"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely." While I might be inclined to argue the point, I won't: KUNDO is about as Western an Eastern as you're ever likely to see (the music in particular harks back to the spaghetti westerns of yore, underscoring, if you will, the obvious influence). When our hero, the butcher Dolmuchi, botches an assassination attempt (he can't bring himself to go through with it), his family is slaughtered and he joins the ranks of the Chusul clan in their village hidden in Mount Jiri: "Comprised of those shunned and rejected by society, they despised greed and unfair authority, loathed those who favored social status over ability, and disdained those who valued the dead more than the living." Now known as "Dochi," he's told to "Live a worthy life." In time, he will face Master Jo Yoon, the man who killed his family. Unfortunately, KUNDO trots out the deus ex machina near film's end- a Gattling gun, of all things- and the tide turns (as well it might) in favor of blah blah blah. That's the only real complaint I have with KUNDO, other than its length (it DOES run a bit long), but some of the action is great (I love the scenes where a very powerful warrior literally SLAPS a pair of attackers out of his way). The movie sums up contemporary politics here in the West well enough when a female warrior says, "Those who've tasted money thirst for more, and public officials are the worst." Some things, it seems, are indeed Universal.

We/I might not know this one particular story of Kundo, but we have seen this underdog story before. Which is not to be held against the movie, because it does a fine job telling the story of class distinction and the "small" people rising up against oppression. You might not agree with everything happening here, but you can't fault the movie or the story for that.The action is more than decent enough and our hero against his own will, has a great journey to undertake. Some have compared this to some of the classic Japanese movies. But even if you don't agree with that either, you only have to like the story to get into it and enjoy the movie.

A great Kung Fu flick made by Koreans. Or should I say an Eastern, as the filmmakers used a lot of, what looked like American western tricks, like with the music and the sudden close ups, to give it that Western vibe. At the same time, cinematically it reminds me of a back in the day Kung Fu film like what the Shaw bros. would do. What an excellent martial arts flick this turned out to be, jumbled with everything you except to see from a film by the likes of Tarantino paying homage to the Kung fu genre. I've always been a fan of Korean Cinema and this movie just increased my fandom. This was a great movie I recommend everyone to see.

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. "Kundo" tells a very powerful saga between the impoverished people suffering at the hands of the ruling nobility. It is a tale that rings, not only in historical record, but in modern time around the world. Similar to the legend of Robin Hood, "Kundo" creates a wonderful narrative of one group of individuals standing up to the oppression, taking what they can from the rich, and handing it out to the poor. Something that is universally recognizably as true human heroism. Yoon brings the story to life in epic style, filled with both visual and emotional power that captivates. 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.