Post by ajk on Aug 12, 2008 15:03:35 GMT -5
Kyushu Island, Japan: So Sadamori is before Gen Dochin, the feudal lord of Kyushu. He reports that "The Joseonese have launched a conquest expedition, but they will not make it across the ocean. It will be Tsushima and the alliance army that will conquer Joseon. I ask for your support, Lord." "Tsushima is rising up in the world," Gen observes. He appears to react favorably and tells So, "Get this war started."
Later, Gen is alone with a subordinate identified as Sei Yuu. "Is it wise for us to support Tsushima?", Gen wonders. Sei advises him, "If we expand our influence into Joseon, we can rise to power in the shogunate." Gen seems to like that idea.
"We must first break the alliance. Did you dispatch the emissaries?" Sejong is speaking to ministers. Huh Jo reports that letters (from Sejong) have been sent to Saiki and to Kyoto as well as to Kyushu, and that Sei Yuu has been summoned to Joseon as an emissary. (Note: Saiki is a city on Kyushu Island; maybe I misread the subtitles, or maybe two letters went to different places on Kyushu. It's a big island.) Sejong instructs that a printed copy of Buddhist laws and treatises be prepared for Sei's arrival. Sei is a priest, and what better way to win his favor, Sejong explains, than by presenting him with a gift of Sutras. Ministers grumble about this approach, but Sejong tells them that he wants to win Sei's heart--an explanation that brings broad smiles to the faces of Yun Hwe and Yi Su.
Osaki, Tsushima Island: Slaves are being whipped as they work on the seaside. Pyeong Mahngo and Toto Kumaju are doing the whipping. As they do so, Kumaju tells Mahngo, "We leave tonight, traitor. Betray us again and I'll kill you personally!" They resume the whipping. Then Mahngo has a strange encounter with a slave who begs for his life and speaks of his dying before he can go home. The word "home" seems to stop Mahngo in his tracks for some reason....
So Sadamori and the council are plotting. "If both the abdicated king and the new king were dead and gone," So considers, "would Joseon still want to fight this war?"
Ministers and princes are concerned about a planned public victory prayer service, because the soldiers have been deployed to the south coast and the security for the royal family may be inadequate. Taejong asks Sejong what he thinks; Sejong feels that the service is important enough that it should be held. Then Taejong explains at length how important it is to show the public that the royal house is behind them and the troops. And then he advises Sejong that "True victory comes to a king not when the enemy has been defeated and the people are cheering the triumph, but when you have acquired the hearts of the people." (Wow, interesting advice coming from Old Iron Fist.)
Baekryeong Island (just off the western coast): In the nighttime darkness, a vanguard squadron of Tsushiman soldiers jumps from ships and wades onto shore. We hear So's voice explaining that the squadron's assignment is to assassinate Sejong. The soldiers gather and move into the forest. Mahngo is among them and is apparently guiding them towards where they believe the public prayer service will be held...Flashback to two Tsushimans talking as Mahngo eavesdrops: "Kill off traitor Pyeong Dojeon first when you get to Joseon," one instructs the other...Flashback ending, the squadron leader can't understand why there isn't even a single guard in the woods. Then Mahngo spills the beans: "I've failed to protect my father, but I'll do what I can to protect the land my father chose to be his home." So where has he led them? They raise their swords to strike him down, but just then, flaming arrows appear out of the darkness and start cutting down the squadron. Joseon troops arrive and surround them...Flashback to more of the scene with Mahngo and the slave: "Go back to Joseon and find my father," Mahngo tells him...Flashback ending: "Attack!" The Joseon troops charge in and the battle is on (thanks in part to the full moon)...Flashback: "We must turn the fleet around and go back to the capital city, general." Yundeok is informed by a subordinate; the slave is standing there, too (so somehow Mahngo got him smuggled back to Joseon)...Flashback ending, Mahngo finds his father, who's with the Joseon troops. "You have nine lives, old man." (Note: This is a bit confusing. Mahngo seems to have led the Tsushimans onto the island instead of the mainland. But wouldn’t the Tsushimans know better? Strange.)
At the same time: We see the prayer ceremony taking place, but the public doesn't seem to be a part of it. Sejong reads aloud: "Gods of heaven and earth, give our soldiers victory and bestow your divine favor on this humble man, so that not one precious life may be lost."...Flashback to Pyeong Dojeon before Sejong: "Your life is in danger, your majesty." The king stuns Dojeon by responding, "Your son's life is just as important as mine. And he, too, is a son of Joseon. So go and bring our son back safely."...Flashback ending, back to the battle scene: Dojeon and Mahngo have joined in the battle against the Tsushimans. Suddenly, somehow, Mahngo is struck (and we don't really even see it; it seemed like he must have been slashed from behind). His father sees him stagger and runs to him. Mahngo tells him, "I'm sorry. I've never done anything for you. I ended up becoming a traitor to both Joseon and Tsushima, but I'm still your son. I guess you were my home. You were my country. I'm sorry for all the grief I've caused you. I'm sorry, Father." And he dies. Dojeon weeps over his son's body.
The next morning, along the seashore: Mahngo's body is set upon a funeral pyre. We hear Sejong speaking to Dojeon (presumably at some later time): "Your son will live on as a proud son of Joseon." The Soldiers from the previous night are there, standing at attention. As the pyre is lit, they give Mahngo a formal military salute. (Very cool scene.) A caption informs us that two invading Tsushiman warships were destroyed in the incident.
At the Japanese village, Donglae: Residents are talking eagerly about the war situation. They're under the impression that because of the king's life being in danger, that Joseon is in big trouble. But why do they think the king's life is in danger? We see Yun Hwe, incognito, observing and listening.
The Tsushima council is discussing the news that Joseon has postponed its military campaign due to the king's condition. Do we attack Donglae now? So is urged to do reconnaissance first.
We see a Tsushiman vessel just outside of Donglae's port: The Tsushimans on board note that not a single Joseon warship is present. They return home. On a hill outside of Donglae, Yun Hwe and Jang Youngsil watch with satisfaction as the ship leaves.
"They bought it?" The Joseon navy has assembled at Gyeonnaeryang. Yi Jongmu observes, "We won't be easily spotted with all the forts around Gyeonnaeryang." (So the whole thing has been a ruse, to get the Tsushimans to drop their guard.)
"Call the brothers together!", orders So. We see messengers fanning out. "Rally on June 20th at Tsushima Island. We struck a blow to the Joseon king and broke their spirit. We will celebrate the achievement together with the brothers!"
Yu Jeonghyun (What's he doing in the middle of this, by the way?) tells the Joseon officers that on the 20th Joseon will launch their offensive against Tsushima.
June 19th: 227 Joseon warships leave Gyeonnaeryang. We see the commanders of several of the ships, two of whom are identified as Park Sil and Yi Sunmong.
June 20th, Isuhara, Tsushima Island: So has welcomed the brothers as they step off their ships. (Not sure just where these "brothers" are from.)
The Joseon fleet bears down...Flashback to Sejong issuing his orders: "Our purpose is in protecting Joseon from the threat of pirates. Hence we will go after the strongest weapon in their pillage: ships. Do not take any life, including those of the enemy, lightly."...Flashback ending, the ships converge: "Battle formation!" "Prepare the guns!" A watchman on the shore sees them and runs off.
We see So Sadamori's welcome banquet. So raises his cup: "Welcome, brothers, let us drink to unity! Cheers!" (Norm and Cliff aren't drinking with them.)
The ships are in range of the coastline. "Fire!" Cannonballs fly. "Destroy the enemy ships!" Ships anchored in port are torn apart, fragments flying in all directions. Buildings on the seaside are demolished as salvo after salvo flies out from the Joseon fleet.
"How is this possible? How could the Joseonese navy attack Tsushima?" So has been told.
We see Tsushiman soldiers running to the scene, across a field. Off to the side, a group of Joseon troops led by Yi Chun is in the bushes watching them. (Obviously they landed elsewhere without Tsushima's knowledge or resistance.)
We see another group of Tsushiman soldiers in a field, having retreated back from the shore. So and his own troops, on their way to the attack scene, come upon them: "You fled with the enemy in your sight?" They start killing their own troops for desertion (which, frankly, seems pretty stupid; if the cannonballs are tearing you apart and you have no defenses, then get out of range and set up ambushes).
Back on the coast, the destruction continues. "To the shore! Land and secure the beachhead!" The ships are sailed right up into the sand. So is on the scene and tells his troops, "What are you waiting for? Stop them from landing!" Tsushiman archers run forward and shoot at the Joseonese as they disembark. Joseon commanders order, "Cover them! Protect our men!" The cannons start up again; the archers get blasted and their lines are shattered. A Tsushiman commander orders, "Hold them back! Return fire!" But it does no good with cannonballs flying and bombs exploding everywhere. "Charge!" Here come the Joseonese up the beach. The sword battle is on, and it's a rout. Some Tsushimans put up resistance, but for a beachhead landing it's over REAL fast. And Yundeok is an absolute machine, lunging and whirling and wiping out the enemy left and right. But oddly, Yu Jeonghun and Yi Jongmu are concerned as they watch from a ship. "We caught them off guard with a raid, but they're resisting fiercely," says Yu. Yi agrees and says that if the mainland joins them, things will get difficult.
Concurrently: Sei Yuu, the Kyushu emissary, has come to see Sejong. "Does my gift please you?", Sejong asks. "There is no gift greater than the Sutras for a disciple of Buddha," Sei answers with appreciation. But it comes with a message, as Sejong now reveals. "Taking lives is something a Buddhist must avoid." You must not give aid to Tsushima, Sejong says. "My master shares your opinion," Sei responds, but says It's not up to us, it's up to the shogunate. Huh Jo aggressively jumps in: "O-ho! You grossly underestimate our intelligence-gathering capability." Joseon knows, he says, that Kyushu is contemplating sending aid to Tsushima. Huh speaks angrily; Sejong quietly asks him to calm down.
We see Huang Yan, the Ming envoy, and his aide Haishou. "He will not budge? How dare he before the king of Joseon! I will have to step in. I will declare that Ming will join hands with Joseon and vanquish Japan." Haishou advises him to calm down. "Stay out of this, sir. It is Joseon they show contempt for, not the great empire of Ming." Huang's silence seems to agree, and Haishou continues: "I don't understand, sir. Why are you so sensitive when it comes to Joseon's new king. Does he have something on you?" Huang seems to be holding something back but answers that "Hanlin scholar Yehjin's life is at stake." But Haishou reminds him of the obvious: "You still cannot declare our military involvement in this conquest, sir. You're neither the emperor nor the chief of military."
Back in the throne room: Sejong tells Sui, "Forgive my retainer for his offensive behavior." Huh is astounded. "Offensive behavior?" He turns to Sui. "Remember, Joseon is your superior state. We can blow you away whole if we want to. So I advise you to heed when his majesty the king of Joseon speaks to you courteously." Sejong calmly says, "Restrain yourself, minister Huh," in what's sounding a bit like a good cop/bad cop strategy. He tells Sui, "I believe your words to be true--no, I want to believe you. Our government has sent envoys to cities throughout Japan and not just Kyushu. We will soon have a report from Kyoto which will confirm your testimony. But if your testimony proves false, emissary, there will be military action taken against Kyushu as well." (Welcome tough talk from Sejong. At least now we know he has it in him.) Sui doesn't flinch.
Back on Tsushima: We hear Sejong's voice giving more orders as we see soldiers in the woods lighting long fuses: "Hostage rescue is the top priority for the military expedition. We must bring back our people and Ming hostages that are being held against their will in Tsushima." The soldiers run away, the fuses burn down, and big noisemakers go off. From inside a large walled compound (I believe it's So Sadamori's residence), soldiers run out to investigate. In their absence, Yi Chun and his soldiers rush into the compound and attack the few remaining guards while they begin to search for hostages.
Back on the coastline at Osaki: "The castle is just up ahead! Press forward! Choi Yundeok is leading the troops." On the warships, the cannons are fired up again. So is urged to retreat from his vantage point. "Never!", he snaps, but then seeing the inevitability of it all, he grudgingly agrees. "Issue the retreat order, Munetoshi. We're leaving Osaki." So is taken to safety.
