Uprising is Netflix’s latest Korean action-war epic that takes viewers on a historical journey, spotlighting the friendship between two men from different social classes. Set against the backdrop of late 16th century Joseon during the Imjin War, the film chronicles the relationship between Cheon-yeong, a skilled nobi (slave) played by Broker’s Gang Dong-won, and Jong-ryeo, the privileged son of a noble family, portrayed by Park Jeong-min (The 8 Show). Despite growing up together, their friendship is shaped by the rigid class system that governs their lives, reflecting the deep-rooted societal inequalities of the time.
The Imjin War: A Catalyst for Conflict
In 1592, Japan, under the rule of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, launched an invasion of Korea, setting off the seven-year Imjin War. The conflict, though primarily a military struggle, had deep social consequences for the Korean Peninsula, which was then under the rule of the Joseon Dynasty. At the heart of Korean society was a rigid caste system, where the noble yangban class held power and privilege, while the nobi, or slaves, were at the bottom. This hierarchy was deeply ingrained in both the legal and cultural fabric of Joseon, limiting the opportunities for mobility and equality.
When Japan’s forces swept through Korea, King Seonjo, who was unable to defend his people, fled the capital, abandoning the citizens of Seoul. The invasion sparked widespread anger and frustration among the Korean population, who saw their ruler’s actions as a betrayal. Many civilians, including farmers and slaves, banded together to form the Righteous Army, a grassroots militia that fought back against the invaders. For a slave like Cheon-yeong, this war wasn’t just a battle for survival, but a chance to break free from the chains of his social status.
While the film Uprising portrays Japan’s army as the enemy, it goes deeper to explore the societal turmoil within Korea itself. The rigid class system was already being tested by the chaos of war, and characters like Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo are caught in the conflict between their personal ideals and the oppressive social structure. Cheon-yeong’s journey reflects the struggles of many who sought freedom and justice in the midst of war, while Jong-ryeo grapples with his own privileged position in a crumbling society.
By the war’s end in 1598, Korea was devastated. Though the country managed to repel Japan, the internal class tensions and the chaos of the era left long-lasting scars on Korean society.
The Role of Class in War
The rigid social hierarchy of the Joseon dynasty, particularly the division between the scholar-noble yangban class and the slave nobi class, plays a central role in the film’s narrative. Cheon-yeong’s journey is especially poignant as he attempts to break free from the chains of his lowly status by using his swordsmanship to help Korea defend against Japan. However, even after his heroic efforts, the social order remains intact, forcing him to confront the harsh reality that true freedom may be impossible under such a deeply entrenched system.
The film is not just a war story; it delves into the emotional undercurrents of its characters, exploring how individuals like Cheon-yeong and Jong-ryeo navigate their personal relationships amid the societal pressures of class and duty. Park Jeong-min, who plays Jong-ryeo, remarked that Uprising helps to reveal “the emotions underneath the facts,” inviting audiences to consider not just the historical events, but the human experiences shaped by them.
As the war devastates the Korean peninsula, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives and reshaping the region’s social and political landscape, the class tensions within Joseon become even more pronounced. Despite Joseon’s eventual victory and the withdrawal of Japanese forces in 1598, the country is left in ruins, its people traumatized. For Cheon-yeong, the war may have given him a taste of freedom, but peace brings a return to the status quo—a system that refuses to acknowledge his contributions or his humanity.
One of the most striking aspects of Uprising is its portrayal of King Seonjo, not as a heroic leader, but as a ruler who prioritizes his own power over the well-being of his people. Historian Nam-lin Hur explains that Seonjo was more concerned with preserving his kingship than with the suffering of his subjects, a sentiment that adds depth to the film’s critique of the ruling class. This internal struggle within the Joseon hierarchy becomes just as important as the external conflict with the Japanese invaders, highlighting the dual nature of the film’s title: war and the chaos it leaves behind.
While Uprising explores a specific historical moment in Korean history, its themes of class struggle and societal unrest have universal resonance. Director Park Chan-wook hopes that international audiences will connect with these themes, noting that, “even though it’s not blatantly described or restricted based on social systems, there is still that stratification of class” in societies today. Whether driven by economic inequality or inherited power, these divisions persist, making Uprising a timely and thought-provoking piece of cinema.
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Actor Park Jeong-min adds that the film’s exploration of war carries a message that transcends cultural boundaries. “Almost every country has been through war at some point in their history,” he says. “Wars are just losses to the country, and nobody really wins from a war.” This reflection on the futility of conflict is one of the film’s key takeaways, making it not only a historical drama, but also a meditation on the lasting scars of violence and the enduring struggle for equality.
With its rich historical setting, complex characters, and dynamic action sequences, Uprising offers both a gripping war epic and a deep exploration of the societal tensions that continue to shape human lives, long after the battles have ended.
Source: Time
