This review may contain spoilers
The Acting Was Incredible, The Story Not So Much
**This is just my opinion. I truly appreciate all of the hard work that went into the making of this movie. Thank you.**
Honestly, I nearly stopped watching a few minutes in because I thought it was going to be really bad due to how dated and strange the hair and costumes looked compared to what I'm used to seeing in historical dramas. They weren't horrible. They were just very, very different. I'm glad that I kept watching though, because the acting was superb. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable.
I didn't like the story because it was about a powerful older man---the King---who "groomed" (****** grooming is the action or behavior used to establish an emotional connection with a vulnerable person with the goal of ****** abuse ) Hong Rim from the time he was just a child to be his "partner". Hong Rim never really had a choice in the matter or the ability to say no. His relationship with the King started when he was so young that he just thought he was gay as well. Later, the King, unable to consummate his marriage with his Queen and produce an heir, forced Hong Rim to that for him as well. Both Hong Rim and the Queen are being violated in this scenario. Fortunately Hong Rim is kind and gentle and what could have been another horrible experience turned into a pleasurable one for them both. Unfortunately, when they developed feelings for each other, the King immediately tried to put an end to it. I won't go into more detail than that.
In summary, this movie is well worth the watch if you are over 18 and aren't squeamish. There are a lot of violent scenes and the adult scenes are very, very graphic. You can see everything but the front lower bikini area. I was shocked by how much it showed. I can't say how shocked, lol. They are done very tastefully and extremely well though.
Honestly, I nearly stopped watching a few minutes in because I thought it was going to be really bad due to how dated and strange the hair and costumes looked compared to what I'm used to seeing in historical dramas. They weren't horrible. They were just very, very different. I'm glad that I kept watching though, because the acting was superb. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable.
I didn't like the story because it was about a powerful older man---the King---who "groomed" (****** grooming is the action or behavior used to establish an emotional connection with a vulnerable person with the goal of ****** abuse ) Hong Rim from the time he was just a child to be his "partner". Hong Rim never really had a choice in the matter or the ability to say no. His relationship with the King started when he was so young that he just thought he was gay as well. Later, the King, unable to consummate his marriage with his Queen and produce an heir, forced Hong Rim to that for him as well. Both Hong Rim and the Queen are being violated in this scenario. Fortunately Hong Rim is kind and gentle and what could have been another horrible experience turned into a pleasurable one for them both. Unfortunately, when they developed feelings for each other, the King immediately tried to put an end to it. I won't go into more detail than that.
In summary, this movie is well worth the watch if you are over 18 and aren't squeamish. There are a lot of violent scenes and the adult scenes are very, very graphic. You can see everything but the front lower bikini area. I was shocked by how much it showed. I can't say how shocked, lol. They are done very tastefully and extremely well though.
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