On Oct 10., a press conference was held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul for Netflix’s upcoming film “Uprising,” which gained attention as the opening feature of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The event was attended by director Kim Sang-man, along with cast members Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min, Cha Seung-won, Kim Shin-rock, and Jung Sung-il.
Set against the Imjin War (1592–1598), “Uprising” follows Jong-ryeo (Park Jeong-min), the son of a military family, and Cheon-yeong (Gang Dong-won), a commoner turned slave. Once close friends, they are torn apart by a misunderstanding, transforming them from allies to enemies. As war rages, Cheon-yeong becomes a fugitive, while Jong-ryeo, now a military officer, is tasked with protecting the king and hunting his former friend. The film questions whether their true enemy is each other or the oppressive caste system that prevails even in times of war.
With powerful performances and intense action, “Uprising” merges the chaos of battle with a critique of societal injustice. Director Kim Sang-man’s sharp direction, paired with a dynamic soundtrack blending traditional pansori and rock, deepens the film’s impact. Kim emphasized his meticulous approach to crafting action scenes, designed to reflect each character’s distinct personality.
Gang Dong-won, now in his third swordplay film, mentioned that his previous experience made preparing for the action scenes much easier. Park Jeong-min admitted feeling the pressure of keeping up with Gang’s impressive skills, saying, “I trained at an action school just to keep up.” He added, “The chemistry with Gang Dong-won was strong. Once we shot the early scenes that established the friendship, the emotions flowed naturally as we continued.”
Kim Shin-rock, who portrays militia leader Beom-dong, expressed pride in the film being chosen as the opening feature of the 2024 BIFF, noting the enthusiastic response from the audience despite the chilly outdoor screening. Cha Seung-won reflected on the challenge of bringing a fresh interpretation to King Seonjo, a figure often portrayed in South Korean cinema. Meanwhile, Jung Sung-il, who plays Japanese military officer Genshin, highlighted how Genshin’s arrogance and overconfidence in battle ultimately lead to his downfall.
“Uprising,” the opening film at BIFF 2024, will be available on Netflix starting Oct 11.
