A Tree with Deep Roots: Movie Series Review
About a couple of days ago, I posted about a movie, it was a Korean movie with the name 'Swordsman' which captured a powerful storyline. The movie series I'm about to talk about is much more about politics and the need for the people in society to be lifted and have a say about the ongoing issues that affect them in their society. The good thing is that, the protagonist of the movie is the same with this one, 'A Tree with Deep Roots. Though, there is a lot of differences, a earlier is more of rescuing a daughter who is kidnapped but the later involved more complex storyline, politics, trust, betrayal, sacrifice and a lot more.
A brief summary of it goes thus, 'A Tree with Deep Roots' is a deep and thoughtful Korean series that mixes history, mystery, pain, and sacrifice. It tells the story of how Hangul, the Korean alphabet, came to be, and the dangerous struggle behind it.
At the centre of the story is King Sejong, a ruler who truly cares about his people. He wants ordinary citizens, not just nobles, to read and write. His vision is simple but powerful. Unfortunately, good ideas often attract enemies. Before him was the past king, whose reign was filled with bloodshed and harsh decisions. The shadow of that past still hangs over the palace and affects everyone, including Sejong himself.
The 'secret root' court leader represents the old system, power, control, and fear. He believes knowledge should remain in the hands of the elite. For him, Hangul is a threat, not a gift. The queen’s story is also touching. When she loses her father because of court politics, her pain reflects how even those close to power are not safe from its cruelty.
One of the most emotional parts of the series is the story of the slave who was killed unjustly. His death becomes the root of revenge in the heart of his son. The son, Chae Yun, who is the protagonist of the movie series, grows up with anger, believing the king is responsible for his suffering. What makes the story tragic is that he does not know the truth, that it was actually the king who saved him as a child. This misunderstanding fuels the conflict and shows how secrets can destroy lives. The king decisions even affect him as the previous king decided to punish him for such decisions.
Mu Hyul stands out as a loyal warrior, quiet, disciplined, and deeply committed to protecting the king. He is not loud, but his presence is strong. His death shows a powerful loyalty as protect the king to the end until his breathe cease.
The “Monster of Chinese” who is know not to have lost to any man on earth, is brutal, i don't know where the secret roots gets him from, but he is so strong that he had to kill the best warrior in Joseon. His death too shows that no matters how powerful you are death is the most certain particularly when you are used in the opposite side of the truth.
The 'secret root' symbolise a typical political class that often goes against the normal procedures of lifestyles and the kingdom. They are there to keep the royal court in check. They are with their own belief that people shouldn't be free. They don't want anyone that take their place. They want to keep enjoying all the benefits from the people all alone.
In the end, the truth is, no matter how good a system is, it is bound to have it flaws. No system is perfect, we just have to keep making efforts on our part without focusing on the bad side of it.
I must say, it is a movie series you will enjoy watching but you have to stay glue so that you won't miss the message.