Welcome to Dongmakgol
Seen it?2005 | 133 min | Comedy, Drama, War
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved All Quiet on the Western Front or Devotion, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 13 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Korean, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Based on the long running play by Jang Jin, the story is set in Korea during the Korean War in 1950. Soldiers from both the North and South, as well as an American pilot, find themselves in a secluded and naively idealistic village, its residents unaware of the outside world, including the war.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
9 wins and 13 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$34 million worldwide on a $8 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 16K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
All Quiet on the Western Front
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed military war drama.
Devotion
Saturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
Zulu Saturday SpecialAnother war drama.
When the Wind Blows Saturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
Hot Shots! Part Deux Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bae Jong
- Jung Jae-youngChief Comrade Lee Su-hwa
- Shin Ha-kyun2nd Lt. Pyo Hyun-chul
- Kang Hye-jungYeo-il
- Steve TaschlerSmith
- Im Ha-ryongJang Young-hee
- Seo Jae-kyeongArmy Medic Mun Sang-sang
- Ryu Deok-hwanSeo Taek-ki
- Jung Jae-jinMayor
- Lee Yong-yiElder Mother
- Park Nam-heeMayor's Wife