Han-nim Kim’s third feature was called Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon when I saw it last October. It’s since had a name change – War of the Arrows. The epic action adventure tale set in the 17th century, will be released on Blu-ray and DVD 30th April and Total Film got hold of the home release trailer.
Although the flick is set in 17th century Korea, it often feels very much like James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans in tone and much like Michael Mann’s screen adaptation. You can read our review and part of the director Q&A right here: London Korean Film Film Festival Launch.
The ‘Manchu War of 1636’ was a period in which nearly a half-million civilians of the Joseon Dynasty had been taken captive by the Qing Dynasty of China. The movie tells the story of a young master archer named Nam-Yi, who goes on a journey to save his only sister who is caught among the captive civilians. Nam-Yi is branded a traitor, but also happens to be the best archer in the Joseon Dynasty. Having a life not worth living for, Nam-Yi’s main desire is to keep his sister, Ja-In safe from any harm or strain. However, on the day of his sister’s wedding, the villages of Joseon Korea are attacked by the Qing Dynasty of China. The village in which Nam-Yi and Ja-In live is in the path of invasion and Ja-In gets kidnapped by the elite troop (Niru) of Qing. In order to rescue his sister from Niru, he departs from his demolished village with a bow that his father had bequeathed upon him before dying. Disrupting his mission to save his sister is Jyu Shin-Ta, a fierce Qing warrior who leads the elite troop. They are relentless in their chase to bring down Nam-Yi, who has but one day to save his sister from slavery. As Nam-Yi finally gets a hold of his sister, Jyu Shin-Ta comes between them and a fierce battle between two of the finest warriors unfolds.
UK Release Date: 30th April
Source: Total Film
