X
- 2014
- TV-MA
- Well Go USA Entertainment
- 2 h 17 m
- 2014
- TV-MA
- Well Go USA Entertainment
- 2 h 17 m
Summary 1859. The last days of the Joseon Dynasty, where the wages of greed bring poverty and death. A pack of bandits – calling themselves Kundo - rise against the tyrants, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. In an era where status is decided by birth, this band of thieves risks their lives for honor, in the name of the poor and oppr...
Directed By: Jong-bin Yoon
Written By: Cheol-Hong Jeon, Jong-bin Yoon
- 2014
- TV-MA
- Well Go USA Entertainment
- 2 h 17 m
- 2014
- TV-MA
- Well Go USA Entertainment
- 2 h 17 m
Kundo: Age of the Rampant
56
7.1
Where to Watch
Summary 1859. The last days of the Joseon Dynasty, where the wages of greed bring poverty and death. A pack of bandits – calling themselves Kundo - rise against the tyrants, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. In an era where status is decided by birth, this band of thieves risks their lives for honor, in the name of the poor and oppr...
Directed By: Jong-bin Yoon
Written By: Cheol-Hong Jeon, Jong-bin Yoon
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
56
43% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
57% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
56
43% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
57% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Kundo: Age of the Rampant delivers a thoroughly entertaining if overlong gallop through the trusty old story of honorable bandits stealing from nasty rich people and distributing the proceeds to downtrodden peasants.
The convoluted plotting, profusion of characters and heavy doses of explanatory narration may prove off-putting for some less attentive viewers. But the director infuses the fast-proceedings with enough visual flair — inspired by filmmakers ranging from Kurosawa to Leone to yes, Tarantino — to provide ample compensation.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 8 User Ratings
7.1
63% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
38% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 8 User Ratings
7.1
63% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
38% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
I have to admit that I am not well versed in Asian action films, nor Korean history but I love this film. YOON Jong-bin's "Kundo"is the story of a bandit clan that take on the tyranny inflicted on the peasant population during the Joseon Dynasty. The film is a Korean period piece, set in 1859, and brings together a modern vision to classic Asian action-fantasy with tradition dramatic passion.
The special effects in "Kundo" are restrained and by no means rise as the star of this film. The story, with all its raw intensity, personable emotion, and hypnotizing sound effects are of equal status in this one. The choreographed fighting style is every bit as entertaining as Hong Kong's action films that match this type of film. However the character that develops in "Kundo" balances that fantastical ability of Asian martial arts and war with true passionate story telling that hits at the heart. It is relatable on so many levels. At times the film reminds me of the American westerns of the late 60's and early 70's that tried to give an honest voice to the First Peoples plight.
Over all I have to say the "Kundo" is an affective film-creating a strong atmosphere than pulls you into the story completely. Yoon is brilliant in his ability to make a historical picture relevant to modern audiences while honoring the past. Elements of Western bravado show at certain moments, without spoiling the film I can only say that the film is truly entertaining, giving moments of Kevin Reynolds' "Prince Of Thieves" dramatically-Hong Kong styled fighting and action reminiscent of Tsui Hark's "Once Upon A Time In China". Ther is also a bit of wild west attitude in "Kundo" that reminds me of Christopher Cain's "Young Guns". And yet Yoon manages to keep a unique signature style that is what must be totally Korean, all the elements that make "Kundo" such a stellar film are balanced perfectly with out being overstated. It is a true cinematic gem.
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I liked it, it's a little predictable, some times it's a little hard to follow. Other times your just thrown into a scene not to sure why. But Kundo does a nice job getting you entertained, there's a little bit of a humorous undertone at times as well. All in all it's entertaining!
It should also be noted that the Action is pretty great! Fight scenes have great flow to them, no wires, no one flying around or mystical swordsman. Simply well executed fights that are just enjoyable to watch!
So all in all Kundo is just that, enjoyable! Don't think too deeply about it, don't try to find some deeper meaning, simply watch it. Enjoy each moment as it plays out before you, enjoy the story as it moves towards it's ultimate end.
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In its second half, “Kundo” becomes robust and exhilarating. The filmmakers stage cast-of-dozens battle scenes and one-on-one showdowns with equal brio.
Kundo: Age of the Rampant is an often entertaining if overlong look at the last days of Korea's Joseon Dynasty.
For all its gloss, “Kundo” fails to resonate. You appreciate the execution, but the film is hindered by its lack of novelty and metaphorical weight.
With its harmonica-heavy score and rousing shots of these horse-riding antiheroes, Kundo's early and late scenes resemble a Western as much as the historical epic its middle section gradually turns into.
The film's attempt at political commentary amounts to a half-baked treatise on good governance in the face of tyranny and socioeconomic exploitation.
Kundo jumps from character to character so fast it is hard to keep up with all the excitement the director wants you to feel. It does however have great fight scenes and a basic Moses or Robin Hood type of storyline that will appeal to everyone. I enjoyed it quite a bit!!!!
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While a fun action movie with potentially great action scenes, the movie fails to deliver in the end. It was entertaining, but will not be remembered.
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Production Company
Moonlight Film,
Showbox/Mediaplex
Release Date Aug 29, 2014
Duration 2 h 17 m
Rating TV-MA
Tagline Out of darkness a new hope arises.
Website
http://www.guntou.net/
Awards
Grand Bell Awards, South Korea
• 1 Win & 6 Nominations
Blue Dragon Awards
• 2 Wins & 5 Nominations
Korean Association of Film Critics Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
