Original subtitles

Report.

Ready, sir.

Sir, in attack positions.

Awaiting your orders.

Give the order. I'll lead the charge on the gate.

There's no rush.

Use our Koryo prisoners to encourage them to surrender.

Yes, sir.

Bring the prisoners.

Over there, sir.

Those are Koryo prisoners of war.

Hear me! I'm Marshal Tanggu of the Mongols.

Who is your commander? Identify yourself.

Why not? You've made a long journey.

We don't answer to riff-raff, but this is General Yi Wonjong.

And I'm Commander Yi Hijok.

Aren't you aware that all of central and western China bows to the Mongols?

Why not make it easy on yourselves and open the gates?

Silence, baldy!

You got China, that should be enough.

Why come to Koryo?

Or don't you know we annihilated 100,000 Sui and Tang back in the day?

If only words were weapons, huh, old man?

What chance does your paltry band have against our vast army?

You're not much younger than me.

Are you, old man?

All right, today the old farts fight it out.

Bring forth the prisoners. Maybe they can talk some sense into them.

Get to talking. Tell them to give up or they're all dead.

Go on!

Fort Chulju, hear me.

I am Colonel Mun Dae of Fort Hamsin.

Yes, yes, yes, tell them to give up.

We're all men of Koryo.

There is no greater shame... than losing a fort to the enemy.

What was that again?

That wasn't right.

Any more of that and you'll lose your head.

Try it again. Tell them to surrender.

Hear me.

They're not really Mongols.

Never give up.

Fight to the finish. You may yet win.

What, again?

Well? Shut him up!

Koryo scum!

Well, what's it going to be?

One last chance.

Tell them to surrender.

If you don't, you're head is mine.

Say it!

Hear me.

They're not Mongols! Never give up!

Fight on. Never, never give up.

Well? Kill him already.

Never give up... Never...give up!

Mun Dae.

One of many colonels.

Yet his name is first among the Koryo heroes,

...of the Thirty Years War with the Mongols.

The Mongols tried to force him to convince Ft. Chulju to surrender...

but to the end he yelled, “Never give up.”

His martyrdom inspired the men of Chulju...

to choose honorable deaths over surrender.

Bring that Jo Sukchang coward.

Well? Tell them to surrender or suffer a similar fate.

Now.

I'm Jo Sukchang of Hamsin.

Surrender. The Mongols are bound to win.

Give up.

Jo Sukchang!

How is it you're still alive?

Surrender? You dare disgrace your father's name?

Please hear me out.

Koryo can't possibly win.

Don't sacrifice innocent lives. Surrender.

Enough! Go back to your masters or I'll kill you myself.

Sir! Open the gates. Please!

Are you blind?

Colonel Mun Dae gave his life. His body is still warm!

Bow.

Men! He's a traitor!

- Fire! - Fire!

So much for talking.

Take the prisoners back. Attack.

Catapults forward!

Catapults!

Kill them all.

Begin the attack.

Catapults, fire!

Koryo scum, kill me if you can!

Battle stations! Archers, ready!

Kim Jun.

Guard our right flank. The west gate is weak.

Yes, sir.

To the west gate!

- To the west gate! Move! - The west gate!

The west gate!

Stay calm. Hold your positions.

Hold the line!

Stay out of range!

Fire when they reload.

Archers, ready! Civilians, weapons duty!

Archers, ready! Civilians, weapons duty!

Stand down! Wait for them to cease fire. Move!

Move!

Concentrate your fire over there, to the east.

Keep firing!

Fire! Loose the catapults!

Get up! Get up!

Chulju will be under attack by now.

Something isn't right. They surround us, but don't attack.

They're waiting for the main army,

...to attack en masse.

And they're trying to cut us off from the capital.

Won't that make it harder for us to stop them?

We're in no position to open the gate.

We have no choice but to bar it and fight to the death.

There are too many of them.

We have only 5,000 men and they have thousands.

“Only” 5,000?

Chulju has half that and they're facing tens of thousands.

War isn't just numerical superiority.

Don't forget our fort is equipped with catapults.

Quite so, General Kim.

In war you don't know until you try.

But Fort Chulju has to hold out.

Attack! Go on!

They're nothing!

Kill them! Kill them all!

Fire logs!

Attack! Attack!

Forward! Forward!

Archers! The catapult troops!

Keep firing!

Burn the catapults!

Fire! Keep firing!

Fire! There! Fire!

There! The right flank! Fire!

Fire!

Lousy!

We've fought all night and have nothing to show for it.

It's nearly dawn. Pull back.

Yes, sir.

You're injured. Well? Can you still fight?

- Yes, sir. I can. - Good man.

- I'll fight. - Good man.

- Wait, Chilbok's father? - Sir.

- You've lost your arms. - Not at all.

This arm is still good. I can do my part.

Good man, good man.

How are you? How did you manage to go on?

- Doctor. - Sir.

- Tend to this man. - Sir.

No, sir. I'm fine. I can fight.

I know, I know. I know how you feel.

We will fight again.

But for now, tend to their wounds.

Yes, sir.

We lasted through the night and today, but I doubt we can hold out.

Not for long.

True, if we had help from the front or either flank...

they couldn't attack with impunity.

But Chulju has no such support.

We're cut off.

We're desperately short on arms and provisions.

Exactly. It's just a matter of time.

It's hopeless. Either the capital sends reinforcements...

or...

...we die with honor.

Director General.

Yes, Overlord.

How goes it? The conscriptions, I mean.

Working on it now, sir.

Time is precious.

Fort Chulju is under attack, as is Fort Kwiju.

If they fall, then one of the 3 lines of defense to the capital falls too.

Am I right?

Correct, sir.

Correct? So you're just going to sit and watch, is that it?

Get on the Minister of War to send troops.

Immediately.

Supreme Commander Dae Jipsong is planning...

with Yi Jasong and Chae Songnyon.

What about our elite troops?

The Two Guards and Six Divisions comprise 40,000 troops in all.

On paper, yes, but we can mobilize barely half that number.

We've made levies for troops on the coast,

Kyoju, Yangwang, Kygonsang and Cholla.

In times of war we have to conscript men.

What are the circuit governors doing?

Isn't it your job to get them moving?

The trouble isn't the governors, it's the system itself.

The system?

Yes, sir. The governors serve just half a year.

They barely have time to establish a circuit before they're transferred.

- But they lose momentum-- - But, but, but!

I see, yes, you have a point.

But we have to get tough.

Hamsin has fallen.

The Mongols are advancing. In just one month...

they've made it to Chulju and Kwiju.

Are you going to let those men die?

Talk to the Minister of War.

Make him and Generals Chae and Yi to get moving.

Yes, sir.

The Guard Corps have got to be strong.

Be tough when you have to, push when you have to.

Show me what you're made of.

Someday you'll be in charge of the Guard Corps.

My wife's memorial is coming up.

Put pressure on them to mobilize the troops.

See to it before I leave.

Yes, Overlord.

Now listen... How far has the enemy advanced?

Our troops have stopped them at the Chongchon River.

It's been a month.

Why haven't we mobilized our troops?

Our country has been weakened by drought and flood.

It's difficult to find healthy men.

Please don't concern yourself, Sire.

The Mongols are cruel and ignorant.

They are nothing compared to the glory of Koryo's warriors.

We'll stop them.

If only that were so.

I'm told the people are suffering.

Prices soaring, bandits everywhere.

It's the times, Your Majesty.

The Guard Corps will deal with them.

Koryo in crisis.

And her emperor...is helpless.

At least the Royal Family can pray at Heungwang Temple.

To push back the barbarians.

Chancellors, come with me.

The worse things are, the more we need Buddha.

All over Asia no one has stood against the Mongols.

Even the Jin will fall any day now.

So I've heard.

What do you suggest?

Regardless of the Privy Council's call to war...

we must consider the safety of Koryo before all else.

Exactly. Didn't you say that in Council?

The Guard Corps is making provisions for any eventuality.

