Directed by Kim Sang-man and produced by the renowned Park Chan-wook, Uprising promises to deliver an emotionally charged narrative set against the turbulence of war.
Uprising centers on the complex relationship between two childhood friends, Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo, who, despite their deep bond, are separated by their differing social statuses—Cheon-yeong is a slave, while Jong-ryeo is the son of his master. The film explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the societal divisions that pull these two friends apart. Cheon-yeong longs for freedom and hopes to reclaim his status, but their friendship deteriorates when Jong-ryeo’s family fails to honor their promise to set him free.
As war breaks out, Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield, their former brotherhood replaced by animosity. Cheon-yeong, determined to fight for his liberation, joins a militia and earns the fearsome nickname “the blue-robed god” due to his unmatched prowess in combat and mastery with the sword. Meanwhile, Jong-ryeo rises through the ranks to become a high-ranking military officer, consumed by anger and bitterness toward his former friend. The escalating conflict between them reflects the broader chaos of war and the fractured society around them.
The teaser poster encapsulates the tension between Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo. The two are shown in a dramatic face-off, each holding a sword, their costumes in contrasting blue and red symbolizing their diverging destinies. Set against the backdrop of civil unrest, the poster hints at the explosive clash that lies ahead, drawing viewers into the intense emotional and physical battles they will face.
The film’s teaser trailer deepens the intrigue by showing the two friends in their youth, sharing a sincere bond despite the stark divide in their social standings. However, as circumstances spiral out of control, their relationship unravels, culminating in their eventual transformation into enemies. The story touches on the complexity of human relationships, the impact of class differences, and the far-reaching consequences of betrayal.
Leading the cast are Kang Dong Won as the fearless Cheon-yeong and Park Jung Min as the conflicted Jong-ryeo. Their performances are expected to bring the deep emotional struggles and fierce action sequences to life. Supporting them is an impressive ensemble cast, including Kim Shin Rock as Beom-dong, Jin Sun Kyu as General Kim Ja-ryeong, Jung Sung Il as Genshin, and Cha Seung Won in the role of King Seonjo. Each character navigates their path through the chaos of war, making decisions that will shape their fates.
Set during a time of civil unrest and political upheaval, Uprising delves not only into the personal dynamics of its characters but also into the larger societal forces that contribute to their choices. As the world around them crumbles, Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo must face not only their enemies but also their own inner conflicts, torn between the past and their present roles in a war-torn society.
With stunning action sequences, hand-to-hand combat, and a richly layered narrative, Uprising promises to be both a visual spectacle and an emotionally stirring drama. The conflict between the two leads is not just physical but psychological, as they grapple with the weight of their past friendship and the consequences of their actions. Viewers are left wondering how these two once-loyal friends ended up as fierce adversaries and whether there is any hope for redemption.
The film marks a significant collaboration between director Kim Sang-man, known for his keen visual storytelling, and producer Park Chan-wook, whose expertise in blending complex emotional narratives with striking cinematic imagery is world-renowned. Together, they have crafted a film that explores not only the brutal realities of war but also the intimate, personal battles fought within.
Uprising will premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 11, offering a unique blend of high-stakes action and emotional depth. Fans of historical dramas and epic war stories will find themselves immersed in a tale that examines the fine line between friendship and betrayal, loyalty and revenge, as two men battle both external and internal forces in a bid to survive the chaos surrounding them.
