This film is based on true historical events.
JANG HYUK
KIM HYEON-SOO, JOE TASLIM
JEONG MAN-SIK, LEE NA-KYUNG
LEE MIN-HYUK, CHOI JIN-HO
JI SEUNG-HYUN, JI GUN-WOO, GONG SANG-AH
SPECIAL APPEARANCE: JANG HYUN-SUNG
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY CHOI JAE-HOON
Lunar Year 1623, March 12
Joseon's 15th king, Gwanghae fled his palace to evade his foes.
Other officials have already joined the revolt!
If you hold out until dawn,
we'll get the palace back with the reserve army.
The palace isn't the only thing I have lost.
You may be wearing the royal guard suit,
but you are also a soldier of Joseon.
Your king murdered his siblings, and ordered death to his generals.
Is there still a reason to hesitate?
This is all there is to being a soldier?
Step aside.
THE SWORDSMAN
I caught you!
So, Father? Aren't I better now?
It's a good-sized bunny.
It will fetch us a lot of money.
It's so cute!
It's happening again?
It's fine, I'm all right.
Let's get moving.
Your eyes are cloudy, as if bruised.
Blood is likely clumped up inside.
Have they gotten worse?
Don't worry too much.
When you go to the trading post in the village,
you should be able to obtain herbs for the eye.
The owner there owes me.
I'll tell her to take good care of you.
I trust you.
Sure.
Even the best herbs won't work when it's too late,
so get there before long.
May you attain Buddhahood.
There are ways to fix you.
How could I ignore that as your child?
What are you so scared of that we never get off this mountain?
Aren't you sick of it all?
You think the world below will be so easy?
The thing is,
if you're safe, that's all that matters.
If you don't want to go, stay here then!
I'm gonna go alone if I have to!
To repatriate our people, 25 silvers per woman...
Their demands are unspeakable. What must we do?
Your Majesty.
It is impossible to pay for all the slaves,
so their families should take that burden.
He's right.
We must secure our nation's finances for the future.
But we mustn't completely ignore their requests.
What if they...
Then,
will you abandon our loyalties to Ming,
and be dragged around by those barbarians?
Your Majesty, please let me meet them personally
and listen to what they have on their minds.
As you please.
We'll send our daughters to Qing as tribute at this rate.
As a tributary state,
we are nothing but a petty organism.
What do you plan on doing, sir?
Is it true that you'll return home?
Yes, I've overstayed my welcome.
We are still in need of your wisdom, sir.
Do you really plan on quitting?
What do you know about Hwangbang?
I heard they're slave traders who sell prisoners of war.
That's in name only. They're executioners.
Their master is said to be
in the capital with the traders.
What could they be scheming?
Half of our court loathes Qing, while the other half loathes Ming.
You should discuss that in the council meeting, my lord.
I can't figure out what he's thinking.
He's probably blaming himself for the state of our nation.
But isn't that futile?
He'll get involved.
The basis of a soldier is
wanting to duel someone who is stronger than them.
Come here!
Feels good, right?
Buy a ring. We have hairpins too!
With the end of the invasion, there are so many foreigners.
Come take a look. What a hot day.
As a fellow man of Joseon, please show us mercy.
I want some mercy too!
I have to buy them again from Hwangbang, ship them,
feed them and put them to bed.
I know, I do.
But you can't suddenly raise the price...
Mom!
It's okay, honey.
- Stay with Dad. - Mom...
We weren't the ones who raised prices,
so go and fetch some more money.
These thugs are making a profit by charging a middleman fee.
We might release your wife,
if you give us your child.
Please! I'm begging you...
The master is waiting.
Do you have a death wish?
My apologies.
If you cause any more trouble,
I'll cut your head first.
Let's ride!
Please, sir.
Please let my...
Father!
How dare he touch me.
Rotten jerks!
No need to get involved.
What's this ruckus?
Get off your horses and identify yourselves.
We are envoys of the Great Qing.
Did you think your king could arrest us?
If you're so confident, give it a try.
Let's go.
Father!
Let's head back.
I do not understand the aristocrats of Joseon.
They lean heavily on Ming,
when they're dying out.
He doesn't understand the way of the aristocrats.
When a parent is sick,
it is unfilial for a child to abandon him.
Relying on sick parents
could lead the children to an early grave.
If the child dies first,
that too is unfilial.
He is the cousin of the emperor,
Master of Hwangbang, Lord Kurutai.
He's the Hwangbang's master.
Your reputation precedes you.
Your skill with Joseon words is a boon for us all.
