The Korean historical suspense film “Harbin” was released in Korea in 2024 and in Japan in July 2025. It portrays Ahn Jung-geun’s struggle and conviction as he carried out the assassination of Hirobumi Ito in Harbin in 1909. In Japan, however, the film sparked divided opinions—some audiences welcomed it as an educational opportunity, while others criticized it as politically biased.
- What Is the Film “Harbin”?
- Two Main Tendencies in Japanese Evaluation
- Positive Perspectives Among Japanese Viewers
- Negative Perspectives Among Japanese Viewers
- Table: Summary of Japanese Opinions
- Release and Reception Compared
- Points for Foreign Viewers to Understand
- Background of Divergent Evaluations
- Viewing Tips and Cautions
- Conclusion
What Is the Film “Harbin”?
“Harbin” was produced from a Korean historical perspective, where its protagonist, Ahn Jung-geun, is celebrated as a national hero. The film does not merely reproduce the assassination event but explores Ahn’s deep convictions, the bonds with his comrades, and the inner conflicts that led to his actions. The grand visuals sustain tension throughout, earning strong praise in Korea. In Japan, however, reactions were mixed, since Hirobumi Ito is regarded as a founding statesman of modern Japan.
Two Main Tendencies in Japanese Evaluation
Reactions in Japan split into positive and negative camps. Supporters see the film as an opportunity to learn history and to understand how Koreans viewed their independence struggle. Some educators and younger viewers suggest that the movie serves as a valuable teaching material for Japan–Korea relations. The suspenseful direction and striking cinematography are also seen as strengths.
On the other hand, critics argue that the movie “glorifies assassination” and undermines Japanese historical perspectives. Since Ito was an important political figure who contributed to modernization, many viewers feel uneasy about his portrayal. Thus, the film risks being perceived not only as entertainment but also as a politically charged statement.
Positive Perspectives Among Japanese Viewers
Viewers with a positive outlook see the film as a gateway to dialogue and understanding. Ahn Jung-geun is portrayed not as a mere assassin but as a man with conviction, wrestling with moral and personal dilemmas. This depiction helps audiences reflect on why such drastic actions were taken in the historical context. The film’s high level of craftsmanship and narrative suspense have also been praised. For these viewers, the movie serves as both education and entertainment, prompting post-screening discussions that they consider valuable for cross-cultural understanding.
Negative Perspectives Among Japanese Viewers
Critics interpret the movie as a politically biased work. In Japan, Ito is remembered as a statesman who contributed to the constitution and modernization. His depiction as a target for assassination, presented with a sense of legitimacy, unsettles many. Furthermore, the lack of detail on Japan’s political and diplomatic circumstances makes the story appear one-sided from a Korean perspective. This leads to concern that the film might widen historical rifts rather than encourage understanding.
Table: Summary of Japanese Opinions
| Aspect | Positive Views | Negative Views |
|---|---|---|
| Historical education | Opportunity to understand independence movements | One-sided historical view |
| Depiction of Ahn | Shows conviction and struggles | Seen as glorification of assassination |
| Portrayal of Ito | Entry point for Japan–Korea dialogue | Seen as disrespectful to a Japanese statesman |
| Cinematic experience | Suspenseful and entertaining | Too politically driven |
Release and Reception Compared
| Aspect | Korea | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | 2024 | July 2025 |
| Key focus | Symbolic story of independence | Divergent historical perspectives |
| Audience response | Empathy with the hero | Split between approval and criticism |
Points for Foreign Viewers to Understand
For foreign viewers, the most important factor is the difference in historical perspectives. In Korea, Ahn Jung-geun is celebrated as a hero, while in Japan, Ito is remembered as the statesman who laid the foundation of the modern nation. Thus, the same historical event carries different meanings in each country. Japanese opinion itself is not uniform—some see the film as a chance to learn, while others see it as a biased account. Recognizing that the movie also has pure entertainment value helps achieve a more balanced understanding.
Background of Divergent Evaluations
| Factor | General View in Japan | General View in Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Ahn Jung-geun’s position | Regarded as an assassin | Viewed as a hero of independence |
| Hirobumi Ito’s evaluation | Founding statesman of modernization | Symbol of colonial rule |
| Historical education | Emphasizes contributions | Emphasizes resistance |
| Film’s thematic focus | Legitimacy of violence and order | Independence and resistance |
Viewing Tips and Cautions
Before watching, it helps to have a basic understanding of the historical timeline. Viewers can deepen their experience by considering not only what the characters do but also why they make certain choices. Both supporters and critics agree on one thing: the film excels in visual beauty and tension. Audiences are therefore able to engage with the film not just as a historical piece but as a reflection of human conviction and conflict.
Conclusion
“Harbin” vividly highlights the differences in historical perspectives between Japan and Korea. Japanese evaluations split between those who consider it an educational opportunity and those who dismiss it as historical distortion. For foreigners, the key takeaway is that this division itself mirrors the broader differences in historical memory between the two nations. The movie stands out not only as a historical film but also as a suspenseful and emotionally powerful drama, with both educational and entertainment value. Discussing impressions after viewing may itself become a meaningful step toward understanding history.
