Park Chan-wook to Produce and Co-write Korean Period Thriller ‘War and Revolt’ for Netflix

Acclaimed South Korean director Park Chan-wook has made his first project with Netflix. The director of Old boy and last year’s noir romantic extraordinaire Decision to Leave will co-write and produce the period thriller War and revoltset during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea.

The film will be directed by Kim Sang-man, known for his well-received 2010 action thriller Midnight FM. Kim is also an accomplished art director, having worked on the production of Park’s action drama Joint Security Area (2000) and I’m a Cyborg, but that’s okay (2006).

War and revolt is described as set amidst the chaos of war, taking viewers on a gripping journey through the lives of two childhood friends turned adversaries.

A-rated Korean actor Gang Dong-won (Broker, peninsula) plays the enigmatic Cheon-young, a character whose extraordinary martial prowess challenges his humble origins as a slave. Front Gang, Park Jeong-min (Deliver us from evil, Dark night) takes on the role of Jong-ryeo, Cheon-young’s former master and scion of Joseon’s most influential military family. After passing the military service exam, Jong-ryeo becomes King Seonjo’s personal guard, leading to a heartbreaking reunion with his former friend.

The film marks the first time Gang and Park share the screen together. Describing the two performances, Netflix says, “Struggling to break free from the shackles of servitude, Cheon-young will be enlivened by Gang’s extraordinary talent, exuding charm and delivering breathtaking action sequences that will leave audiences in awe…to be at nothing short of mesmerizing, as it delves deep into the complex psyche of a man torn between friendship and duty, who ultimately faces his own downfall.

Rounding out the cast, Cha Seung-won (Blood rainTV series Our blues) will play King Seonjo, a monarch who abandons his people at the onset of the Japanese invasion, only to seek redemption by restoring his royal authority after the war. Kim Shin-rock (Pact with Hell) portrays the resolute Bumdong, a member of the civilian militia who fearlessly defies social norms and faces every obstacle in her path. Jin Seon-kyu (Extreme work) takes on the role of Kim Ja-ryeong, a civilian militia leader descended from the traditional ruling class who emerges as an inspirational force amidst the chaos of the invasion. And Jung Sung-sick (The glory) brings to life the intimidating Japanese warlord Genshin, a character who recognizes Cheon-young’s extraordinary swordsmanship.

War and revolt is produced by Moho Film, the powerful Korean label behind Park’s Decision to leave and The Handmaiden, as well as Bong Joon-ho’s Snow puncher — in collaboration with Semicolon Studio.

Park’s next project as a director is the HBO miniseries The sympathizerwith Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles.

Netflix released images Wednesday from a recent table read for War and revolt. Check them out below.