Not at all. One of my men's mother is from Joseon.
I heard a fool like him is looked down upon here.
From now on, do not bring an interpreter.
You should learn the words of Qing.
We'll be meeting often, after all.
Brew tea properly!
Just like how we're brewing Joseon.
Do you know how to train wild dogs?
We do not bring home pesky wild dogs to train them.
I'll tell you, though.
Tie up the alpha dog,
and kill its offspring one by one.
It'll bark like crazy, but eventually wag its tail.
Even with the aristocrats done,
one must uphold human decency!
This must be the swordsman...
I've heard about even in Qing.
Please forgive my indecency.
To change the mood,
how about a round of sparring?
Give him a fight, but back off.
My men are watching.
He's said to be uncontrollable. Just do as I tell you.
Your sword seems to be an ornament.
Enough!
You truly are a master of the sword.
Thank you for the great show.
Best swordsman in Joseon?
If you let me go on, I could've had his head.
You really think that?
Could I have lost then?
Interesting.
Follow me.
It seems you have been ill-informed.
It is the monk who owes me a favor, not I.
Pardon?
But he told me...
That stupid monk...
Even if I owe him,
you cannot obtain such herb
without high official connection.
The price is also quite high.
Very well.
Let's go.
We're not asking for a handout.
I picked out perfect pelts.
They'll be worth quite a bit.
This isn't a matter of a few pelts.
Leave them. We'll pay you a little extra.
Forget it!
Don't take us for beggars.
Father always said,
goodwill is never without cost.
Let's go, Father!
They've arrived.
Father.
Aren't they the thugs from the village?
Let's get going.
I'm honored that you've graced this humble place.
Politics are for bureaucrats.
I'm just a merchant who enjoys the arts.
Joseon is the right place for that.
Great scent.
How about a job with me?
If you take my slaves, and resell them,
you'll make a lot of profit.
Thank you for your generous offer,
but I'm not audacious enough to trade people.
Isn't prostitution also another form of trade?
This is...
a trading post, not a brothel.
Chicks are better than men.
I heard you're a dagger expert
who suppressed local swordsmen.
May I see it in action?
It is only but a trick
to survive in this harsh world.
Please rest comfortably.
It was great to meet you.
Just like a sword lunatic.
Is he that great?
Make sure you do not get mixed up with them.
I'm the idiot for believing the monk.
When did you get this?
Have a great meal.
How much?
Leaving already? 4 coins, please.
Here you go.
Madame!
Tae-ok! Isn't this Tae-ok?
Have you been well?
I'm always barely hanging on.
By the way, oh my, my, my!
Look how big you are.
Maybe you take after me because I breast-fed you.
I can see that you'll break many men's hearts.
It's been a while.
That indifference of yours hasn't changed one bit.
He's so emotionless. Why do you like him so much?
Chatty men only use their tongues to hit on girls.
Only his tongue and pecker should be heavy...
What's a pecker?
It's nothing.
You must be tired. I'll fetch you some food.
Okay.
It's so nice!
A young girl, you say?
She'll be caring for my ailing mother,
so do not misunderstand.
In that case, I've just met a suitable candidate.
Discretion is of utmost importance.
Absolutely, my lord.
- There you go. - Thank you.
Here, take it to your mother...
Thank you, thank you!
A swordsman mustn't...
hold a bucket full of rice.
Why not work with me
by earning a position in the Qing court?
A swordsman truly shines
when he serves a master,
who knows his worth,
doesn't he?
I've left public office,
so I don't intend to go back.
I always get whatever I desire.
One word from me
and I could release the slaves in Qing.
I heard you've unsheathed your sword
at your former king.
If you direct that sword at me,
imagine what'll happen to Joseon.
Should I order to bring him back?
No.
Sailing is fun
when there is wind.
Tae-ok, you're up.
Did my father go somewhere?
He left first thing in the morning.
He doesn't even know the way around here.
He wouldn't go far without you.
He'll be here shortly, so wait a bit.
So this is where you're staying.
How did you know I was here?
You shunned me out yesterday.
No need for that attitude.
You'll look up to me like Buddha today.
Is that true?
If I care for her,
I can really get the herb from the trader?
I promise you.
Can you do it?
If I can get the herbs,
I'll do anything.
But my father...
Until his eyes are fixed,
I'll give him boarding nearby. Do not worry.
Thank you, thank you so much!
Thank you!
So where will my father stay?
Is it a new home?
Are you really that happy?
She lives in the mountain with a nearly blind father.
I'd like to adopt her
and help her out.
