White Badge (1994)

71% of users liked it
(42 ratings)

This Korean film reflects upon the effects of war upon the soldiers who survive it. The White Badge was given to Korean soldiers who fought in the Vietnam war. The story, begins in 1979 right after President Park's assassination. When Han, a reporter and war veteran, is assigned to write about the… More This Korean film reflects upon the effects of war upon the soldiers who survive it. The White Badge was given to Korean soldiers who fought in the Vietnam war. The story, begins in 1979 right after President Park's assassination. When Han, a reporter and war veteran, is assigned to write about the Vietnam war he finds himself reliving the dreadful experiences that left him emotionally scarred. His disturbing reverie is also sparked by a phone call from a former member of his platoon, Pyon. Much of the film then focuses upon the ways in which the emotional scars between the two men are manifested. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 5 min.
Directed By: Ji Young Chung, Jiyoung Chung
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

On DVD: Jul 17, 2001
Studio: Vanguard

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Justin Y

White Badge is nothing more than a Korean war drama that revolves around the Vietnam War.At just over 2 hours, this film doesn't necessarily fly by. Even with the various war scenes, the story takes a while to get to the explosive stuff. As the story… More
White Badge is nothing more than a Korean war drama that revolves around the Vietnam War.At just over 2 hours, this film doesn't necessarily fly by. Even with the various war scenes, the story takes a while to get to the explosive stuff. As the story follows one soldier, the film switches back and forth between the present, which is 1979 in this case, and the past, which is the time of the Vietnam War. The interesting part of the story is that it gives the people a chance to see the Korean's part in this war and how the soldiers change as they endure the events that take place for them.The camerawork is OK, however a bunch of the night scenes are really dark and that makes things pretty difficult to see. On the other hand, this makes the flares and explosions look that much more effective. There are also a couple nice sunset shots in the latter parts of the movie.The Vietnam scenes start off slow and gradually get more intense, violent, and graphic as the film progresses. This is in sync with the changes in the soldier's behaviors. As far as the action goes, there isn't anything spectacular about it.Sung-kee Ahn, one of the better actors out of Korea, is cast as the lead and it is a wise decision. Kyeong-yeong Lee portrays an emotionally distraught veteran pretty well and the rest of the cast isn't that bad either.White Badge is a serious movie with a serious story, but it will only entertain those that enjoy these types of Asian war dramas.