The movie Uprising takes place in 16th century Korea, a little-known era that prompts the question: how much truth is in this new film to watch on Netflix?
It is currently the fifth most viewed film on Netflix, behind Lonely Planet, The Predator, Yo Mama et The Son-in-law of my life. Uprising follows two childhood friends who face war and chaos during the Joseon Dynasty. The story of this Korean film begins in 1592, when King Seonjo left the capital in the face of the advancing Japanese army and abandoned his palace before it was burned by the revolting people. Cheon-yeong is a young slave who grows up in the same house as Jong-ryeo. Both are the same age but far from equal. When the Japanese invader threatens the dynasty, war and chaos break out. Cheon-yeong takes the opportunity to escape and joins the Righteous Army, an informal militia made up of civilians, to finally be able to free himself. The friendship of the two young men will then be profoundly transformed.
Uprising : is the Netflix film inspired by a true story?
If the main characters are fictional, the historical context of Uprising is firmly anchored in reality. It is set during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), a brutal conflict in which Japan, under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, launched aggressive military campaigns to conquer Korea. This seven-year conflict is known as the Imjin War and is taught in schools. “All Koreans know about this war and the voluntary militia”Park Jeong-min, one of the main actors of the film, told the Time.
Uprising : a different war film
More Uprising is not based on real historical figures, with the exception of King Seonjo, who actually existed. The story here has been fictionalized to put at its heart the story of these two friends who will find themselves confronting each other. Uprising places particular emphasis on the class struggles of the time, of which Cheon-yeong is a good example. The director believes this sets his film apart from a traditional war film. “The invasion from someone outside functions as a catalyst that brings down the established internal system. This is the story I wanted to tell”he explains.
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias
