Korean History You Want to See Dramatized

[MTR]

There is also that film Pyongyang Fortress which is finally out now .

[sageuk]

^What's that one about? A siege in Korean history?

This would probably make good for a film OR mini-series: Sartai's siege of Kuju/Gwiju Fortress which was defended by General Pak Seo. I even thought up of a title:
30 Days at Gwiju Fortress
20 Days at Gwiju Fortress
Some sources say 30, but Koryo-sa says 20

[MTR]

Its the sequel to Hwangsagubul (ok i spelled that wrong !) AKA Once Upon A Time On The Battlefield ,both films are by the director of Blades Of Blood and The King And The Clown and this one is a clever satiric look at Tang /Silla vs Gogurteo.

[sageuk]

I just recently rewatched Hwangsanbul. When I first saw it many years back, I didn't really like it that much. But I've come to appreciate it. The thing that bothers me the most however is the bizarre tonal shift near the end. It acts so slapstick hilarious for most of the movie, parodying history as we know it, then suddenly becomes a serious historical.

I haven't seen The King and the Clown yet. Blades of Blood looks like a Zatoichi ripoff (blind swordsman anyone?). I want to see a trailer with Pyongyang.

Whaddya think of Kusong?

[sageuk]

Kim Jung-on: The newly appointed commandent of Sakchu, retreated from battle with the Mongols. Guilt ridden and suffering from survivor’s guilt, he is offered a chance at redemption by defending the eastern walls and western walls of the fortress. He is however, looked down by others for his supposed cowardice.

Pak Seo: The commander of the Northwest Frontier District who is a source of inspiration for his men.

Kim Kyongson: A friend of Pak Seo, who expresses his distaste towards Kim Jung-on.

What was Saritai like? ANother ruthless Mongol?

[MTR]

Blades Of Blood is actually a Korean Take on Zatoichi and its really well done .

Sartai totally now he should be played by the guy who plays Wi Birang in Geunchogo .

Kyongson he should be played by the wife beater the guy who played Gulsabiwu in DJY .

[sageuk]

So I'm assuming Sartai was another ruthless Mongol general.

Originally, in my take, it was to not show the Mongols general alot in order to create suspense and focus on the Korean's fears during the siege, but then again, thats more fit for a feature length film isn't it.

Who should play Jung-on and Pak Seo? I first had the guy who played Yang Manchun in mind for Pak.

[MTR]

trailer for Pyongyang Castle
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoZR3NY8-Uo&feature=related

this looks really good too
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0rJ8DNJodw&feature=related
not to mention this
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1_rXaPVrMw&feature=related

[sageuk]

Everytime I think of how the Koryo resistance would see the Mongols as barbarians, for some reason this Disney song comes to mind.



If you've seen historical dramas when invaders of the north are featured, such as Jurchens and Khitans, you'll see they're often referred to as barbarians.

I can imagine the Sambyeolcho singing with passionate hate:
"They're savages savages
barely even human
savages savages
demons of the desert" (yeah I altered the lyrics a bit)

Say whatever you want about the Disney Pochahontas, but that song is awesome. Hey, I'm going to try alter the lyrics to suit them. It could apply to any of the Koryo resistance fighters such as Cho'e Ui or any general of militia fighting the Mongols

Bae Jungson:
How can we allow
these descendants of wolves
to be the imperial sovereign
They are most inhuman
of the northern barbarian
They are humanity's one bane

Soldiers:
They're SAVAGES SAVAGES

Bae Jungson:
BARELY EVEN HUMAN

Soldiers:
SAVAGES SAVAGES

Bae Jungson:
Killers at the core!
They have the blood of beasts
Which means they are EVIL
We must sound the drums of WAAAAR

Soldiers:
THEY'RE SAVAGES SAVAGES
DEMONS OF THE DESERT
NOW WE SOUND THE DRUMS OF WAAAAAR

[MTR]

Barbarians is probably the term used by Goryeo though .
Im sure refferences to mass rape and pillage would be mentioned .

When they invaded Japan they took the women of Tsushima and drilled holes through hands and wrists and hung them from the gunwhales of boats as human shields ,most of the women who still lived bit their toung's and choked on their blood ,a few stayed alive to exhort the Samurai to avenge them ,

[sageuk]

Yeah, i know barbarians is the word often used, but savages just sounds harsher, so thats why I used that.

Wow. Thats pretty brutal what they did there during the invasions of Japan. I saw clips of the JDrama with the Mongol invasions of Japan, and they didn't seem to show that (from the little of what I've seen that is), but then again, that probably too brutal for televison, isn't it.

You know any more English sources I can find regarding Korean and Japanese history? I want to read that book you mentioned to me, but don't have the chance to. I also must have a look at Hulbert's books (paperback or hardcover?) but they seem pretty expensive

Maybe I should re-alter the lyrics a little more. With more brutality in it. Demons of the desert probably isn't that far off though, is it?

[sageuk]

I always thought if there was an American mini-series about Korea, show America's invasion of Korea in the 19th century (though they probably won't make that for obvious reasons), or how about this? Hulbert's time in Korea? That way the American viewer can know more about Korea through an AMerican's eyes?

[MTR]

Hulbert in Korea Brilliant !,lets give that role to Kenneth Branagh he could use a career shot in the arm and would be great in the role .

[sageuk]

Of course, the heart of the story has to be the friendship between Hulbert and Gojong. The two were reported to be very close friends (correct me if I'm wrong on this).

[MTR]

You are dead right and of course Hulbert was deported by the Jaoanese.