Harbin Movie Review: The Untold Struggle of Korea Brought to Screen

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Harbin Movie Review

Harbin Movie Review: Harbin Movie is a 2024 South Korean historical drama film directed by Woo Min-ho, featuring Hyun Bin as Ahn Jung-geun. The movie tells the story of Korean freedom fighters who plan to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, Japan’s first Prime Minister, to stop Japan from taking control of Korea. Harbin Movie was released on 24 December 2024 and is currently showing in theaters.

Plot Summary

In 1909, Ahn Jung-Geun, a Korean resistance fighter, struggled to oppose Japan’s occupation of Korea. After leading a successful attack on Japanese forces, Ahn faces criticism from his team for sparing prisoners of war, including Japanese officer Tatsuo Mori. This decision leads to Mori retaliating and killing most of Ahn’s group. Seeking redemption, Ahn plans to assassinate Itō Hirobumi, Japan’s Prime Minister and a key figure in Korea’s subjugation.

As Itō travels to Harbin for diplomatic talks, Ahn forms a team with Woo Deok-sun and Kim Sang-hyun. They face numerous challenges, including betrayal by Kim, who had been tortured and coerced by Mori. Despite setbacks, Ahn continues with his mission. The group seeks help from Ms. Gong, an arms smuggler, but their plan to use explosives fails when they are ambushed by Russian and Japanese forces.

Ahn finally reaches Harbin railway station, where Itō is scheduled to appear. After navigating through the crowded platform, Ahn successfully assassinates Itō, shouting, “Long live Korea!” before being arrested. He was executed in March 1910. Meanwhile, Kim redeems himself by killing Mori and rejoining the independence movement.

History Meets Cinematic Brilliance

Harbin Movie Review: Japan’s troubled relationship with Korea dates back to the 16th century, but one of the darkest periods was Japan’s occupation of Korea in the 20th century. This period was marked by extreme colonial brutality. The movie focuses on the events surrounding Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910 and the Korean resistance movement.

Since this is based on real historical events, the movie’s impact doesn’t come from surprising twists or an unexpected ending—those details can be easily looked up. Instead, the film’s power lies in how well it tells the story. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of pulling viewers into the narrative. While some interactions between characters may be fictionalized, it doesn’t take away from the appreciation of the real struggle Koreans faced while fighting for their freedom.

Japan’s occupation of Korea lasted until the end of World War II. Soon after, Korea faced its own internal conflict, resulting in the division between North and South Korea, which continues to this day. Despite these hardships, South Korea has risen to become a prosperous nation, a true testament to the strength and resilience of its people.

Gripping Performance, Thrills, and Drama in Perfect Harmony

Woo Min-ho’s direction is excellent, with a fast-paced story that’s full of detail without getting too caught up in unnecessary facts. It’s sharp, dramatic storytelling.

The entire cast of Harbin Movie delivers strong performances, with no one actor standing out more than the others. Whether they’re playing members of the Korean resistance, the Japanese military, or the Japanese government, all the characters are well-developed and realistic, avoiding typical stereotypes.

Harbin Movie is intense and sometimes brutal, but the violence is never overdone. It’s all part of telling the dramatic story. Though it’s a historical drama, the movie also works as an exciting spy thriller that keeps the audience hooked. The way the history and thriller aspects are combined makes the film even more engaging.

Verdict

This movie is a standout, possibly the best from Korea since Parasite, and undoubtedly deserves recognition and awards. It’s a gripping and powerful war movie, on par with Hacksaw Ridge, offering a raw, realistic portrayal of conflict. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates intense, thought-provoking cinema.

Trailer


Also Read: When the Phone Rings Kdrama Review: A Cinematic Triumph That Blends Romance, Mystery, and Thrills Flawlessly

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