CinemaSerf on The Fortress

Drawing from true occurrences in the early 1600s, this captivating historical film portrays the struggles of the final ruler of an autonomous Joseon (present-day Korea) as he attempts to safeguard his kingdom and its citizens from the advancing Qing dynasty, who seemed unstoppable. Confronted with a daunting situation, he’s compelled to withdraw to a secluded mountain stronghold, counting on its isolation and the severity of winter to provide protection until spring arrives, when it is hoped that forces from the south will be able to offer support. They were steadfast in their resolve, despite experiencing food shortages while sustaining roughly 13,000 people, and to some degree benefited from the actions of their adversaries, who preferred the king (played by Park Hae-il) to openly pledge allegiance to the Khan (Kim Pub-Lae). As one might anticipate, his counsel is divided between those advocating for aggressive action and those favoring a more measured approach, requiring him to navigate the increasingly strained opinions within his court. Simultaneously, delivering communications to his troops proved challenging, and he had to consider that even if their resourceful blacksmith messenger managed to bypass enemy lines, his soldiers could choose to hold back reinforcements many miles away. The film is visually impressive, with historically accurate and notably icy settings creating a palpable sense of discomfort as those seeking shelter in the mountain refuge endure constant snow and freezing temperatures, relying on minimal straw padding for insulation. While it occasionally feels slow-paced, there are some diverting battle sequences featuring bows, arrows, and cannons to make up for it. Similar to "Masada," another story centered around a hilltop siege, there’s no real sense of danger, but it remains an elegant production that successfully balances the demands of the nation with the needs of its people over about two hours, showcasing principles of honor amidst conflict.

Source on TMDB