.
Its got lots of gritty battle scenes (relatively high budget!) as well as pretty good character development and acting.
Of course we know how this story ends, but its all in the execution, (as in how unbelievably high the enemy body count is), right?
The biggest issue I have with the film is the North Korean commander played by Cha Seung-won (차승원). He seems to spend all his time looking cool with his white uniform and hat pulled down over his eyes. If only he wasn't so cool yet compassionate, the North would have won and the Great Leader would have liberated the entire country.
Can't we all get along?!? 7/10 if you like war movies. (that's a plus 1 for not forgetting that there were actually US troops fighting in Korea too (eh hmm... Taeguki!)
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