Uprising: South Korea's Joseon Dynasty Struggles with Inequality

Set during the Joseon dynasty of South Korea, Netflix's 'Uprising' depicts the brutal conflicts of the Imjin War from 1592-1598. The film follows Cheon-yeong, a slave boy, who escapes his oppressive life and joins the Righteous Army. He earns the nickname 'blue-robed god' through his remarkable sword fighting skills. Meanwhile, Jong-ryeo, the master’s son, rises to become a fierce military leader following personal tragedy. Their complex relationship and contrasting roles highlight the entrenched social hierarchies present during the era. The film engages with the broader themes of class disparity, a recurring focus in contemporary South Korean narratives like 'Parasite' and 'Squid Game'. Director Kim Sang-man emphasizes that both the external cruelty of invading forces and the internal horrors of class oppression are equally impactful in depicting the harsh realities of society. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the transformation of characters shaped by conflict and societal constraints, ultimately illustrating the struggle against both foreign and domestic tyranny.