It's as if I'm looking at a ghost.
You had that expression when you disappeared,
and you still have it when you reappear.
The child must be all grown up.
She's a precious child.
We'll live quietly,
just like now.
That'd be best.
But even if you shun the world,
will it let you be?
The wailing of this world will reach your ears.
Pardon me.
Where did Tae-ok go?
The trading post lady took her.
Is something good happening?
How will you inform your father?
He'll get his eyes fixed,
and I'll become a foster child of a noble for a short while.
Why wouldn't he allow it?
No parent will be happy
to part with their child.
Parents also have a soft spot for their children.
Don't you worry!
Oh, dear...
I'm frightened to death...
Strip at once!
Who told you to move?
Everyone, out.
What is going on here?
Resting comfortably as you said we should.
Is this vulgarity what your master intended?
Are you calling my master vulgar?
Joseon martial arts are petty.
I'll show you what a Qing man feels like.
You mustn't treat a woman like that!
Are you okay?
How dare you.
Who the hell are you?
The child dropped in to get herbs for her father.
She's only a brat.
Please forgive her.
What say you?
Get on your knees and crawl to beg for forgiveness.
Then I'll forgive her.
- How dare you! - Stay back.
- Very well. - Father...
I'll let you walk.
But as for your bratty child,
I'll send her home after taking her virginity.
He knows how to handle a sword.
Huasam!
Let go!
Don't get involved!
Enough!
That's enough.
I will leave without trouble,
so sheath your sword.
Please take care of it.
I'm sorry.
I don't care about how I was born,
and why we live in hiding.
You are my father, who fed and raised me.
I'm okay, so don't worry.
But I'm happy that we found a way to get the herbs.
What do you mean?
I just need to care for a lady
as a noble's foster child.
Treat my eyes by selling you?
What will I see then?
Let's rest up today and head home tomorrow.
Didn't you ever think that
I'd want to wear nice clothes and live in a nice house?
Even if I'm not a princess,
I'd like to live comfortably as a foster child of a noble.
I've made up my mind.
You can go home alone.
Lord Jung is said to have left for greener pastures.
Shouldn't we come up with a plan as well?
What if the king orders our daughters as tributes?
I've sent a plea to the king,
so let's wait.
I better look into a foster daughter.
This is very worrying.
You must watch your tongue.
This storm may not last a long time.
Joseon will not change,
even if the rest of the world does.
Is it true that you ordered
the generals on the battlefield to surrender to the enemy?
Are you asking as a soldier?
I'm asking as your vassal, Your Majesty.
No creed is more important than the lives of my people.
Even if it's the king's.
Madame.
Please take good care of my father.
Sure, don't worry about us.
Live a good life.
You got it?
"Recollect the humiliation that we suffered,"
"and listen to the wailings of your people."
"Cut off the invaders' necks,"
"and right the wrong..."
Stop.
He had a cane?
Yes, sir.
You were just watching?
But he...
I have no excuse, Master.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
You can't raise your child forever in the mountains.
It's better off that she became
a foster daughter to a noble.
I'll visit often.
Why not go to the trading post and see Tae-ok?
You'll feel better!
They were so happy to have their daughter back.
But people pointed fingers at the daughter, calling her a slut.
She and her mother eventually hung themselves.
Those poor children who are left behind...
They'll be treated like garbage wherever they go.
Tae-ok.
Once you're changed and ready, go to our cottage.
Yes, Father.
Did you pack all of Sook-yi's belongings?
Yes, my lord.
We'll depart as soon as...
Who did that?
"Cut off the invaders' necks."
I've well-read your plea to the king.
My lord!
Please help, my lord!
You think you could change my mind this way?
Let's see how long you last.
You will die first thanks to your father.
She's the cane man's daughter.
A nobleman will only save his own daughter?
It's much too cruel.
You weren't a wild dog, but a rat.
Stop!
Good thing you're here!
They're using a ruse to hurt my family!
Please stop these men!
I do not resent you, my lord.
I was blinded by my futile creed.
What are you saying?
I didn't lead the revolt because of what you said.
You know very well that my actions were taken for this nation!
It was only for the benefit of you all.
Come on out!
Where...
is he?
Son of a gun.
Die!
How...
dare you.
Where is my daughter?
I brought her to Lord Lee because he wanted a foster daughter.
Did you say...
Lord Lee?
This is all due to my carelessness.
Allow me to help you.
Do not get involved and seek shelter.
Where do the swordsmen gather in this area?
They usually gather at the brothel.