Including coming to terms if we must.

Please be patient.

Terms... Will it come to that?

Before that, we need men to send to the front.

Surely the besieged northwest commanders...

have been waiting for reinforcements?

I've decided to lead the Three Armies against the Mongols.

I will command all our military forces, and our operations.

My son-in-law, he'll be my aide.

His name is O Rang.

Now look here, General Dae.

Fort Chulju is under siege.

Shouldn't you be sending men north?

- Ah, of course-- - Exactly.

We needed to set our second line of defense at the Western Capital.

And our first line at Chungchon River.

Now it's too late.

In time. Better safe than sorry. Haste makes waste, after all.

The Mongols have laid siege to Chulju for 10 days now.

Whether it has fallen or not, time is pressing.

We have to move.

In time, I said.

To wage war you need a chain of command, materiel, a logistical strategy.

That's what I'm working on.

Wait a little longer, just a little. We'll move, in time.

Those...!

Scale the walls!

Attack!

Hold your positions! Use the boulders!

Fire!

Aim for the cavalry!

Logs! Take them as they ascend!

Archers, fire!

Fire!

Rocks! Boulders!

Take this!

Fire!

Impossible. Ten days of siege and we're no further than on the first day.

This won't do. We're suffering too many casualties.

We need to fall back and reassess our position.

Send for Tanggu and Putau.

- Yes, sir. Order the men to fall back. - Sir.

- Send a man for Tanggu and Putau. - Sir.

Retreat! Retreat!

Fall back! Fall back!

Fall back! Fall back! Fall back!

- Tanggu. Putau. - Yes, sir.

What are you doing? Why haven't you taken the fort?

It's been ten days, ten. Against one tiny little fort.

They won't give up.

We bombard them day and night and still we can't breach the gates.

What was that? Now you're making excuses?

Have they got tens of thousands? Hundreds of thousands?

Civilians and military combined are only 2,500.

We've got 20,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry.

The crossbows. They mow our men down with them.

The Koryo crossbows are serious business.

Enough excuses.

Rest the men a few days then renew the attack.

After that, don't rest, don't eat, just take that fort.

- Take it, understood? - Yes, sir.

One paltry little fort.

And they're exhausted.

We had intelligence before we arrived.

They're low on weapons, provisions.

You see my point? They have to fall.

Yes, sir.

If you don't take it this time, it's your necks.

Dismissed. Go and regroup. Move!

Yes, sir.

- Oh... - Oh, it hurts...

The civilians are amazing.

You can hardly tell them from the soldiers.

All thanks to our leaders.

Yes, exactly.

Not just anyone could get civilians and soldiers to work together so well.

Yes. Warriors all.

Despite hunger and drought, they dare to hope.

Our commanders have my highest respect.

They are resigned to die without a word of complaint.

Field Marshal.

Had your rice ball?

Yes, sir.

After a long battle, a rice ball is a feast.

How long will our materiel hold out?

Hard to say. We have a day's worth of provisions and arms.

Warriors deserve a warrior's death.

Very true, sir.

Thanks for all your help. You're a great warrior.

Tell me, how do you assess the enemy?

Sir. They have superior tactics, it can't be denied.

As well as superior mobility and strength.

It's been a pitched battle on all sides.

But isn't the real question who has a superior will to fight?

Surely they never dreamed 20,000 cavalry and 30,000 infantry...

would be held at bay for 10 days by one small fort.

Well said.

We need more time, time to wage a full-fledged war. Such a waste.

But we have a few days before we die.

They won't take us without a fight.

The 49 days in observance of Her Grace's passing are complete.

Surely she has passed into paradise.

Thank you.

I understand the Mongols have crossed the border.

No doubt you're quite busy?

Yes, Venerable. Quite so.

I can see now you were wise to act as you did.

To move the Tripitaka to Puin Temple, I mean.

Not at all. It wouldn't have been possible without your help.

All Buddhists owe you a debt.

I understand you're preparing a shrine for the Buddha?

Yes, Venerable.

Is that so?

