The Great Battle
Kingdom of Goguryeo, ancient Korea, 645. The ruthless Emperor Taizong of Tang invades the country and leads his armies towards the capital, achieving one victory after another, but on his way is the stronghold of Ansi, protected by General Yang Man-chu, who will do everything possible to stop the invasion, even if his troops are outnumbered by thousands of enemies.
Despite its tight budget of $13.3M, The Great Battle became a commercial success, earning $41.5M worldwide—a 212% return. The film's compelling narrative found its audience, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Great Battle (2018) demonstrates meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Kim Kwang-sik's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 15 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Ansi Fortress stands as a small but strategic outpost on the Goguryeo border. Commander Yang Man-chun oversees a modest garrison of soldiers and civilians living in relative peace, though tensions with Tang China loom on the horizon.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when News arrives that Emperor Taizong has mobilized 200,000 Tang troops and is marching toward Goguryeo. Ansi Fortress lies directly in the invasion path. The massive disparity in forces (5,000 defenders vs 200,000 attackers) creates immediate dread.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 68 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Emperor Taizong himself arrives and orders construction of a massive earthen ramp to breach the walls - a siege weapon of unprecedented scale. The defenders realize their tactical victories were temporary. The true test is yet to come. Stakes raise dramatically as the ramp grows daily toward their walls., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The ramp reaches the walls and Tang forces pour through in overwhelming numbers. Key defensive positions fall. Sa-mul is mortally wounded protecting civilians. The fortress seems lost. Yang Man-chun faces the death of his hope and his people - the "whiff of death" permeates as defeat appears certain., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 108 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The final battle combines everything learned: tactical brilliance, personal sacrifice, and unified determination. Every remaining defender fights with purpose. Against all odds, they repel the assault. Emperor Taizong, facing winter and having lost tens of thousands against a tiny fortress, orders retreat. The siege is lifted., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Great Battle's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Great Battle against these established plot points, we can identify how Kim Kwang-sik utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Great Battle within the war genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional war films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Fury and Sarah's Key.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ansi Fortress stands as a small but strategic outpost on the Goguryeo border. Commander Yang Man-chun oversees a modest garrison of soldiers and civilians living in relative peace, though tensions with Tang China loom on the horizon.
Theme
An elder tells the soldiers: "A fortress is not made of stone, but of the people who defend it." This establishes the film's central theme that unity, courage, and sacrifice of ordinary people can overcome impossible odds.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the fortress community: Yang Man-chun's leadership style, the diverse soldiers including Sa-mul and his bandits turned soldiers, the civilian population, and the geopolitical situation with Tang Dynasty's expansionist ambitions under Emperor Taizong.
Disruption
News arrives that Emperor Taizong has mobilized 200,000 Tang troops and is marching toward Goguryeo. Ansi Fortress lies directly in the invasion path. The massive disparity in forces (5,000 defenders vs 200,000 attackers) creates immediate dread.
Resistance
Yang Man-chun debates whether to evacuate or fight. Some soldiers want to flee, others to surrender. He must convince his men that defending is possible. Preparation montages show reinforcing walls, gathering supplies, and training civilians. The community wrestles with fear versus duty.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The siege begins in earnest. Creative defensive tactics against waves of Tang attacks: boiling oil, archery volleys, night raids, psychological warfare. The defenders prove resourceful and brave. Each battle shows their ingenuity and determination. This is the "promise of the premise" - the epic siege warfare the audience came for.
Midpoint
Emperor Taizong himself arrives and orders construction of a massive earthen ramp to breach the walls - a siege weapon of unprecedented scale. The defenders realize their tactical victories were temporary. The true test is yet to come. Stakes raise dramatically as the ramp grows daily toward their walls.
Opposition
As the ramp nears completion, pressure intensifies. Supplies dwindle, casualties mount, exhaustion sets in. Failed attempts to destroy the ramp cost many lives. Internal tensions rise as some question if continued resistance is suicide. The Tang forces seem unstoppable.
Collapse
The ramp reaches the walls and Tang forces pour through in overwhelming numbers. Key defensive positions fall. Sa-mul is mortally wounded protecting civilians. The fortress seems lost. Yang Man-chun faces the death of his hope and his people - the "whiff of death" permeates as defeat appears certain.
Crisis
In the darkest hour, survivors gather in the inner fortress. Yang Man-chun grieves fallen comrades and contemplates surrender to save remaining lives. The defenders face their mortality and the apparent futility of further resistance. Quiet moments of despair and reflection.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final battle combines everything learned: tactical brilliance, personal sacrifice, and unified determination. Every remaining defender fights with purpose. Against all odds, they repel the assault. Emperor Taizong, facing winter and having lost tens of thousands against a tiny fortress, orders retreat. The siege is lifted.