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The Swordsman

The Swordsman

Action · Drama · History · 2020

After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon's greatest swordsman goes into hiding, far removed from his city's anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.

Movie details

The Swordsman

“Real chase action.”

2020 Action · Drama · History 1h 41m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.5 / 10

Community rating

After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon's greatest swordsman goes into hiding, far removed from his city's anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Swordsman?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

Uprising

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Hansan: Rising Dragon

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In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.

My Way

My Way

Drama · 2011

During the invasion of Normandy the photograph of a slim Korean man in German uniform was found. It transpired that the man had served as a soldier in the Japanese, Russian and German armies. His incredible story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to create this epic war drama.

Memories of the Sword

Memories of the Sword

Drama · 2015

While in medieval Korea, a young girl sets out to revenge the betrayal and the death of her mother. But therefore she must face one of the most powerful men and warriors of the Goryeo Dynasty.

The Battle: Roar to Victory

The Battle: Roar to Victory

History · 2019

Over a 4 day period, a fierce battle takes place between Korean independence militias and imperialist Japanese forces in Manchuria, China. The militia includes a master swordsman and an expert marksman.

Assassination

Assassination

Action · 2015

In Japanese-occupied Korea, three freedom fighters are assigned a mission to assassinate a genocidal military leader and his top collaborator. But the plan goes completely awry amidst double-crossings, counter-assassinations, and a shocking revelation about one of the assassins' past.

Operation Chromite

Operation Chromite

History · 2016

A squad of soldiers fight in the Korean War's crucial Battle of Incheon.

12.12: The Day

12.12: The Day

Drama · 2023

After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d'état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. The conflict between the two grows while military leaders are holding their decision and Defense Minister is gone. In the midst of chaos, the spring of Seoul that everyone longed for heads to unexpected direction.

Outlaws - For Greater Glory

Outlaws - For Greater Glory

History · 2012

A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government's attempt to secularize the country.

Medieval

Medieval

Action · 2022

The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Choi Jae-hoon

Written by

Choi Jae-hoon

Jang Hyuk

Jang Hyuk

Tae-yeul

Kim Hyeon-soo

Kim Hyeon-soo

Tae-ok

Joe Taslim

Joe Taslim

Gurutai

Jeong Man-sik

Jeong Man-sik

Min Seung-ho

Jang Hyun-sung

Jang Hyun-sung

Monarch

Lee Na-kyeong

Lee Na-kyeong

Hwa-seon

Lee Min-hyuk

Lee Min-hyuk

Gyeom Sa-bok

Court is in session

Put The Swordsman on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Ambition earns the room.”

The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Importance has entered the chat.”

The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.