The Age of Blood

The Age of Blood is a thrilling Korean historical action film set in the late Joseon Dynasty, delivering intense sword fights, political conspiracies, and heroic sacrifice. The movie stars rising actor Jung Hae In as Kim Ho, a loyal royal guard demoted to prison duty after offending the court. Just as he settles into his new role, Kim Ho discovers a plot that threatens the very foundation of the kingdom. When four dangerous prisoners—one of whom is the powerful rebel Lee In Jwa (played by Kim Ji Hoon)—escape with the goal of assassinating King Yeong Jo (Ryu Tae Joon), Kim Ho must rise to the occasion. Outnumbered and outmatched, he chooses to stand his ground, armed with only his sword and unshakable loyalty. His mission: stop the coup and protect the crown at all costs. As Kim Ho battles through the night, the film unfolds with masterful choreography, dynamic camera work, and fast-paced action sequences. With each fight scene, the tension rises, revealing betrayals, secret alliances, and the weight of loyalty in a time of unrest. The supporting cast, including Jo Jae Yoon, Lee Won Jong, and Park Ho San, adds depth and drama to this edge-of-your-seat historical saga. The Age of Blood is perfect for fans of Korean swordplay films, Joseon-era intrigue, and one-man-against-many action stories. With its blend of historical authenticity, martial arts spectacle, and a standout performance by Jung Hae In, the film has become a must-watch in the genre of Korean period action cinema.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 역모 – 반란의 시대
🌎 Also Known As: Two Constables, Rebellion, Conspiracy: Age of Rebellion, The Age of Rebellion
🎭 Genres: Action, Historical, Political, Martial Arts
🏷 Tags: Sword Fighting, Joseon Dynasty, Royal Guard, Assassination Plot, Prison Break
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Hong Sun, Lee Won Jae
🎬 Directors: Kim Hong Sun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Release Date: November 23, 2017
📺 Original Network: Theatrical Release
⏰ Duration: 102 minutes
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Kim Ho’s solo sword fight against multiple prisoners in the prison yard is one of the film’s most iconic and adrenaline-filled sequences.
The nighttime rooftop chase scene adds high tension and showcases excellent stunt choreography.
The intense duel between Kim Ho (Jung Hae In) and rebel leader Lee In Jwa (Kim Ji Hoon) delivers emotional and physical confrontation.
The ambush in the palace hallway, with dynamic camera angles and quick blade work, exemplifies the film’s fast-paced action.
The final showdown in the royal court, where Kim Ho defends the king, brings emotional resolution and patriotic weight.

Filming Locations

Shot in traditional Korean historical sets such as the Namyangju Studio Complex, known for Joseon-era reconstructions.
Gyeonggi Province locations were used for outdoor palace and forest scenes.
Prison interiors were built with authentic wood-and-stone architecture to reflect 18th-century dungeons.
Night scenes filmed in minimal natural lighting settings enhanced realism and period accuracy.
Real palace gates and courtyards were utilized to heighten the historical atmosphere.

Visual Design and Costumes

Characters wear era-authentic hanbok, with soldiers in dark navy uniforms and rebels in earth-toned cloaks.
Jung Hae In’s character, Kim Ho, wears a blood-stained white guard robe, symbolizing loyalty and sacrifice.
The production team used practical effects and real weaponry to ensure authentic swordplay sequences.
Lighting transitions from bright to dim across the story, reflecting the descent into chaos.
Attention to detail in royal robes and military gear elevates the film’s historical credibility.

Themes and Messages

The film emphasizes loyalty versus betrayal—a central conflict for Kim Ho as he navigates power struggles.
It explores the loneliness of duty, especially for those who serve without question.
The story highlights the fragility of leadership, as rebels attempt to unseat the king.
Justice vs. personal survival is a recurring inner conflict faced by nearly every character.
Themes of honor, sacrifice, and resistance reflect deeper commentary on historical and modern-day governance.

Interesting Facts

Jung Hae In performed most of his sword fighting scenes without a stunt double, showcasing his martial arts training.
The film is inspired by real-life Joseon Dynasty records of political uprisings and rebellion.
It was originally developed as a historical stage play before being adapted into a feature film.
Kim Ji Hoon‘s portrayal of Lee In Jwa drew praise for blending charm and menace—a rare duality in historical villains.
The movie gained cult attention for its stylized sword choreography, praised by both critics and K-action fans.

Awards

There are no publicly documented awards or nominations for the Korean film The Age of Blood (2017). While the film featured notable performances by actors such as Jung Hae In, Kim Ji Hoon, and Jo Jae Yoon, and was showcased at the 2018 New York Asian Film Festival under the “South Korea’s Hidden Voices” section, it did not receive significant recognition in major film award ceremonies.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There are no confirmed real-life romantic relationships involving the cast members of the Korean historical action film The Age of Blood (2017). Although the movie features intense emotional dynamics and strong performances—especially by leads like Jung Hae In and Kim Ji Hoon—there has been no official news or reliable reports suggesting that any on-screen chemistry turned into an off-screen romance.