Description

#1. King Gojong and martyr An Jung-Geun (1959)

At the end of the Joseon Dynasty, shortly after the Eulsa Treaty has been forced to be concluded by Ito Hirobumi(Choe Nam-hyeon) and the pro-Japanese courtiers, Japan pressures King Gojong(Kim Seung-ho) to step down from the throne. Meanwhile, An Jung-geun, who is cultivating men of ability at Samheung school, is deeply impressed by a speech made by An Chang-ho, and heads for Russia to volunteer the army fighting for independence of the country. As both a lieutenant general of the Korean militia and a commander of the Korean expeditionary force in Manchuria, he carries on the independence movement in defiance of Japanese coercion. When he and his comrades are tipped that Ito Hirobumi is going to make a tour of inspection to northern Manchuria, they plan to shoot at Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese ruler. Their attempt succeeds, but they are arrested and sent to jail. At court, An Jung-geun holds fast to his views about the cause of independence against Japan, but he is finally executed in prison.

#2. A blood bamboo (1959)

Min Yeong-hwan (Kim Dong-won), who harbors righteous indignation regarding the Japanese rule of his country, suggests to King Gojong (Lee Ryong) measures to defend the nation such as revamping the army training regimen and introducing a new educational system. Japan puts pressure on the king via villainous courtiers such as Lee Wan-yong (Heo Jang-gang) in order to bring about the end of the Eulsa Treaty. Many righteous people struggle to ward off the conclusion of the treaty: Min Yeong-hwan and other patriotic youths like Jeong Dong-sik(Lee Taek-gyun) attack the pro-Japanese courtiers and Lee Jun(Seong So-min) submits a petition to the king. But their efforts end up in a failure. Min Yeong-hwan, out of resentment, ultimately resists Japan by killing himself.

#3. Independence Association and young Lee Shung-Man (1959)

This film describes patriotic struggles for independence at the end of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1894, 20-year-old Lee Seung-man (Kim Jin-kyu) enters Bae-Jae hakdang and studies hard in order to get a modern education. He is a dutiful son, as well, helping his parents with money he earns from teaching Korean to Mrs. "Fighting." Meanwhile, as the pro-Russian group takes power and the country falls into utter confusion, Seung-man takes the lead in boosting the spirit of independence as a member of the Independence Association: He initiates information campaigns, publishes newspapers and contributes to establishing Jungchuwon, a public opinion institute. Despite these achievements, Seung-man and other members of the association are wrongly accused and sentenced to life imprisonment. While in prison for seven years, he devotes himself to educating his cell mates and writing a book. King Gojong belatedly realizes Seung-man's ideas are correct, and sends him to the U.S. as a secret envoy.

#4. Ah! Baekbeom Kim Ku (1960)

Kim Chang-su (Jeon Chang-geun), who participated in the Donghak Movement, escapes to Manchuria after being chased by the Japanese army, finally making his way home. Angered by the assassination of Empress Myeong-seong, he murders a Japanese lieutenant and is sent to jail. He escapes from prison turns his focus on the democratic movement by teaching civilians and organizing Sinminheo (a democratic organization), even changing his name to 'Kim Gu.' After he is imprisoned again, he gets out on parole and goes to China, where he participates in establishing a provisional government from which he can direct the anti-Japanese struggle. Kim Gu goes on to play a part in Yun Bong-gil's deeds in Shanghai, the events at Hongkou Park, the encounter with Jiang Jish, and the establishment of the Korean National Army, and leads the struggle for Korea's independence with warm fraternal love and clear national spirit. When Korea is liberated in August 15, 1945, he returns back to his native land.