Jeon, Ran

"Uprising" is a gripping and intense film that delves into the complexities of rebellion and the fight for freedom. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, the movie masterfully captures the raw emotions and sacrifices of those who dare to stand up against oppression. The screenplay is well-crafted, weaving together personal stories with larger historical events, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, showcasing the internal and external struggles faced by someone caught in the crossfire of revolution. Overall I think it's a well watch.

A Visually Striking but Confused Film

Uprising (2024) delivers stunning visuals and impressive fight choreography, yet it struggles with its identity. The film swings between being an action-packed spectacle and a historical drama, but never fully commits to either. This results in a movie that feels disjointed, with brutal violence often coming across as excessive, more for shock than to drive the story forward.

While the action sequences, especially the sword fights, are captivating, the plot itself is chaotic. It's easy to get lost in the non-linear timeline and convoluted character motivations. The emotional stakes feel underdeveloped, and the complex relationship between the two main characters doesn't receive the depth it deserves.

In the end, Uprising excels in style but falters in storytelling. Those seeking pure action without a deep narrative may enjoy it, but for anyone craving a cohesive plot, the film may leave them unsatisfied.

Admittedly not perfect, as it goes quite over the top with the depicted villainy of certain characters, and does a less than stellar job of showing why exactly both main characters are friends. But a very good film overall and one that will be enjoyed moreso by those already invested in the genre.

Great fight choreography, good cinematography, and all-around entertaining. Pacing could use some work for sure, and the plot is coherent if not spectacular. This is a film that leans more towards style than substance at its core. More impressively, it does so without egregious usage of CGI. Two hours well-spent, I'd say.

Uprising delivers a thrilling cinematic experience, particularly with its exceptional fight sequences. Showcasing not only physical prowess but also the emotional stakes of each battle. Each clash is intense, capturing the energy and desperation of the characters fighting for their freedom.

The cinematography during the fight scenes is remarkable, utilizing dynamic angles that heighten the tension.

What sets these fight scenes apart is how they intertwine with the story, highlighting the characters' motivations and the gravity of their struggles. Each skirmish feels earned and significant, rather than just a display of martial arts.

The performances are also compelling, Supporting actors also shine, delivering nuanced portrayals that enhance the overall narrative. Their chemistry adds layers to the relationships depicted on screen.

The movie is set in late 16th century Korea. The movie has blended various social and political elements into a sword wielding action movie. It does make you think a bit about who is the worst of the worst: the incompetent king, invading Japanese, or the greedy noble class. However, we the audience did not sign up for a history. As mentioned in my title, if you're looking for a history lesson, please trying reading some books. No one went to see the movie "300" hoping to gain historical insights into the Spartans, did they?

Back to the movie itself. The story is very straight forward and action-driven. Is it such a unique and memorable story? No. Are there some plot holes? Sure. Personally, I had a hard time accepting the fact that the "misunderstanding" that separated the two main characters was so easily resolved at the end. Anyways, the final question is was it entertaining? The answer to that is YES! I especially liked the three-way battle in dense fog.

In summary, this movie will provide you with enough entertainment to justify your investment of 2 hours of viewing time. I give this movie a solid 7 stars. I'm also adding 2 stars to offset some of the ridiculously low scores given for reasons that seem unfair.