In 1375, China was in chaos between Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. Coryo (an ancient kingdom of Korea then) sent a delegation of many diplomats, soldiers and a silent slave to make peace with the new Chinese government. However, this delegation got charged as spies and sent in exile to a remote desert.
Cinematography
Gobi Desert as gorgeous death trap.
Acting
Jung Woo-sung's silent slave out-acts everyone.
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI battles hit different. Stuntmen earned it.
Director
Kim Sung-soo
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in China with actual Goryeo military advisors; some costumes were museum replicas.
Flopped in Korea (too dark), became a cult hit internationally — the 'Korean Braveheart' that predated the Hallyu wave.
KR