Voiceover narration tells us: "June 20, 1419, first year of Sejong's reign: The first battle in Joseon's conquest of Tsushima ends with sweeping victory in Otaki....129 Japanese ships were destroyed, but there were only 130 casualties. (Note: It sure looked like a lot more than 130, from the way those cannonballs were working.) It is clear great effort was taken to make this a humanitarian war. Conquest of Tsushima--there were more victories to come!"
Later, Gen is alone with a subordinate identified as Sei Yuu. "Is it wise for us to support Tsushima?", Gen wonders. Sei advises him, "If we expand our influence into Joseon, we can rise to power in the shogunate." Gen seems to like that idea.
"We must first break the alliance. Did you dispatch the emissaries?" Sejong is speaking to ministers. Huh Jo reports that letters (from Sejong) have been sent to Saiki and to Kyoto as well as to Kyushu, and that Sei Yuu has been summoned to Joseon as an emissary. (Note: Saiki is a city on Kyushu Island; maybe I misread the subtitles, or maybe two letters went to different places on Kyushu. It's a big island.) Sejong instructs that a printed copy of Buddhist laws and treatises be prepared for Sei's arrival. Sei is a priest, and what better way to win his favor, Sejong explains, than by presenting him with a gift of Sutras. Ministers grumble about this approach, but Sejong tells them that he wants to win Sei's heart--an explanation that brings broad smiles to the faces of Yun Hwe and Yi Su.
Osaki, Tsushima Island: Slaves are being whipped as they work on the seaside. Pyeong Mahngo and Toto Kumaju are doing the whipping. As they do so, Kumaju tells Mahngo, "We leave tonight, traitor. Betray us again and I'll kill you personally!" They resume the whipping. Then Mahngo has a strange encounter with a slave who begs for his life and speaks of his dying before he can go home. The word "home" seems to stop Mahngo in his tracks for some reason....
So Sadamori and the council are plotting. "If both the abdicated king and the new king were dead and gone," So considers, "would Joseon still want to fight this war?"
Ministers and princes are concerned about a planned public victory prayer service, because the soldiers have been deployed to the south coast and the security for the royal family may be inadequate. Taejong asks Sejong what he thinks; Sejong feels that the service is important enough that it should be held. Then Taejong explains at length how important it is to show the public that the royal house is behind them and the troops. And then he advises Sejong that "True victory comes to a king not when the enemy has been defeated and the people are cheering the triumph, but when you have acquired the hearts of the people." (Wow, interesting advice coming from Old Iron Fist.)
Baekryeong Island (just off the western coast): In the nighttime darkness, a vanguard squadron of Tsushiman soldiers jumps from ships and wades onto shore. We hear So's voice explaining that the squadron's assignment is to assassinate Sejong. The soldiers gather and move into the forest. Mahngo is among them and is apparently guiding them towards where they believe the public prayer service will be held...Flashback to two Tsushimans talking as Mahngo eavesdrops: "Kill off traitor Pyeong Dojeon first when you get to Joseon," one instructs the other...Flashback ending, the squadron leader can't understand why there isn't even a single guard in the woods. Then Mahngo spills the beans: "I've failed to protect my father, but I'll do what I can to protect the land my father chose to be his home." So where has he led them? They raise their swords to strike him down, but just then, flaming arrows appear out of the darkness and start cutting down the squadron. Joseon troops arrive and surround them...Flashback to more of the scene with Mahngo and the slave: "Go back to Joseon and find my father," Mahngo tells him...Flashback ending: "Attack!" The Joseon troops charge in and the battle is on (thanks in part to the full moon)...Flashback: "We must turn the fleet around and go back to the capital city, general." Yundeok is informed by a subordinate; the slave is standing there, too (so somehow Mahngo got him smuggled back to Joseon)...Flashback ending, Mahngo finds his father, who's with the Joseon troops. "You have nine lives, old man." (Note: This is a bit confusing. Mahngo seems to have led the Tsushimans onto the island instead of the mainland. But wouldn’t the Tsushimans know better? Strange.)
