Uprising (전,란), directed by the renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook, has garnered global attention not only for its gripping story but also for its historic significance as the first OTT original film to open the Busan International Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of the Imjin War, this film takes a unique approach by focusing not on the war itself but on the turbulent period before and after the conflict, exploring the complex dynamics between its central characters.
With intense action sequences, stunning cinematography, and intricate relationships, Uprising brings to life the personal struggles and loyalties of its characters in a time of chaos. The film introduces us to the tragic fates of Jongryeo and Cheonyeong, two men bound by duty and divided by circumstance, amidst the larger historical canvas of King Seonjo’s abandonment and the defense of Joseon.
In this post, we’ll delve deeper into the historical background of the Imjin War, the film’s cast and characters, and the powerful visual techniques that make Uprising a standout cinematic experience.
Uprising Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 전,란 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | History, Action, Advantage, War |
| Director | Kim Sang-man |
| Writer | Park Chanwook and Shinchul |
| Cast | Gang Dongwon, Park Jung-min, Kim Shin-rok, Jin Seon-gyu |
| Release date | October 2, 2024 |
| Streaming Info | Netflix |
Uprising Main Cast
Kang Dong-won
Cheonyeong
A master of swordsmanship, Cheonyeong struggles to break free from the unjust constraints of his lowborn slave status.
Gang Dongwon
A Korean model-turned-actor.
◾Born on January 18, 1981
◾From Busan, South Korea
◾186cm, type B
◾Debuted on 2003 MBC drama “The Stately Girl”
◾Movie <Jeon Woo-chi: The Taoist Wizard> <1987: When the Day Comes> <Broker>
Park Jeongmin
Jongryeo
The son of Joseon’s most prestigious military family, Jongryeo takes Cheonyeong as his servant. After passing the military examination, he becomes a personal guard to King Seonjo. Despite forming a bond of friendship that transcends social class, he faces deep frustration due to their differences in status.
Park Jeongmin
a South Korean actor.
◾Born on March 24, 1987
◾From Ansan city, South Korea
◾178cm, type B
◾Debuted on the 2011 film The Watchman
Cha Seung-won
King Seonjo
When the Imjin War breaks out, King Seonjo abandons his people and flees. After the war, he focuses solely on restoring the authority of the monarchy, neglecting the welfare of his subjects.
Cha Seung-won
An actor who was a fashion model in Korea.
◾Born on June 7, 1970
◾From Anyang city, South Korea
◾190cm, type AB
◾Debuted on 1988 18th Model Line
◾https://www.instagram.com/70csw/
Jin Sun-kyu
Kim Ja-ryeong
A noble-born militia leader who shares the hardships of the people, guiding them through chaos with wisdom and a deep sense of humanity.
Jin Sun-kyu
a South Korean actor.
◾Born on September 13, 1977
◾From Jinhae city, South Korea
◾177cm
◾Debuted on 2004 play “The Story of the Mirror Princess Pyeonggang”
◾https://www.instagram.com/knuababoda96
Kim Shin-rock
Beomdong
A resilient militia fighter whose unbreakable spirit cannot be crushed by enemies or the rigid class system.
Kim Shin-rock
a South Korean actress.
◾Born on March 24, 1981
◾From Gwangju city, South Korea
◾164.3cm
◾Debuted on 2004 play “Survivor Calendar”
◾https://instagram.com/kimshinrock
Jung Sung-il
Genshin
A ruthless Japanese commander who leads his troops with brutal efficiency, embodying the cruelty of the invading forces.
Jung Sung-il
a South Korean actor.
◾Born on February 3, 1980
◾From Daegu city, South Korea
◾178cm, Blood type A
◾Debuted on the 2002 film “H”
◾https://www.instagram.com/ygmicael/
Uprising Plot Summary
“Uprising” (전,란) is set during a chaotic period when the king abandons his people and those who risk their lives fighting the Japanese invaders are branded as rebels.
During the Imjin War, Jongryeo (played by Park Jung-min), the son of the most prestigious military family in Joseon, and his servant Cheonyeong (played by Kang Dong-won), who grew up together, find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict, with Jongryeo as a high-ranking military officer close to King Seonjo (Cha Seung-won) and Cheonyeong as a righteous militia fighter.
Despite his low status, Cheonyeong possesses exceptional swordsmanship, while Jongryeo, the sole heir of Joseon’s greatest military family, fights against his own destiny.
Additionally, the story introduces Bum-dong (Kim Shin-rok), a militia fighter with unshakable determination, Kim Ja-ryeong (Jin Seon-kyu), a noble-born militia leader who guides the people in times of turmoil, Genshin (Jung Sung-il), a brutal Japanese commander, and King Seonjo, the ruler who fled, leaving his people behind.
Uprising Detailed Overview
Director Park Chan-wook’s new work
The film “Uprising” (전,란) has garnered significant attention worldwide, as it is directed and written by the renowned South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. Park is known for his unique cinematic style, blending violence, beauty, and philosophical depth. He gained international recognition with his Vengeance Trilogy, particularly Oldboy (2003), which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
Park’s films have consistently been praised for their artistic merit and deep narratives. His work The Handmaiden (2016) was another critical success, winning the Vulcan Award for Technical Artist at Cannes and receiving multiple accolades globally. Park also won the Best Director Award at Cannes for Decision to Leave (2022), solidifying his status as one of the most influential directors in world cinema.
His achievements represent the global rise of Korean cinema, demonstrating its ability to tackle complex themes while resonating with audiences worldwide.
Release at Busan International Film Festival
The film “Uprising” (전,란) was selected as the opening film of the Busan International Film Festival, marking the first time an OTT original movie has received such an honor.
Although “Uprising” focuses on King Seonjo and the Imjin War, it does not cover the entire seven years of the war but instead centers on the period before and after the conflict. Rather than delving deeply into the social circumstances of the time, the film highlights the complex love-hate relationship between two men.
Director Kim Sang-man employs various cinematic techniques, from overhead shots to step-printing (a slow-motion technique that creates ghostly images), enhancing the visual experience. The action scenes, with large swords and flowing garments spinning, are full of energy. The final battle between Jongryeo, Cheonyeong, and Genshin in a dense sea fog is especially praised for its intensity and breathtaking cinematography.
Historical background : Imjin War
The Imjin War, also known as the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), was a significant conflict during the late 16th century. Led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Japan sought to invade the Korean Peninsula as a stepping stone to conquer China. The war was marked by brutal battles, widespread destruction, and the displacement of Korean civilians.
Joseon Korea, with the help of Ming China, resisted the Japanese forces, and the war ultimately ended in a stalemate after Hideyoshi’s death. The conflict had a profound impact on East Asia, devastating Korea but also leading to advancements in military tactics and naval warfare, particularly through the leadership of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, whose innovative turtle ships played a crucial role in defending Korea.
Uprising Trailer Video
Uprising Poster
I love all kinds of stories.
Now I’m dreaming of becoming a pretty lady someday. Let’s join me if you like it!