history is rarely kind but real
I’m not a big fan of dramas or movies that leave me sad and teary-eyed in the end, but I wanted to watch this film because of its significance in Korean history and because of Park Jihoon (known fo this role in Netflix’s Weak Hero Class. I’ve become a fan of this antithesis of the typical Asian lead actor. Jihoon is not particularly tall and he doesn’t have that stereotypical Korean leading-man face, but he has this puppy eyes that is full of emotion and his screen presence is undeniable and emotionally honest. Both PJH and Yoo Hai Jin deserves the Baeksang awards for their outstanding acting.
This is the tragic story set during the 15th century Joseon era and the reign of King Danjong, a teenager who inherited the throne at a very young age after the death of his father. His uncle eventually took the throne from him, and the young king was exiled to a faraway land. The movie centers on two characters: the former king and the town chief who becomes his warden.
Even though we already know how the story ends, I truly enjoyed the evolution of the characters and the gradual friendship that develops between them. There are quiet moments in the film that touch your heart deeply and left both my wife and me very teary-eyed. Yet somehow, you leave the theater with a sense of warmth because, despite the tragedy, humanity still wins in the end.
It’s currently on limited release in the U.S., and we always enjoy driving to Koreatown to watch Korean films. It just feels more authentic somehow. The movie has been a huge hit in South Korea, and I completely understand why. I think many people could relate to the young king, his loneliness, helplessness, and quiet dignity
This is the tragic story set during the 15th century Joseon era and the reign of King Danjong, a teenager who inherited the throne at a very young age after the death of his father. His uncle eventually took the throne from him, and the young king was exiled to a faraway land. The movie centers on two characters: the former king and the town chief who becomes his warden.
Even though we already know how the story ends, I truly enjoyed the evolution of the characters and the gradual friendship that develops between them. There are quiet moments in the film that touch your heart deeply and left both my wife and me very teary-eyed. Yet somehow, you leave the theater with a sense of warmth because, despite the tragedy, humanity still wins in the end.
It’s currently on limited release in the U.S., and we always enjoy driving to Koreatown to watch Korean films. It just feels more authentic somehow. The movie has been a huge hit in South Korea, and I completely understand why. I think many people could relate to the young king, his loneliness, helplessness, and quiet dignity
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