Yes, Father. I hope you will allow me to donate it to a worthy temple.

Of course. Dedicating a shrine to the Buddha is not a work to be taken lightly.

- See that your heart is pure. - Yes, Father.

Your shrine is two Bodhisattvas, I believe?

Yes.

Similar to Queen Jinsong of the Silla Dynasty.

Is that so?

I'd like to see them.

They've generated a lot of interest.

Oh?

I'll take you sometime.

- Sir, it's amazing. - It is.

It's an honor to house the Koryo Tripitaka.

All thanks to you, Jinpyo.

Not at all. It's been the work of hundreds of monks.

Puin is a temple among temples.

Just so. Some 3,000 monks at any given time.

It's been a while since I saw you at Heungwang Temple.

Too long. But we heard you were in the Puin Temple near Daegu.

We thought we'd stop in.

I see.

The Mongols are continuing their assault.

We're looking for warrior monks.

We all have to do our part in times like this.

Quite so. We each serve Koryo in our own way.

We hoped to pay our respects to Abbot Subop before we left.

Any idea where he is?

Hard to say.

A wandering monk mentioned Subop was heading toward the Cholla province.

Cholla...We won't get to see him then.

It's been ten years now. Where has he been?

Have you heard about Kim Jun?

We heard he left the capital years ago.

I don't know. I left Heungwang a while ago myself.

I seem to recall he was stationed on the border.

Brothers and sisters.

Spare some water for a traveler?

It's nearly mealtime.

Have you eaten, sir?

A bit of arrowroot, a sip of water, what more do I need?

Plenty of food when I reach a temple.

Years of famine now.

Such years of living hell we've never seen.

What little I harvest goes to taxes.

But where are the young people? Why do I only see the elderly?

Conscription, forced labor, what-have-you.

Where are you headed?

Wherever my feet take me.

I hope the future brings you warmth and a full harvest.

Blessings be upon you.

- Farewell. - Thank you.

Tsk-tsk-tsk, begging, in times like these?

Where again? The front?

Yes, sir.

You think you can leave the Inner Guard just like that?

Yi Kongju told you guarding the Overlord is more important.

Enough. Dismissed.

Pardon me, but doesn't the Overlord have General Yi and yourself?

Please, sir.

Send me into battle.

Enough.

Why won't you listen?

Lieutenant-General Song has denied your request.

I'm asking again. Send me to battle like Kim Jun.

Dismissed. Dismissed. I've heard enough.

The fact is I'd like to go to the front myself.

We want to go so bad it boils our blood.

Dismissed.

Shall we go together, sir?

What?

Submit a request. To General Pak Songbi.

Who can deny it if it comes from the General Directorate?

Am I wrong?

You can go and so can I.

Surely it's significant that the Guard Corps' special forces volunteer?

You suppose...?

I'm disappointed.

We've had years of drought and flood, yes...

but for Koryo to be so lax, so disorganized...

What can we do? It can't be fixed in a day.

To be effective we would have had to assess...

the mood of the nation long before this.

All the same. Look, Three Vices...

What's going on with our military?

The Mongols invade, we invoke emergency powers.

We organize the Three Armies to sit around for a month?

It's a terrible shame.

I'm told they aren't getting the regional conscriptions they want.

We can't rely solely on professional soldiers.

They don't use their heads.

All they know is strength. They aren't thinkers.

We needed to plan ahead.

Three Vices.

Yes, Overlord.

Times like these call for reform.

You have to try.

It won't be easy, the country is in chaos.

But you must continue to the state exams,

find new talent, initiate new reforms.

Do I dare?

Now, about my son-in-law, Kim Yakson.

Yes, Overlord.

Guide him.

I'm worried that he's too soft, too weak.

How can that be?

The Director General is quick-witted and wise.

Don't say that of him. The Director General is quick-witted and wise.

Don't say that of him.

He's a man of good character, well-educated, a rare talent.

That's nice to hear.

But he still has a long way to go. Politically, that is.

Drink.

Song Kilyu and Choe Yangbaek want to go to the front?

