A box-office phenomenon in its home country, Silmido is a mega-budget, political action thriller based on the true story of one of the most controversial incidents in recent Korean history.

In 1968 a North Korean commando team narrowly fails in their attempt to assassinate the South Korean president. Shocked into action, the powers that be in the South create a secret elite team of 31 men in order to storm Pyongyang and execute the North's leader, Kim Il-sung. A ragtag bunch of prisoners, many on death row, is recruited for the task and sent to a remote island, Silmido, for training. Under the harsh command of Lieutenant Kim (Ahn Sung-ki, Musa, MIFF 2002) and Sergeant Jo (Hur Jun-ho, Volcano High, MIFF 2002) the men undergo a gruelling regime to whip them into shape for the mission. As the film hurtles towards the planned operation, the political ground shifts beneath the recruits' feet, leading to unexpected consequences. Expectations are shaken as director Kang Woo-suk skilfully takes audiences on an unexpected and thrilling ride towards a powerful finale. Propelled by its carefully drawn characters, astonishing tale and visceral action sequences, Silmido is an explosive blockbuster.

D Kang Woo-suk P Sol Kyung-gu S Kim Hie-jae WS Cinema Service L Korean w/English subtitles TD 35mm/Col/2003/135mins

Kang Woo-suk's films include: Two Cops (1993), Public Enemy (2002).