Here's why...
1) The diversity!
It's not every day that you come across a film that features SIX different languages...yes, six. There's Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, German, and English (a tiny bit) O_O
It was an amazing experience to see the perspectives (somewhat--it's literally not much) of different nations during WWII with the progression of the film. What I really liked about that, is that by doing so, no one nation was definitively tacked as the "bad guy," because this film's purpose is not to show that; rather, it is about two rivals and their trials through war, and ultimately the bond they form.
2) The effects!
There was not one second my eyes were not glued to the screen. 'My Way' is a war movie, as in LOTS of fighting scenes, people being shot--death, explosions...you know ;) Now, if that kind of scares you, no worries, this is not a gore-type war film. There's no flying limbs or guys lying around with half of their body still intact while you see all their insides pouring out >:p yuck! Although, there was one incident--I won't say exactly, but it has to do with pus *cringes*. TBH, other than that, just expect blood and dead bodies.
As far as explosions go...superb. Scenes with airplanes...well done.
Anytime there was fighting, I found myself holding my breath, because it was so hectic and unpredictable...really captured the feeling of war. There were numerous occasions when I was chanting "Please don't die!" in my head with my fingers crossed haha ;)
The effects are awesome, but I should add that you'll see a lot more than just "war effects," since the film begins before the characters go off to war.
3) The characters!
What can I say? I mean from the main cast to the supporting cast, each character had an understandable motive and development, because all the characters were affected by WWII. I found it fascinating just to see all of these characters change over time due to the war and the fear of dying.
The character, Hasegawa Tatsuo, is definitely my favorite from the film. You'll see him as a kid, as a teen and as a man, and will never wonder (perhaps like me) why he is the way he is...that's really thanks to an incredibly written story.
Which brings me to...
4) The story!
It's based on a true story, which is why it comes across as being so realistic.
Although this is a war film, that's just the setting, the story itself is very heartwarming. I cannot say enough how much I loved it...I really did. For a film that's over two hours, it's unlikely that you will ever feel bored. I mean, if you heart is not pounding from the action, it might be breaking during the emotional scenes. I really want to say more, but I don't know how to without repeating the synopsis or spoiling the film for you, so I'll just say this; look forward to watching a darn good film :D
5) The acting!
Trust me it's outstanding. These actors aren't rookies; they know what to do, and they do it well. Plus, it's Jang Dong Gun as a lead, as well as Joe Odagiri of which I am now a fan. These two leads and the excellent supporting cast make this film well worth watching.
So, I feel like I've written quite a lot, but have said just as little; hopefully not too little, because I hope that I've said just enough to encourage you to watch My Way. If I am not helpful (at all D:) do please look up a better review, because I really think this film is good enough to deserve a view :)
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The story was awesome. War makes you figure out who your true comrades & who your true enemies are. This is based of a true story, so most of the stuff in the movie actually happened! There were some scenes that made me happy, sad, & scream. The scenes were so unpredictable that I couldn't look away from the screen for one second from beginning to end because of the unpredictablity! It was that awesome!
The acting was top-notch, supurb! I haven't finish any of Jang Dong Gun's works, but I can say that he is really good! Joe Odagiri! Oh. . . my. . . freakin G!!!! He as so phenomenal! His character (Tatsuo) was so fleshed out that I ended up thinking he is enduring! I didn't like him at first, but as the war went on, be began to redeem himself so much that he was likable. JDG's character(Jun Shik) was fleshed out too, but not as much as Tatsuo, but still really fleshed out. The supporting cast was amazing too. There were characters that were unpredictable as well. We got to hear 6 different languages in this movie. Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, German & English(there was little bit of it though).
The music was great! It fitted into the scenes so well. I really want to get the ost!
Rewatching value is a little lower because it made me cry a lot! I finished it about an hour ago & it makes me cry thinking about it. I will rewatch this maybe in a month or a year.
Overall, this was a masterpiece! This was the best war movie I have seen so far from Asia so far. This makes me want to watch anything with Jang Dong Gun & Joe Odagiri in it because they are amazing actors. You really won't reget your time watching it. Because it's worth it.
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My only complaint which kept this from being a perfect 10 was the writing of the last 20 minutes or so. The story diverted from reality into a silly, ridiculous impossible storyline.
I do think the ending was good and fit the theme and storyline.
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