Watch Kundo: Age of the Rampant

Kundo: Age of the Rampant is a 2014 South Korean action film set in the mid-19th century, during a time of political unrest and upheaval. The film tells the story of a band of bandits known as Kundo, who rise up against corrupt officials and wealthy landowners who exploit the common people for their own gain. The film stars Ha Jung-woo, Dong-won Gang, and Lee Sung-min, and is directed by Yoon Jong-bin.

The film begins by introducing Jo Yoon (played by Gang), the illegitimate son of a nobleman who owns a large estate in a rural province. Jo Yoon is a skilled swordsman and a ruthless enforcer for his father's rule. His right-hand man is his childhood friend, a loyal servant named Dol Moo Chi (played by Ha). Dol Moo Chi is orphaned at a young age and left with a severe deformity, but he is fiercely loyal to Jo Yoon and will do anything to protect him.

As the film progresses, we learn that the common people of the province have been pushed to the brink of poverty by the corrupt officials and greedy landowners who demand exorbitant taxes and rent. A group of rebels known as Kundo has arisen to fight back against this injustice. Led by a charismatic young man named Jo-ha (played by Choi Jin-hyuk), Kundo is a band of outcasts and misfits who have united to take on the powerful ruling class.

As tensions rise between the rebels and the ruling class, Jo Yoon becomes increasingly paranoid and ruthless, ordering the execution of innocents and even turning on his own father. Dol Moo Chi begins to question his loyalty to Jo Yoon, and starts to sympathize with the rebellion. The conflict between Kundo and Jo Yoon comes to a head in a violent confrontation that tests the loyalty and courage of both sides.

The film features stunning visuals and action sequences, including several epic sword fights that showcase the skill of the actors and the intricate choreography of the fight scenes. The story is engaging and the characters are complex, with nuanced motivations and conflicts that add depth to the plot. The film also touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.

Ha Jung-woo delivers a standout performance as Dol Moo Chi, conveying a wide range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. He is both sympathetic and intimidating, and his internal struggle between loyalty to his friend and a desire for justice is a central conflict of the film. Dong-won Gang is also excellent as Jo Yoon, portraying a character who is both charismatic and terrifying. He is a fascinating villain, with a backstory that adds complexity to his motivations.

Overall, Kundo: Age of the Rampant is a thrilling and engaging action film with well-drawn characters, an engaging plot, and stunning visuals. It combines epic action sequences with thoughtful storytelling, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Kundo: Age of the Rampant is a 2014 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 56.