Musa: The Warrior (2001 Film)

Musa: The Warrior (Korean: 무사; RR: Musa) is a 2001 South Korean historical action film directed by Kim Sung-su. Set in 1375, the narrative follows a group of Goryeo-era envoys and soldiers who become stranded in China during the volatile transition between the Yuan and Ming dynasties.

Promotional poster for Musa: The Warrior — Promotional poster for the 2001 film Musa: The Warrior.

Plot

In 1375, a diplomatic delegation from the Goryeo Kingdom is sent to the Ming Dynasty. Upon arrival, the group is accused of espionage and exiled to the desert. While in transit, the delegation is attacked by Yuan forces, who eliminate the Ming soldiers accompanying them. Left to survive in a hostile environment, the remaining Goryeo warriors, led by General Choi Jung, attempt to navigate the chaos of the warring dynasties to return home.

The group encounters a Yuan cavalry unit that has abducted a Ming princess, Bu-yong. General Choi Jung decides to rescue her, hoping to secure passage back to Korea. The mission is fraught with internal conflict and external threats, as the group faces constant pursuit by Yuan forces while struggling with the moral and strategic implications of their journey.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast of South Korean and Chinese actors:

Jung Woo-sung as Yeo-sol
Zhang Ziyi as Princess Bu-yong
Joo Jin-mo as Choi Jung
Ahn Sung-kee as Jin-lib
Park Yong-woo as Ju-myeong
Park Jung-hak as Ga-nam
Yu Hae-jin as Du-chung
Jung Suk-yong as Ha-il
Lee Doo-il as Ji-san
Han Yeong-mok as Dan-saeng
Yu Rongguang as Rambulhua

Actor Jung Woo-sung — Jung Woo-sung, who portrays the character Yeo-sol.

Actress Zhang Ziyi — Zhang Ziyi, who portrays Princess Bu-yong.

Actor Joo Jin-mo — Joo Jin-mo, who portrays Choi Jung.

Actor Ahn Sung-kee — Ahn Sung-kee, who portrays Jin-lib.

Actor Park Yong-woo — Park Yong-woo, who portrays Ju-myeong.

Actor Park Jung-hak — Park Jung-hak, who portrays Ga-nam.

Actor Yu Hae-jin — Yu Hae-jin, who portrays Du-chung.

Actor Jung Suk-yong — Jung Suk-yong, who portrays Ha-il.

Actor Lee Doo-il — Lee Doo-il, who portrays Ji-san.

Actor Han Yeong-mok — Han Yeong-mok, who portrays Dan-saeng.

Production and Release

The film was released on September 7, 2001, in South Korea. It features a runtime of 158 minutes and was directed and written by Kim Sung-su. It was later featured at the 2008 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival as part of the "Asian Action Special" program.