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Jae-yeong Jeong, Shin Ha-Gyun, Gang Hye-jeong, Lim Ha-ryong, Seo Jae-gyeong ... see more see more... , Ryu Deok-hyeon , Steve Taschler

Opening in September of 1950, after U.S.-led forces had landed in Incheon, turning the tide of the Korean War, Welcome to Dongmakgol tells the (fictional) story of a remote little village where the re... read more read more...sidents have never seen guns, and are completely ignorant of the conflict going on in their country. Their simple, quiet lives are disrupted when an American pilot, Smith (Steve Taschler), crashes just outside the village. While the kindly villagers tend to Smith's injuries, a pair of North Korean soldiers, young gung-ho Seo Taek-gi (Ryu Deok-hyeon) and the older Jang Young-hee (Lim Ha-ryong), and their commander, Lee Su-hwa (Jeong Jae-yeong), as well as a pair of South Korean soldiers, deserter Pyo Hyun-chul (Shin Ha-kyun of Save the Green Planet!) and medic Mun Sang-sang (Seo Jae-gyeong), all find themselves stranded in the little village. There's a lengthy standoff, but when the soldiers accidentally destroy the town's food supply, they all reluctantly agree to work together to help the town restore the food so they'll survive the coming winter. Before long, the soldiers begin to connect with one another and form a strong bond with the locals. There's even a budding romance between Taek-gi and a kooky, carefree village girl, Yeo-il (Kang Hye-jeong). Unfortunately for everyone, UN forces believe that Smith was shot down by North Korean forces, and are prepared to bomb the region to protect an important supply route. Welcome to Dongmakgol was a surprise blockbuster in South Korea. The film marks the feature debut of writer/director Park Gwang-hyeon, and is based on a play by Jang Jin. It had its U.S. premiere at the 2006 New York Asian Film Festival, presented by Subway Cinema. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Flixster Users

91% liked it

3,492 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

7 critics

Unrated

Directed by: Kwang-Hyun Park, Park Gwang-hyeon

Release Date: August 4, 2005

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DVD Release Date: December 23, 2008

Stats: 295 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (295)

  • SirPant
    March 5, 2012
    SirPant
    Welcome to Dongmakgol was a really pleasant surprise. A few of my more reliable flixster friends have got it in their favourite films list, so expectations were high - but were soon blown out of the water. Welcome to Dongmakgol is that rare type of film that pops up unexpectedly ... read moreonce in a while, one that will make you wonder just why more people don't make these kinds of film and why the hell didn't I hear about it when it came out. It's unique angle makes this a war film like no other but also perfectly highlights what damage is made through war and what really is worth fighting to protect. The similarities between madness and innocents is also wonderfully handled and will make you look at things a little differently for a couple of hours but the film will stay with you for much longer. Perfect storytelling and a wonderful film. Highly recommended.
  • garyX
    March 16, 2010
    garyX
    During the Korean war, three surviving members of a PKA unit, two South Korean deserters and an injured American pilot all find themselves in a remote village where the inhabitants lead an idyllic life and know nothing of the outside world. Welcome to Dongmakgol is the kind of pl... read moreeasant surprise that fuels my love of world cinema. It's such a different approach to the genre of the war film and as such feels so fresh and engaging that I adored it. It shares similar themes to many other films, most notably Witness in that it's a story of people of violence learning a simpler, more rewarding way of life, The Thin Red Line in the way it contrasts the lives of "uncivilized" people bemused by the hatred people who are otherwise complete strangers breed for each other without really knowing the real reasons why and even Seven Samurai in the finale when the violence of the outside world threatens to shatter the villager's peaceful existence. The village "crazy girl" even has a touch of the Amelies about her. It does have its flaws; the style can sometimes get in the way of the substance in that the soundtrack, although beautifully written, can get a little overly intrusive and it is over directed in places (the "boar hunt" scene is so absurdly over the top I'm not sure it's meant to be taken seriously or not). It has a warmth and faith in underlying human nature that reminded me of Frank Capra and I couldn't help getting a little misty in places, and believe me, that doesn't happen often! I loved it.
  • kiriyamakazou
    December 21, 2007
    kiriyamakazou
    I haven't been this uplifted by a film since seeing Amelie for the first time. I was expecting something good but not this amazing. I've heard it described as a live action Studio Ghibli film and I think that captures the essence of this classic best. It is not only a fantastical... read more journey of a film, but one with stunning visuals and expertly crafted scenes. The funny moments are absolutely hilarious and it mixes dark comedy with a much sweeter variety effortlessly. The scene with the boar is pure excitement and the sad scenes are tear jerking. Never failing to shift the mood with some consistency the film has a fantastic array of characters each played to perfection. Only the American cast let the film down as their acting styles seemed so forced. The political morals do not swamp the film and it is quite simply a delightful piece.
  • threefolddado
    July 15, 2009
    threefolddado
    Equal parts of dark humor, sadness and inspiring moments combine in this story of a North Korean, South Korean and American unit meeting in a remote village during the Korean war, so out of touch they not only don't know about the war, but what guns are, etc. Putting aside thei... read morer differences to help the villagers, they soon find commonalities between them. A nice anti-war/humanizing statement. A great cast interspersed with a touching script and excellent direction make this another wonderful example of Korean film making.
  • DrMoon
    June 28, 2010
    DrMoon
    I don't really like war movies, and this can be kind of cheesy at parts, but it's very pretty and throws a few stylistic and humorous curve balls. All in all, I think it was worthwhile.

View All Welcome to Dongmakgol Reviews

Critic Reviews

Beth Accomando
January 29, 2008
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org

The film reveals the penchant of South Korea filmmakers to mix every genre imaginable into one film. This one blends goofy comedy, war drama, tragedy, action and social commentary for a highly enterta...

Anton Bitel
June 13, 2007
Anton Bitel, Film4

Korea's answer to Shangri-la is well worth a visit. Full Review

Stuart McGurk
February 2, 2007
Stuart McGurk, thelondonpaper

This does risk becoming a badly-dubbed episode of 'Allo 'Allo! - but after you get past the sitcom premise, you'll find an engaging and witty little war parody. Full Review

Angie Errigo
January 29, 2007
Angie Errigo, Empire Magazine

Engaging and beautiful cinema. Full Review

Josh Ralske
August 5, 2006
Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

...offers some valuable insight into Korean culture. Full Review

Louis Proyect
June 24, 2006
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews

An antiwar film dedicated to South and North Korean reconciliation. Full Review

Derek Elley
December 4, 2008
Derek Elley, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Robert Hanks
March 29, 2011
Robert Hanks, Independent

Click to read the article Full Review

Mark Kermode
March 29, 2011
Mark Kermode, BBC Radio Five Live

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter Bradshaw
February 3, 2007
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

Click to read the article Full Review

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