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Jiseul

Play trailer Jiseul 2012 1h 48m Drama War Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
During the 1948 Jeju Massacre, villagers take shelter in a freezing cave for 60 days to avoid soldiers under orders to shoot on sight. They retain their sanity by telling jokes until their endurance wanes and fear begins to wear away their mettle.

Critics Reviews

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Chris Cabin Slant Magazine In form, O Muel's film is invigorating, even striking, but it feels ill-matched to his attitude, if not necessarily his subject matter. Rated: 2/4 Mar 19, 2013 Full Review Maggie Lee Variety Visually, the film is breathtaking -- replete with meticulous, broodingly lit compositions of weatherbeaten landscapes that form an elemental backdrop to human portraits of iconic impact. Jan 22, 2013 Full Review Panos Kotzathanasis Asian Movie Pulse "Jiseul" is a truly great film, an audiovisual masterpiece that succeeds fully in its anti-war purposes through a rather original approach. Mar 15, 2020 Full Review Tony McKibbin The List Its often compositional beauty and sensitivity fail to elevate it into a major work, and perhaps its general approach to character might leave it a minor one even in terms of audience reception. Rated: 3/5 Jun 28, 2013 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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예나 강 This film depicts a tragic event that took place on April 3, 1948, on Jeju Island, South Korea. It contains some graphic scenes. The movie tells a painful part of Korea’s history, and I felt heartbroken throughout watching it. It was very sad to realize that Korea has such a tragic history. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review 예한 송 This film offers a powerful glimpse into Korean history, specifically focusing on the Jeju April 3rd Uprising. It was heartbreaking to watch, and I felt deep sorrow knowing that such a tragic chapter exists in Korea’s past. The story portrays the unjust deaths of many innocent civilians, and the emotional weight lingers long after the film ends. However, I would advise viewer discretion, as there are several intense and graphic scenes that may be too violent for children. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review 소림 이 This movie is about the Jeju April 3rd Incident, and it was very sad. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review 정수 안 "A powerful film that brings renewed awareness to the tragic events in Jeju, portraying the heartbreaking massacre of innocent lives." Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review 다온 김 It was very sad and deeply impressive. It was also enjoyable, and since it’s a film about the Jeju April 3rd Incident, I could even learn about history. I think it will still feel sad yet enjoyable if I watch it again at home later. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review 윤아 이 It is a touching film that reminds us of the painful memories of old Jeju and makes us realize that this is a part of history we must never forget. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Jiseul

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Movie Info

Synopsis During the 1948 Jeju Massacre, villagers take shelter in a freezing cave for 60 days to avoid soldiers under orders to shoot on sight. They retain their sanity by telling jokes until their endurance wanes and fear begins to wear away their mettle.
Director
Meul O.
Screenwriter
Meul O.
Genre
Drama, War
Original Language
Korean
Runtime
1h 48m