5 Marines
Year: 1961
Director: Kim Kee Duk
Writer: Yoo Han Cheol
Starring: Shin Yeong Gyun, Choi Mu Ryong, Hwang Hae, Park Noh Sik, Kwak Kyu Seok, Dokgo Seong, Kim Seung Ho,
Kim Kee Duk, not to be confused with Kim Ki Duk, is renowned as a genre filmmaker in Korea who may have started with this war film in 1961, but would go on to direct comedies, romances, and even a special effects monster movie. Starting his career in 1961 and retiring in 1977, you would expect there to be a lack of output, but Kim Kee Duk managed to direct 66 films. That is an amazing number of films, and in the last 37 years Kim has not returned to the director’s chair. 5 Marines was one of the first films made under the militaristic rule of Park Chung Hee once he assumed power after the 16th May coup. Despite made at the request of the military, the film refuses to become just a piece of propaganda.
5 Marines has a very fresh feel in terms of dialogue which many audiences of today will appreciate, especially those brought up on the works of Tarantino. The soldiers, while digging their trenches, bicker over cigarettes and discuss their women back home. It’s very jovial and quite enjoyable, especially a scene in which a soldier sculpts a woman in the mud that surrounds him. Another memorable scene sees the camera glide over the marines as we hear voice-overs of their inner thoughts. These moments work to humanise the characters long before we enter any conflict, and that’s the most important part of a war movie. They may be historically important, but many war films take for granted that audiences will connect with people serving their country without attempting any development.
Development is furthered by the main characters each having a flashback to their life before the war. Oh Deok Su (Shin) recounts his falling out with his battalion leader father, and although such scenes aren’t inserted perfectly into the narrative, they offer a lot in terms of emotional content. The final act sees 5 of the marines go on a secret mission behind enemy lines, and at this point dialogue becomes non-existent. It shows how quickly Kim can change his technique when necessary and how good development can allow the action to take centre stage. As noted before, Kim refused to become a mouth piece with an agenda. There is very little, if any, mention of the politics of the combatants in the North, and heroic behaviour is motivated by personal drive and not blind loyalty.
The film does seem very confined at times, and not just to represent the conditions in the trenches. This is due to the 4:3 aspect ratio, but also perhaps for budgetary reasons. Bridge On The River Kwai came out just 4 years before 5 Marine, but dwarfs it in terms of scale. This is merely an observation by someone clearly spoiled by Hollywood output though and thanks to the brilliant script, it isn’t too notciable. 5 Marines has everything a great war film needs, including heart, action, and even humour. Although it may feel as though it is shot in tiny spaces, I know I’d rather have meaningful content than impressive visuals.
Will I enjoy it?
There doesn’t seem to be anything to truly dislike. The dialogue still sounds fresh and very natural in both its scripting and delivery, and melodramatics are kept in check. All the characters are relatable no matter what culture you’re from, and it doesn’t force an agenda down your throat. This could be the tale of any men in any war and it would still work. The change in pace between character piece and thrilling action adventure may deter some, but I’m guessing you’ll be along for the ride by the time the switch is made.
Forever With You
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