DVD Review: Kang Woo-suk’s ‘Hanbando’ R3 Limited Edition

Japan further flexes its economical and political muscle by warning that any further provocation by the South Korean president will result in the withdrawal of a hefty loan and eventually heightened naval presence along the border. Lines are not only drawn in the sand between South Korea and Japan but also in the cabinet of the government as pro Korea/Japan sentiments and pro-unification and anti-unification leanings become evident, especially between the president and his prime minister. However, hope exists in a brash, nationalistic professor, Choi Min-Jae, as he claims that the imprint of the royal seal on the document that Japan has presented is inauthentic. He claims to know where the authentic seal was hidden by one of the Emperor’s subjects. If this is so, then Japan has no claim on the railway and both Koreas can proceed towards unification. And so begins a string of twists and betrayals begin, aware of Hollywood blockbuster formulas, but unique in the film’s connection with the Korean social and political conscience.

Already known for films that have something to say, however critical it may be [i.e. Silmido was highly critical of the Korean government], director Kang Woo-suk, pulls no punches, clearly dividing his audience between both sides of the political viewpoint, but also points a very large finger at a Korean society that has forgotten its history [the lesson violently played out in flashbacks that mirror the present day story]. All the while he is doing this he is also critical of those who favor a continued union with Japan because they truly believe that South Korea would be doomed if ties with Japan are cut and unification happens. No one is innocent, nor do they escape Kang’s accusing finger. Having said that though, this equally honest bashing of anyone and everyone involved in the issue does allow the viewer to make their own decision where they stand.

Instead of being dragged down by the political backdrop of Hanbando it still works as an entertaining thriller, though sometimes the flag-waving can be a touch tedious. I wish it could have been a touch shorter clocking in nearly two and a half hours of political intrigue. But the screenplay by Kim Hee-jae and Lee Hyo-cheol gives the audience enough doses of action and military might to make it interesting. Overall, from an outsider perspective Hanbando could have fallen into the trappings of a typical political thriller if it were not for the equal balance for all views on the issue of unification and Japanese relations. There is also a suitable balance between political espionage, history lesson and action film. And with an all-star cast featuring Ahn Seong-gi as the president of South Korea how could you possibly go wrong. There are strong performances all the way around. I recommended it if you need a reason to slap the back of a Korean friend and tell them to hold their chin up. Like you need to? Go hug a Korean right now.

Like a lot of Korean DVD releases this box set is just gorgeous. Gorgeous I tell you! Sadly though we white devils get stymied again and we have a two disc set that is really pretty to look at but if you cannot read or speak Korean then you are out of luck. The extras disc, though plentiful, is without subs. Dang it! Di jillae?

You can buy this beautiful box set and impress your Korean friends at YesAsia

Disc 1
• The Film
• Audio Commentary

Disc 2
• Making Film
• Interview with the Cast
• Digital Intermediate Featurette
• Art Direction and Costumes Featurette
• Military-related Scenes Making Of
• Miniatures, Special Effects, CG
• Interview with Music Director
• Royal Seal or Seal of State
• Poster Shoot
• Theatrical Trailer
• Music Video - Yoon Do Hyun’s 1178
• Still Gallery