At the same time: We see the prayer ceremony taking place, but the public doesn't seem to be a part of it. Sejong reads aloud: "Gods of heaven and earth, give our soldiers victory and bestow your divine favor on this humble man, so that not one precious life may be lost."...Flashback to Pyeong Dojeon before Sejong: "Your life is in danger, your majesty." The king stuns Dojeon by responding, "Your son's life is just as important as mine. And he, too, is a son of Joseon. So go and bring our son back safely."...Flashback ending, back to the battle scene: Dojeon and Mahngo have joined in the battle against the Tsushimans. Suddenly, somehow, Mahngo is struck (and we don't really even see it; it seemed like he must have been slashed from behind). His father sees him stagger and runs to him. Mahngo tells him, "I'm sorry. I've never done anything for you. I ended up becoming a traitor to both Joseon and Tsushima, but I'm still your son. I guess you were my home. You were my country. I'm sorry for all the grief I've caused you. I'm sorry, Father." And he dies. Dojeon weeps over his son's body.
The next morning, along the seashore: Mahngo's body is set upon a funeral pyre. We hear Sejong speaking to Dojeon (presumably at some later time): "Your son will live on as a proud son of Joseon." The Soldiers from the previous night are there, standing at attention. As the pyre is lit, they give Mahngo a formal military salute. (Very cool scene.) A caption informs us that two invading Tsushiman warships were destroyed in the incident.
At the Japanese village, Donglae: Residents are talking eagerly about the war situation. They're under the impression that because of the king's life being in danger, that Joseon is in big trouble. But why do they think the king's life is in danger? We see Yun Hwe, incognito, observing and listening.
The Tsushima council is discussing the news that Joseon has postponed its military campaign due to the king's condition. Do we attack Donglae now? So is urged to do reconnaissance first.
We see a Tsushiman vessel just outside of Donglae's port: The Tsushimans on board note that not a single Joseon warship is present. They return home. On a hill outside of Donglae, Yun Hwe and Jang Youngsil watch with satisfaction as the ship leaves.
"They bought it?" The Joseon navy has assembled at Gyeonnaeryang. Yi Jongmu observes, "We won't be easily spotted with all the forts around Gyeonnaeryang." (So the whole thing has been a ruse, to get the Tsushimans to drop their guard.)
"Call the brothers together!", orders So. We see messengers fanning out. "Rally on June 20th at Tsushima Island. We struck a blow to the Joseon king and broke their spirit. We will celebrate the achievement together with the brothers!"
Yu Jeonghyun (What's he doing in the middle of this, by the way?) tells the Joseon officers that on the 20th Joseon will launch their offensive against Tsushima.
June 19th: 227 Joseon warships leave Gyeonnaeryang. We see the commanders of several of the ships, two of whom are identified as Park Sil and Yi Sunmong.
June 20th, Isuhara, Tsushima Island: So has welcomed the brothers as they step off their ships. (Not sure just where these "brothers" are from.)
The Joseon fleet bears down...Flashback to Sejong issuing his orders: "Our purpose is in protecting Joseon from the threat of pirates. Hence we will go after the strongest weapon in their pillage: ships. Do not take any life, including those of the enemy, lightly."...Flashback ending, the ships converge: "Battle formation!" "Prepare the guns!" A watchman on the shore sees them and runs off.
We see So Sadamori's welcome banquet. So raises his cup: "Welcome, brothers, let us drink to unity! Cheers!" (Norm and Cliff aren't drinking with them.)
The ships are in range of the coastline. "Fire!" Cannonballs fly. "Destroy the enemy ships!" Ships anchored in port are torn apart, fragments flying in all directions. Buildings on the seaside are demolished as salvo after salvo flies out from the Joseon fleet.
"How is this possible? How could the Joseonese navy attack Tsushima?" So has been told.
We see Tsushiman soldiers running to the scene, across a field. Off to the side, a group of Joseon troops led by Yi Chun is in the bushes watching them. (Obviously they landed elsewhere without Tsushima's knowledge or resistance.)
We see another group of Tsushiman soldiers in a field, having retreated back from the shore. So and his own troops, on their way to the attack scene, come upon them: "You fled with the enemy in your sight?" They start killing their own troops for desertion (which, frankly, seems pretty stupid; if the cannonballs are tearing you apart and you have no defenses, then get out of range and set up ambushes).
