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| ▲ This image, provided by Netflix on Oct. 14, 2024, shows Korean filmmaker Kim Sang-man who directed Netflix original film "Uprising." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The film Uprising, directed by Kim Sang-man, which premiered on Netflix on the 11th, captivates viewers with a vibrant ensemble of characters.
Set during the Imjin War in the Joseon Dynasty, the story features a diverse cast: a slave swordsman, Cheonyeong (played by Kang Dong-won), Jongryeo (Park Jung-min), the son of a powerful military family, an incompetent King Seonjo (Cha Seung-won), Beom-dong (Kim Shin-rok), a peasant volunteer, and Ja-ryeong (Jin Seon-kyu), a noble-born militia leader, all of whom deliver dynamic performances that blend seamlessly together.
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| ▲ Director Kim Sang-man (far L) and cast members of the Netflix Korean original film "Uprising" pose for photos in the southeastern city of Busan on Oct. 2, 2024. (Yonhap) |
During an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 14th, Director Kim highlighted the performances as the film's key appeal, stating, "All of the actors, from the leads to the supporting roles, delivered exceptional performances. This alone will ensure a high level of satisfaction for viewers."
Uprising focuses on the evolving relationship between Cheonyeong and Jongryeo. Cheonyeong, a skilled swordsman, teaches martial arts to Jongryeo, his master, and a bond that transcends social class develops between them. As the Imjin War plunges the country into chaos, rebellions erupt among the slaves, leading to the massacre of Jongryeo’s family by slaves. Jongryeo comes to suspect Cheonyeong's involvement, turning the two from friends to enemies.
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| ▲ A still from "Uprising" is shown in this image provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Regarding the casting of Kang Dong-won as Cheonyeong, Kim explained, "Kang Dong-won’s acting exudes a sense of ease, likely stemming from inner confidence, which perfectly aligns with Cheonyeong's character." He jokingly added, "The only concern was that he might look too handsome to convincingly portray a slave."
Jongryeo, played by Park Jung-min, is a character who undergoes dramatic emotional shifts due to personal tragedy. Director Kim emphasized, "This role required exceptional acting skills, and Park Jung-min, known for his outstanding abilities, was the ideal choice."
Regarding the praise for Cha Seung-won’s portrayal of King Seonjo, which some have called "the best Seonjo ever," Kim noted, "Cha Seung-won displayed an impressive ability to interpret his character."
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| ▲ This still from "Uprising," provided by Netflix, features the Blue-Robed God Cheon-yeong (L). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The film’s swordplay sequences are a visual highlight of Uprising. Notable scenes include a duel between Cheonyeong and Jongryeo under the moonlight, and a later three-way battle involving Cheonyeong, Jongryeo, and the Japanese commander Kenshin (Jung Sung-il). Kim emphasized, "Action for action’s sake wasn’t my aim. I sought to depict sword fights as moments where the characters’ emotions clash."
Uprising also drew attention for the involvement of renowned director Park Chan-wook, who contributed to the screenplay and production. Kim, who previously worked as an art director on Park's Joint Security Area (2000), described Park as "a mentor-like figure" and shared, "I was determined not to let him down while directing Uprising."
He added, "Though Park participated in the screenplay process, he largely refrained from intervening in the directing, observing from a distance." Reflecting on the script, he said, "Since themes of friendship and death are central, there was a risk of excessive melodrama creeping in, but Director Park helped ensure that the film did not become overly sentimental."
The film also incorporates elements of pansori (traditional Korean narrative singing), which Kim attributed to Park’s influence. Kim noted that these scenes are a homage to Im Kwon-taek’s Chunhyang (2000).
Although Uprising is an action film, it also delves deeply into the contradictions of the class system during the Joseon era. Kim remarked, "Even today, we use terms like 'gold spoon' and 'dirt spoon' to describe social status," suggesting that the film also questions modern societal structures.
Kim Sang-man, originally an art director, made his directorial debut with Girl Scout (2008). His second film, the thriller Midnight FM (2010), which centered around radio broadcasting, received critical acclaim. Currently, Kim is working on a drama based on a webtoon.
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