Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

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Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

R

2004

2h 25m

War

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

93%

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10,000+ Ratings

Jin-tae (Jang Dong-gun) has always looked out for his little brother, Jin-seok (Won-bin), even shining shoes to raise funds for his college education. When the Korean War flares up and both brothers are drafted, Jin-tae decides he has to protect his younger sibling. Jin-tae makes a bargain with his commander: He'll take the riskiest missions if it will help shield Jin-seok from battle. In time, Jin-tae becomes a war hero -- with a growing blood lust that shocks his younger brother.

Critics Consensus

Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War sends viewers to the front lines of the Korean War, with grim yet rewarding results.

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

The battle scenes are amazing in their scope and vehemence. But in the breaks between fighting, the movie reminds us that the costs of war can exceed the loss of life and limb.

Dec 9, 2004

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Peter Howell

Toronto Star

At times the performances seem more akin to the histrionics of old silent movies, when emotions had to be seen because they couldn't be heard.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 12, 2004

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Stephen Cole

Globe and Mail

Although flawed, the film is obviously successful in bringing to life what has been called the 20th century's 'forgotten war.'

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 12, 2004

Full Review

Kaleem Aftab

The List

It's an epic tale of jealousy, misplaced love and fraternal infighting that often feels closer in tone to Once Upon a Time in America than Platoon.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 24, 2019

Full Review

Panos Kotzathanasis

HanCinema

Kang Je-gyu seems to thrive in a film that could be described as a blockbuster regarding the war between North and South Korea, and individuals' relationships within this frame

Dec 16, 2018

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Michelle Thomas

Future Movies UK

Rated: 6/10

Jun 4, 2005

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Min's W

Absolutely a must-see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/28/25

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Dick C

It's with marvellous scripts in this film...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/02/24

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Frisian W

Should be a 100 rating. This is the Saving Private Ryan of East-Asia. What a story, characters, effects, scenes, soundtrack and historical portrail. Iconic. All hail Korean cinema.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Epic Awesome movie Ever

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not a perfect movie, but hands down one of the best films about The Forgotten War ever made.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I cried so loud. I love this movie, shoe shine!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

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Je-gyu Kang

Director

Jang Dong-gun

Jin-tae Lee

Won-bin

Jin-seok Lee

Lee Eun-ju

Young-shin

Gong Hyung-jin

Yong-man

Choi Min-sik

North Korean commander

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Synopsis

Jin-tae (Jang Dong-gun) has always looked out for his little brother, Jin-seok (Won-bin), even shining shoes to raise funds for his college education. When the Korean War flares up and both brothers are drafted, Jin-tae decides he has to protect his younger sibling. Jin-tae makes a bargain with his commander: He'll take the riskiest missions if it will help shield Jin-seok from battle. In time, Jin-tae becomes a war hero -- with a growing blood lust that shocks his younger brother.

Director: Je-gyu Kang
Producer: Seong-hun Lee
Screenwriter: Je-gyu Kang, Han Ji-hoon, Sang-don Kim
Distributor: IDP Distribution
Production Co: Kang Je-Kyu Film Co. Ltd.
Rating: R (Strong Graphic War Violence)
Genre: War, Drama
Original Language: Korean
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 3, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.1M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Surround