Kundo: Age of the Rampant (2014)

"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely." While I might be inclined to argue the point, I won't: KUNDO is about as Western an Eastern as you're ever likely to see (the music in particular harks back to the spaghetti westerns of yore, underscoring, if you will, the obvious influence). When our hero, the butcher Dolmuchi, botches an assassination attempt (he can't bring himself to go through with it), his family is slaughtered and he joins the ranks of the Chusul clan in their village hidden in Mount Jiri: "Comprised of those shunned and rejected by society, they despised greed and unfair authority, loathed those who favored social status over ability, and disdained those who valued the dead more than the living." Now known as "Dochi," he's told to "Live a worthy life." In time, he will face Master Jo Yoon, the man who killed his family. Unfortunately, KUNDO trots out the deus ex machina near film's end- a Gattling gun, of all things- and the tide turns (as well it might) in favor of blah blah blah. That's the only real complaint I have with KUNDO, other than its length (it DOES run a bit long), but some of the action is great (I love the scenes where a very powerful warrior literally SLAPS a pair of attackers out of his way). The movie sums up contemporary politics here in the West well enough when a female warrior says, "Those who've tasted money thirst for more, and public officials are the worst." Some things, it seems, are indeed Universal.

Imagine if you took an Italian western, Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" and "Robin Hood" and then transported all this to 19th century Korea. This is pretty much what you get in Jong-bin Yun's masterpiece, "Kundo: Age of the Rampant". It's a new martial arts epic that I cannot recommend strongly enough--and fans of this sort of picture are bound to be satisfied with this excellent film.The film begins during the latter years of the long Joseon Dynasty. The country is racked with famine, disease and locusts. But these locusts aren't the kind you're thinking of...they're the human kind. These are the various lords and governors who exploit the people and make the suffering and starvation even worse--as they strip the land from the people and force them into slavery. However, an honorable gang of bandits have made it their mission to right wrongs, care for the poor and punish the evil men in charge. For a while, their mission goes off without a hitch, as bureaucrat after bureaucrat are captured and sentenced for their crimes. However, one of these evil men, Yo-Joon, is something else. He is not only among the most evil and bloodthirsty, but he's an incredible fighter and more than a match for any of these Robin Hood-style bandits. Plus, he has his loyal band of seven evil warlords and an army...what good could these bandits do against such odds? Well, being heroes, they do what heroes must do even if the mission seems like certain death.The film's plot is very reminiscent of an old western and the music really heightens the effect. It's not exactly Ennio Morricone's in style but has many similarities to his scores that this great and very prolific Italian composer wrote for epics such as "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and "A Fistful of Dollars". It's rousing and energetic to say the least. And, the main bandit, Dochi, is also cut from the same mold as these great old films. All in all, a terrific film that features top-notch acting, music and production values--as good as any martial arts movie you could find. See this film...just don't take your young kids. Only a crazy person would let them watch this film or films like it. It's extremely realistic in its violence and bloodshed--as you would expect. So, even if they beg you, find another film for them and watch this one when the little ones are asleep, as it clearly earns its R rating.

A great Kung Fu flick made by Koreans. Or should I say an Eastern, as the filmmakers used a lot of, what looked like American western tricks, like with the music and the sudden close ups, to give it that Western vibe. At the same time, cinematically it reminds me of a back in the day Kung Fu film like what the Shaw bros. would do. What an excellent martial arts flick this turned out to be, jumbled with everything you except to see from a film by the likes of Tarantino paying homage to the Kung fu genre. I've always been a fan of Korean Cinema and this movie just increased my fandom. This was a great movie I recommend everyone to see.

I have to admit that I am not well versed in Asian action films, nor Korean history but I love this film. YOON Jong-bin's "Kundo"is the story of a bandit clan that take on the tyranny inflicted on the peasant population during the Joseon Dynasty. The film is a Korean period piece, set in 1859, and brings together a modern vision to classic Asian action-fantasy with tradition dramatic passion. "Kundo" tells a very powerful saga between the impoverished people suffering at the hands of the ruling nobility. It is a tale that rings, not only in historical record, but in modern time around the world. Similar to the legend of Robin Hood, "Kundo" creates a wonderful narrative of one group of individuals standing up to the oppression, taking what they can from the rich, and handing it out to the poor. Something that is universally recognizably as true human heroism. Yoon brings the story to life in epic style, filled with both visual and emotional power that captivates. The special effects in "Kundo" are restrained and by no means rise as the star of this film. The story, with all its raw intensity, personable emotion, and hypnotizing sound effects are of equal status in this one. The choreographed fighting style is every bit as entertaining as Hong Kong's action films that match this type of film. However the character that develops in "Kundo" balances that fantastical ability of Asian martial arts and war with true passionate story telling that hits at the heart. It is relatable on so many levels. At times the film reminds me of the American westerns of the late 60's and early 70's that tried to give an honest voice to the First Peoples plight.Over all I have to say the "Kundo" is an affective film-creating a strong atmosphere than pulls you into the story completely. Yoon is brilliant in his ability to make a historical picture relevant to modern audiences while honoring the past. Elements of Western bravado show at certain moments, without spoiling the film I can only say that the film is truly entertaining, giving moments of Kevin Reynolds' "Prince Of Thieves" dramatically-Hong Kong styled fighting and action reminiscent of Tsui Hark's "Once Upon A Time In China". Ther is also a bit of wild west attitude in "Kundo" that reminds me of Christopher Cain's "Young Guns". And yet Yoon manages to keep a unique signature style that is what must be totally Korean, all the elements that make "Kundo" such a stellar film are balanced perfectly with out being overstated. It is a true cinematic gem.