What about the Guard Corps?

Exactly.

They sent a petition with a request that I give it to the Overlord.

That's for the Overlord to decide. Tell them so.

The worse it gets at the front, the more people worry.

The frustrating thing is we don't know the exact number of the enemy.

Kim Jun's reports indicate...

the Mongols have at least 30,000 cavalry.

What are General Dae's plans?

The first army is organized and ready to move out.

Drafting farmers and peasants. I wonder if they can fight?

Supreme Commander Yi Jasong, General Chae Songnyon...

General Dae doesn't exactly engender trust.

Very true, but what can we do?

We don't have a man qualified to lead the armies right now.

Too true.

You saw the Overlord dress me down earlier.

He wasn't reprimanding you so much as wanting you to take charge.

Do it.

The court needs to see what you can do.

Perhaps. But what can I do exactly?

The military has held power too long.

Their greed and ambition has drained the country dry.

Corrupt provinces, disobedience is rife.

General Pak, how do you see this war?

- Well... - We're going to lose.

- Director General... - We give them no food.

No gear, no weapons, and send them to fight.

This to a people already ravaged by disasters.

Lord Minhi was right in the Council. We need a diplomatic solution.

And fast.

Before any more innocent civilians are killed.

Fort Chulju is bound to fall.

I know the generals there, Yi Wonjong and Yi Hijok.

They will die for a country that doesn't support them.

No, they're already dead.

The Overlord doesn't know.

He doesn't know how they curse him as they die for Koryo.

Sir. It's been quiet for days now. They're launching their final attack.

Isn't that what the horns are saying?

- Ready yourself. - You have to say it?

Field Marshal.

The general wants you.

Me?

- There you are. - Yes, sir?

Rushing into the next life.

They're on their way.

So it would seem.

We still have a little time.

To the end.

Have a drink.

This is the last of it.

General Yi Hijok?

The fort's fate is sealed. It's fitting that he set his affairs in order.

I sent him to his family. He'll be back soon.

General Yi Wonjong and I made a pact before the first battle began.

You know that.

Need you ask?

Yi Wonjong's family?

They're already in the grainary.

As are all the other officers' families.

If the Mongols capture you, you'll be a slave...

or a plaything.

You should go as a lady of Koryo.

At your command.

It is an honor to die for clan and country in this way.

You should go. The enemy is coming.

Darling.

I'll see you soon.

- Bar the door. - Sir!

Well? The enemy is coming. Bar the door.

Pile the hay. Pour the oil.

Sir.

I'll follow you soon. I'll see you all soon.

Farewell.

Save us. Save us!

General...

Sir, there's a fire.

What's going on?

Sir, what's happening?

The fort's fate is sealed. As is that of our families.

But we'll be together again.

Wh-what are you saying?

The families...

are in the...?

Better death at our hands than leave them...

to the tender mercies of the Mongols.

Sir... Sir!

You should go now.

Sir? How do you mean? Go? The enemy is almost upon us.

You've distinguished yourself in battle. But your duty lies elsewhere.

You're here on the Overlord's business.

The Mongols will continue to march.

You need to report what you've learned about them.

You need to go to prepare for the next battle.

Our task is nearly complete. You still have your duty.

I can't. I refuse to live with that shame.

I can't, sir. I'll fight with you.

No. You have your orders.

There's no shame in survival when you are following orders.

You must prepare for the next battle.

This is my last order as commandant of Fort Chulju.

I order you to tell what happened here.

How we fought, how we died...

Tell them.

Sir.

Sir!

Today is the day. This is where it ends.

Commanders, to the front.

Sir!

Throw everything at them.

Arrows...

Ladders, siege weapons...

Mongols...Attack!

- Attack! - Attack!

Sir.

- Wait...No... - No...

What?

Mongols!

Stop them! Move!

No...

I'm a general. I won't die cowering inside a fort.

Watch me closely. See how a warrior dies for Koryo.

Wait, what..? Who is that?

Sartai!

Stop him. Move!

Koryo scum!

Get him! Kill him!