Running Time: 72 Minutes
On December 3rd, 2024, South Korea was shocked when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law under the excuse of a communist opposition from North Korea. This sudden decision shocked the public, as this martial law declaration - the first in 45 years - led to troops moving towards the National Assembly to take control. With access blocked for those who could overturn this, citizens rush to the area to stop the troops, and ensure that democracy is achievable even in these tough times.
Considering how many acclaimed documentaries have been dramatised into feature films, there's a good chance The Seoul Guardians will follow that trend. Yet, there is honestly no need for such an adaptation, as co-directors Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan, and Cho Chul-young have made an urgent work which captures the fears of a dictatorship looming over citizens. With journalists intent on recording this monumental event no matter what, footage from both inside and outside the National Assembly is used to craft a gripping thriller, with rising tensions leaving viewers breathless.
Many of the citizens evoke the painful memories of the 1980 Gwangju Massacre, a tragedy which resulted in many innocents being killed by their own country. These horrors are brought alive through stunning use of historical footage, conveying the shocking events which show how terribly wrong things can turn. It also enforces the decisions of those aware of the history, as learning from the past helps the people to move towards the future that the people deserve.
Intending to peacefully stand defiant, the citizens protest by climbing walls to overcome the unlawful barricade, and block armed soldiers from entering the building. The people know what is at risk, and stand strong despite the potential cost. The moment which sticks most in the mind sees Korea's citizens trying to block the soldiers from entering, as they are threatened with arrests while being pushed, shoved, and left on the floor.
Time is felt ticking down, as the unfolding vote to rescind martial law is threatened by forces who put democracy at risk. While armed police attempt to drag out the aides blocking their way, the police preventing people from entering shirk off responsibility by saying they are "just following orders." When those orders go uncompleted, it is a fascinating sight to see the soldiers walking away in defeat. Could such inaction have been the result of passive decisions, intending to not let these dehumanising orders succeed? One can only theorise, but that does not change the fact that they still took part, and it is gratifying to see the public ensuring those supposed to protect them face harsh truths about their actions.
It all resulted in an attempted coup which enforced a martial law that lasted one evening, leading to the President's impeachment and arrest. But that is not where the fight ends, as the biggest supporters vocally try to justify these actions while protesting the impeachment. The parallels are evident with America when Yoon's supporters are wearing MAGA hats and "stop the steal" stickers, where their definition of patriotism is not to do what is right for their country, but basing their whole personality on an embarrassing defence of a dictatorship.
While America appears to try brushing the events of January 6th under the rug, The Seoul Guardians highlights how to ensure an attempted coup is met with the reckoning it deserves. The directorial trio capture how the change to fight tyranny still remains, with some nations are ready to sacrifice everything to protect the people and uphold democracy, instead of spitting on such ideals by bowing to dictatorships. This all makes for the best thriller of 2026.
The Seoul Guardians made its Quebec Premiere at Fantasia Festival 2026
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