You mustn't hurt Qing's envoy so recklessly!
This could lead to...
My daughter was taken! My only child!
I must dispatch royal guards and capture them at once!
Your Majesty, Lord Lee, and the governor are here.
Let them in.
Welcome, Lord Lee.
We were just discussing about the Qing army at the border.
Please join us.
Who are the slave traders looking for?
Better to look for a peasant who can read.
How do we find a man who uses a cane like a sword?
I know.
Let's tell them we can't find him, and go get a drink.
What's that?
Hey!
Who are you?
What's going on?
Hurry. Let's get out.
I just followed the slave trader's order,
and went to the diner but you weren't there,
so I just brought them the diner owner.
Where?
When you cross the bridge,
you'll see a slave camp.
I'm sorry, please don't kill me.
If you need money, I can give you...
Watch carefully!
Anyone who even tries to rescue you,
I'll make sure they'll end up like this.
Drink, drink.
Help! Please help my husband!
Please, please help!
I've had it.
They need some proper beating.
I told you to be quiet...
Are you here to rescue one of them?
Today must be one of those days.
Get rid of him and come back!
Go on and eat, I'll be right there!
Answer me when I ask you!
Let me go! You scumbags!
Sir!
What do you want?
She was here until two hours ago,
but they took just the young girls away.
She looked very frail...
Honey, open your eyes!
Our daughter is waiting at home!
Please open your eyes, honey!
Let's go back home to our daughter!
You just have to quietly retrieve the Lord's daughter.
My apologies.
We've received orders to refrain any contacts with the Qing.
If a problem rises...
If you act discreetly, there won't be a problem.
Help me now, and I'll make sure
your future is bright.
Have our men on standby.
Yes, sir!
Pressuring them too much
could cause a problem.
Are you meddling in my affairs?
It's not that...
I came myself
because you play politics like children.
My apologies.
When stepping on a worm,
stomp it properly,
so that it doesn't squirm.
I won't forget.
Where's Huasam?
He has not returned from the trading post.
He must be having fun like a boar rolling in mud.
We'll depart tomorrow when everyone returns,
so move the girls to the ship.
Yes, sir.
I'll try to negotiate first,
but do not lower your guard, do you understand?
Yes, my lord.
Do not unsheathe hastily
as we'll be with Qing's envoy.
Yes, sir!
We are soldiers of Joseon!
There won't be trouble if you stay put, so return.
Joseon grunts sure are yappy
even before a fight.
Attack!
Had you been tamed,
you could've saved your neck.
You came to meet the emperor's envoy armed,
so your king won't be able to refute this.
Please, release...
my child.
Get your guns!
Just shoot!
Fire!
How is that possible?
You were the one who protected King Gwanghae.
Please help, my child was taken!
Please help!
Survive this.
And protect the nation
that you've changed.
I'll do anything, so please save her!
Please save my child!
She's a poor child who grew up without a mother.
Please...
Father...
Tae-ok...
You're a resolute one.
You're the last one.
The cane got to us again!
Remember him? The kid who got away.
Instead of relaxing, you must get ready.
Dropping your guard could...
So?
I'm sorry, what I meant was...
So, it's your tongue
that gets you killed.
I'll have to get him first.
Bring me his daughter!
As you wish.
There's no need.
He'll come looking for you.
Do you know him?
I've managed to stop you from going blind,
but you still need to be careful.
I'll pay back your kindness.
You could still go completely blind!
Is this what being a soldier is like?
If you direct that sword at me,
imagine what'll happen to Joseon.
Go to the coast.
There you'll find the Hwangbang ship.
Stand down.
This is the creed that you speak of?
I've only tried to stop the nation from torment.
To me, that child is my nation.
Do you think you can defeat me with those eyes?
A sword simply stabs and cuts.
Very well.
Your king appreciated your way of the sword.
Amazing.
Even with bad eyes...
If you lose, you must accept death.
Come with me.
If you win, I'll release your child.
Father!
Come at me!
Father...
You coward!
You insisted on fighting.
Do not resent me for dying.
You...
truly are...
Stop!
Father...
Tae-ok, Tae-ok...
Father.
Tae-ok.
It's okay.
It's all right.
Let's go.
Let's go home.
What do you make of that boy?
He may be fast,
but without form, he is reckless.
Without form, doesn't he feel free?
Remember this.
From now on, you're the sword of Her Highness.
Tae-ok.
Are we going the right way?
Of course, just follow me.
I'm fine with living up here in the forest.
Why do you want to go down?
I'd like to see the world now.