Good story, Not enough for a whole film

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Way more than just another war story, WELCOME TO DONGMAKGOL is an exploration of the human condition and a hard-hitting anti-war film to boot. In many ways it's a kind of fable that reminded me of the famous Christmas truce during WW1 where British and German troops stopped hostilities for a day to stage a football match. Other South Korean war films I've watched are usually patriotic adventures with heroes kicking the hell out of their North Korean oppressors but this is something else entirely.It's a hard film to criticise, because everything works well. The cast all give very good performances, particularly Shin Ha-kyn (SYMPATHY FOR MR VENGEANCE) and Jae-yeong Jeong as the bitterly opposed soldiers. The storyline gradually draws you in, remains unpredictable throughout, and closes with a big finish that works really well in contrast with what's come before. I don't want to say too much more, because it's one of those films that works best when you go in knowing barely anything about it; that way it will surprise and reward you in equal measure.

Realistic war scenes are blended with surreal elements which gives a taste of bloody fairy tale rather than an action movie. You will have sad moments, also funny moments and lots of forced emotional scenes.What bugs me most, in multiples of scenes, you sense a presence of some kind of omnipotent entity which interferes with lives of characters and changes natural flow of events, because of that, in the end you expect some kind of peaceful resolution but alas, war is inevitable. Unlike earlier, this time they have something to live for, something to fight for, also unlike earlier they can choose their side, and they embraced their death bravely.It's message is just a clichè: Doesn't matter which side we are on, we are alike and war is bad.I didn't like the ending. It just doesn't make sense. US wasted several soldiers over one. In the air while parachuting. Also villagers could turn the lights off or go off somewhere to escape bombardment. For me, it is a far fetched drama.I think Korean movies have bad taste of choosing actors for westerner roles. Maybe good ones are expensive to get.

The story is quite a touching one. Soldiers from the opposite side end up living side by side in a little town, they help the residents after destroying their crops and find friendship with their enemies.First of all, I thought this was going to be another 'trying to be profound films that dictates friendship over war' and went in with low expectations..At the end..I was an emotional wreck.There is something so haunting about that song that sets the tone before the film even starts, we meet the characters a man on the run from his past, a commander who does not know how to lead his men...these characters are beautifully portrayed by brilliant actors..course then there is one of the most wonderful characters..the crazy village girl..whose sweet, innocent nature is heartwarming amongst the ruthless soldiers. Then there is the comedy...Just hilarious...I do not know why..I loved 'The Good, Bad and Weird'...and this gives TGBW a run for its money. I loved the American pilot, Smith..Whose growing bond with the boy is quite sweet.In essence the message is why are we fighting? Neither side seems to know as to why they are fighting each other..They seem to enjoy the same things and even grow to become very good friends, so good in fact that it feels natural to call another 'brother' or 'uncle, some may feels its a lost message..But I speak only for myself..I thought it was profound and endearing, especially the heart-wrenching end.

I first saw this DVD about three weeks ago - nestling in the bargain bin in Morrison's supermarket.It was cheap t £2.99...though the packaging looked anything but: and the striking image on the front of the box interested me. Two Korean Soldiers...with different uniforms, stood in front of the massive turbo-prop of an American fighter. I didn't buy it at the time but it registered within my weary , troubled mind.The word 'Dongmakgol' stayed with me and I remembered to check it out on the internet movie database - a brilliant resource for film fans.I took the plunge a fortnight later & added it to my collection... ... I've now watched this movie twice in the space of four days. What can I say? Well, it has a most marvellous musical score...which I thought I'd heard before. As time went by I realised it's the same music used in Spielberg's 'Saving Private Ryan'....which I think was shot before 'Dong' but I'm, not sure...we might have a chicken and egg situation here because the films are, in my opinion of equal merit...and I loved 'Ryan' and its message with a similar evangelical zeal.If you're the type of person who does not mind subtitling and are prepared to invest a couple of hours and more into the cinematic experience then I'd urge you to buy this little masterpiece. I say 'little' but it isn't really...everything about this production says big-time to me. I do not know how vibrant or productive the Korean film industry is but if this example is anything to go by I need to find out more.Set during the Korean war it tells the tale of some disaffected troops from either side. The Communist north, and the 'puppet' army (according to the commies) from the south who are being aided and abetted by western forces. It's September 1950.By chance the stragglers find themselves ensconced in a small village, both isolated and remote. It's people are hitherto untouched by war , or indeed much of the outside world. Some of the English used in the captions is quite comical, and there are several smile out loud moments - if that makes any sense. There is also violence, and graphic death by gunfire. All of which is essential to the telling of the story. The contrasting nature of the worlds in collision here...from peaceful serenity and unconditional humanity, to brute force and ignorance.The innocence and naivety of the villagers is captured by the film's female lead. A delightful teenager who wafts in and out of scenes with flowers in her hair and wide eyed with a simple outlook on life. She's not quite 'the full shilling' yet somehow has a soothing, calming effect on almost everyone she meets. Her sweet, innocent face is a picture of all you'd want to celebrate in this often worrying world.Also taking refuge in the village is the downed pilot of a UN recconaisance aircraft....brilliant 'crash' scenes incidentally...gut wrenchingly terrifying.The hostility between the groups is tangible for a while, and an incident with a hand grenade results in the total destruction of the villagers food store. The film constantly surprised the unwary. They all pledge to helping the locals replenish stocks...as winter is fast approaching.The six who form the warring factions form an uneasy alliance as the story moves on. The simple life of the villagers, and the life they lead soon starts to lull the protagonists into believing they've been there for years! They are welcomed to Dongmakgol.Smiles abound, friendships are forged and the incomers weave their way into the tapestry of village life. Especially after helping overcome a quite terrifying wild boar...this sequence was stunning, yet simplistic and I realised I was watching a master film maker open mouthed in near wonderment. How I enjoyed watching my wife view the same scenes a day or two later...she too was captivated.The good times cannot last of course and soon paratroops are invading the area ahead of a bombing raid which threatens to annihilate the village and everyone in it. Sacrifice is called for , and the recent arrivals are not found wanting in what amounts to a fitting, poignant climax to a memorable movie. What now emerges is a band of brothers newly united in a common cause.This is the first Korean film I've seen , it perhaps will not be the last. I loved almost every moment of it & have elevated it toward the near top of my league...yes! it really is that good.