Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)
A shattering Korean War epic about two brothers whose bond is tested — and broken — by the merciless machinery of conflict.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War - Movie Information
- Original Title: 태극기 휘날리며
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Kang Je-kyu
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 28m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 22, 2004 (Hong Kong), September 3, 2004 (United States - R), June 29, 2006 (Germany - 16), May 11, 2005 (France - 12), June 6, 2024 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Taegukgi hwinalrimyeo (KR), La hermandad de la guerra (ES), La hermandad de la guerra (MX), Brotherhood (UK), Brotherhood - Wenn Brüder aufeinander schießen müssen (DE)
- Production Companies: Kang Je-gyu Films, KD Media, Seoul Broadcasting System, Tooniverse, Destination Films, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Showbox
- Production Countries: South Korea, United States of America
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War - Plot
When two brothers are forced to fight in the Korean War, the elder decides to take the riskiest missions if it will help shield the younger from battle.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the harrowing world of the film unfold:
One country, one family… divided by war.
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Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kang Je-kyu
Main Cast
- Jang Dong-gun
- Won Bin
- Lee Eun-ju
- Gong Hyung-jin
- Lee Young-ran
- Jang Min-ho
- Jo Yoon-hee
- An Kil-kang
- Park Gil-su
- Jung Jin
Writers
- Kang Je-kyu
- Kim Sang-don
- Han Ji-hoon
Producers
- Lee Seong-hun
- Lee Se-ho
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War - FAQs
What is Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War about?
The film follows two South Korean brothers, Jin-tae and Jin-seok, who are conscripted into the Korean War. The elder brother volunteers for increasingly dangerous missions hoping to earn a medal that will send his younger brother home safely, but war gradually transforms him in devastating ways.
Is Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War based on a true story?
The film is not based on a single true story, but it was inspired by a real archaeological discovery — the unearthing of unidentified Korean War soldiers' remains. Director Kang Je-kyu used this as a framing device to craft a fictional yet historically grounded narrative about the war's human cost.
Where can you stream Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War?
Streaming availability for Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War varies by region. You can check the most current options — including subscription, rental, and purchase platforms — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates all available viewing options in your country.
Who are the lead actors in this film?
The film stars Jang Dong-gun as the elder brother Lee Jin-tae and Won Bin as the younger brother Lee Jin-seok. Lee Eun-ju plays Kim Young-shin, Jin-tae's fiancée. The cast also includes Gong Hyung-jin, Lee Young-ran, An Kil-kang, and Jung Jin in supporting roles.
What is the age rating for this movie?
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is rated R in the United States. The film contains intense and graphic war violence, disturbing imagery, and emotionally harrowing sequences that make it unsuitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
How does Tae Guk Gi end?
The film ends with an elderly Jin-seok, now an archaeologist, identifying his brother's remains at a Korean War excavation site. The devastating conclusion reveals the full cost of Jin-tae's sacrifice, bringing the framing narrative full circle in one of Korean cinema's most emotionally powerful finales.
How long is Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War?
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War has a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes (148 minutes). The film's extended length allows director Kang Je-kyu to fully develop the brothers' relationship before and during the war, giving the emotional arc the space it needs to land with full impact.
Did Tae Guk Gi win any major awards?
Yes. The film was a major awards contender in South Korea, winning multiple Grand Bell Awards (Daejong Awards) including Best Picture, Best Director for Kang Je-kyu, and Best Actor for Jang Dong-gun. It was also South Korea's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
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