The year is 1636. Winter’s icy grip tightens around Joseon as the thunder of approaching hooves shatters the frozen silence. The Qing army, a relentless tide, crashes against the borders, their war cries echoing the chilling winds. Within the formidable Namhan Fortress, King In-jo seeks refuge, his court divided. Choe Myeong-gil, ever the pragmatist, advocates for negotiation, for bowing to the Qing to save their people, a bitter pill to swallow. Kim Sang-heon, however, stands firm, a staunch defender of Joseon pride, urging resistance to the bitter end. Seo Nal-soe, a soldier sworn to protect the King, watches the growing dissension with a heavy heart, knowing that the fate of the nation hangs precariously in the balance. As the siege begins, and provisions dwindle, the fortress becomes a crucible, testing the limits of loyalty, courage, and the very essence of Korean identity.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Fortress |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2017-10-03 |
| Runtime | 140 minutes |
| Genre | War, Drama, History, Action |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Lee Byung-hun | Choe Myeong-gil |
| Kim Yun-seok | Kim Sang-heon |
| Park Hae-il | King In-jo |
| Go Soo | Seo Nal-soe |
| Park Hee-soon | Lee Si-baek |
| Song Young-chang | Kim Ryu |
| Jo Woo-jin | Jeong Myeong-su |
| David Lee | Chil-bok |
| Heo Sung-tae | Yong Gol-dae |
| Kim Pub-lae | Khan |
| Jo A-in | Na-ru |
| Jin Sun-kyu | Lee Du-gap |
| Yoo Soon-woong | Chief Scholar (uncredited) |
| Park Ji-il | Deputy Chief Scholar (uncredited) |
| Choi Jong-ryul | Eunuch (uncredited) |
| Moon Chang-gil | Old Boatman (uncredited) |
| Cho Ah-in | Na-ru |
| Lee Sang-hee | Soldier |
| Kim Seo-hyeon | Minister |
| Ha Soo-ho | Royal Forces Commander |
| Jang Tae-min | Soldier |
| Song Hyeong-su | Messenger Officer |
| Jeon Ji-hak | Subject 1 |
Storyline
In 17th century Korea, King In-jo and his court seek refuge within the formidable Namhan Fortress as the Qing dynasty’s forces encroach upon Joseon. Inside the fortress walls, a battle of ideologies erupts alongside the external siege. Choe Myeong-gil, a pragmatic scholar, advocates for negotiation and appeasement with the Qing to prevent further bloodshed and secure the kingdom’s survival. However, Kim Sang-heon, a staunch loyalist, passionately argues for unwavering resistance, upholding Joseon’s honor and allegiance to the fallen Ming dynasty. King In-jo, torn between these opposing counsel, grapples with the immense responsibility of choosing a path that could either save his people or condemn them to annihilation. As supplies dwindle and the harsh winter sets in, morale plummets, leading to internal strife and desperation among the soldiers and civilians trapped within. Seo Nal-soe, a skilled blacksmith turned reluctant soldier, witnesses the brutal realities of war and the moral compromises necessary for survival, further fueling the internal conflict. Meanwhile, Lee Si-baek, a courageous general, leads desperate attempts to break the siege and secure reinforcements, facing impossible odds against the overwhelming Qing army. Ultimately, King In-jo must confront his deepest fears and make a devastating decision, choosing between honor and survival, forever altering the destiny of Joseon.
Details
In the winter of 1636, amidst the stark beauty and brutal cold of ancient Korea, “The Fortress” unfolds a gripping tale of political intrigue, unwavering loyalty, and desperate survival. King In-jo, portrayed by Park Hae-il, finds himself cornered as the Qing dynasty, led by the formidable Khan, invades Joseon. Refusing to yield to their demands of subservience to the Qing and betraying the Ming dynasty, In-jo and his court seek refuge within the formidable mountain fortress of Namhan, hoping to withstand the encroaching horde. Inside the fortress walls, a fierce ideological battle erupts between the pragmatic Choe Myeong-gil, played by Lee Byung-hun, who advocates for negotiation to avoid bloodshed and the staunch Kim Sang-heon, portrayed by Kim Yun-seok, who fiercely defends the honor of Joseon and urges resistance to the bitter end. As supplies dwindle and the harsh winter takes its toll, the soldiers, including Seo Nal-soe, portrayed by Go Soo, face starvation and relentless attacks. The strategic and moral dilemmas faced by King In-jo and his advisors become increasingly agonizing, forcing them to confront the true cost of their convictions as the fate of their kingdom hangs precariously in the balance. The film explores the agonizing choices made during wartime, the clash of ideologies, and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, capturing a pivotal moment in Korean history with stunning visuals and heart-wrenching performances.
FAQs
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What is the movie “The Fortress” about?
“The Fortress” is a historical drama set in 17th century Korea, during the Qing invasion of Joseon. King In-jo and his court take refuge in Namhan Fortress and struggle to defend the kingdom against the invading forces.
What are the genres of the movie?
The movie falls into the genres of War, Drama, History, and Action.
When was “The Fortress” released?
The movie was released on October 3, 2017.
Who are the main actors in “The Fortress”?
The main actors include Lee Byung-hun, Kim Yun-seok, and Park Hae-il.
Who directed “The Fortress”?
Hwang Dong-hyuk directed the movie.
What is the original language of the film?
The original language is Korean (ko).
What is the runtime of “The Fortress”?
The runtime of the movie is 140 minutes.
What is the movie’s tagline?
The tagline is “The fate of the nation is in their hands”.
Is the movie based on a true story?
The movie is based on historical events, specifically the Qing invasion of Joseon in 1636.
Where does the story take place?
The primary setting is Namhan Fortress in Korea.
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