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Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

Play trailer Poster for Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War R 2004 2h 25m War Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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79% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 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.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

What to Know

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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Critics Reviews

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Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune 12/09/2004
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. Go to Full Review Peter Howell Toronto Star 11/12/2004
2/5
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. Go to Full Review Stephen Cole Globe and Mail 11/12/2004
2.5/4
Although flawed, the film is obviously successful in bringing to life what has been called the 20th century's 'forgotten war.' Go to Full Review Kaleem Aftab The List 04/24/2019
4/5
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. Go to Full Review Panos Kotzathanasis HanCinema 12/16/2018
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 Go to Full Review Michelle Thomas Future Movies UK 06/04/2005
6/10
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Audience Reviews

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Min's W @RT52099425 05/28/2025 Absolutely a must-see! See more Dick C @Joshua19930826 01/02/2024 It's with marvellous scripts in this film... See more Frisian W @RT92872044 12/17/2023 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. See more 05/23/2022 Epic Awesome movie Ever See more 01/02/2021 Not a perfect movie, but hands down one of the best films about The Forgotten War ever made. See more 02/11/2020 I cried so loud. I love this movie, shoe shine!!!! See more Read all reviews
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

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Cast & Crew

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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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Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War

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Movie Info

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