Back on the coast, the destruction continues. "To the shore! Land and secure the beachhead!" The ships are sailed right up into the sand. So is on the scene and tells his troops, "What are you waiting for? Stop them from landing!" Tsushiman archers run forward and shoot at the Joseonese as they disembark. Joseon commanders order, "Cover them! Protect our men!" The cannons start up again; the archers get blasted and their lines are shattered. A Tsushiman commander orders, "Hold them back! Return fire!" But it does no good with cannonballs flying and bombs exploding everywhere. "Charge!" Here come the Joseonese up the beach. The sword battle is on, and it's a rout. Some Tsushimans put up resistance, but for a beachhead landing it's over REAL fast. And Yundeok is an absolute machine, lunging and whirling and wiping out the enemy left and right. But oddly, Yu Jeonghun and Yi Jongmu are concerned as they watch from a ship. "We caught them off guard with a raid, but they're resisting fiercely," says Yu. Yi agrees and says that if the mainland joins them, things will get difficult.
Concurrently: Sei Yuu, the Kyushu emissary, has come to see Sejong. "Does my gift please you?", Sejong asks. "There is no gift greater than the Sutras for a disciple of Buddha," Sei answers with appreciation. But it comes with a message, as Sejong now reveals. "Taking lives is something a Buddhist must avoid." You must not give aid to Tsushima, Sejong says. "My master shares your opinion," Sei responds, but says It's not up to us, it's up to the shogunate. Huh Jo aggressively jumps in: "O-ho! You grossly underestimate our intelligence-gathering capability." Joseon knows, he says, that Kyushu is contemplating sending aid to Tsushima. Huh speaks angrily; Sejong quietly asks him to calm down.
We see Huang Yan, the Ming envoy, and his aide Haishou. "He will not budge? How dare he before the king of Joseon! I will have to step in. I will declare that Ming will join hands with Joseon and vanquish Japan." Haishou advises him to calm down. "Stay out of this, sir. It is Joseon they show contempt for, not the great empire of Ming." Huang's silence seems to agree, and Haishou continues: "I don't understand, sir. Why are you so sensitive when it comes to Joseon's new king. Does he have something on you?" Huang seems to be holding something back but answers that "Hanlin scholar Yehjin's life is at stake." But Haishou reminds him of the obvious: "You still cannot declare our military involvement in this conquest, sir. You're neither the emperor nor the chief of military."
Back in the throne room: Sejong tells Sui, "Forgive my retainer for his offensive behavior." Huh is astounded. "Offensive behavior?" He turns to Sui. "Remember, Joseon is your superior state. We can blow you away whole if we want to. So I advise you to heed when his majesty the king of Joseon speaks to you courteously." Sejong calmly says, "Restrain yourself, minister Huh," in what's sounding a bit like a good cop/bad cop strategy. He tells Sui, "I believe your words to be true--no, I want to believe you. Our government has sent envoys to cities throughout Japan and not just Kyushu. We will soon have a report from Kyoto which will confirm your testimony. But if your testimony proves false, emissary, there will be military action taken against Kyushu as well." (Welcome tough talk from Sejong. At least now we know he has it in him.) Sui doesn't flinch.
Back on Tsushima: We hear Sejong's voice giving more orders as we see soldiers in the woods lighting long fuses: "Hostage rescue is the top priority for the military expedition. We must bring back our people and Ming hostages that are being held against their will in Tsushima." The soldiers run away, the fuses burn down, and big noisemakers go off. From inside a large walled compound (I believe it's So Sadamori's residence), soldiers run out to investigate. In their absence, Yi Chun and his soldiers rush into the compound and attack the few remaining guards while they begin to search for hostages.
Back on the coastline at Osaki: "The castle is just up ahead! Press forward! Choi Yundeok is leading the troops." On the warships, the cannons are fired up again. So is urged to retreat from his vantage point. "Never!", he snaps, but then seeing the inevitability of it all, he grudgingly agrees. "Issue the retreat order, Munetoshi. We're leaving Osaki." So is taken to safety.
Voiceover narration tells us: "June 20, 1419, first year of Sejong's reign: The first battle in Joseon's conquest of Tsushima ends with sweeping victory in Otaki....129 Japanese ships were destroyed, but there were only 130 casualties. (Note: It sure looked like a lot more than 130, from the way those cannonballs were working.) It is clear great effort was taken to make this a humanitarian war. Conquest of Tsushima--there were more victories to come!"