1
1
Sageuk Lover
Philippines
This review may contain spoilers
Very Unique
Story:
It is a great story about Joseon minstrels made more interesting in the historical background of this movie. I love how this movie is made to look like we're watching an actual Korean play. I love how the King is being humanized in this movie, showing some moments between him and a character the audience is supposed to care about, Gonggil. A lot of people mention that this movie has homosexual tendencies, and while I do agree, I'm not sure if I see it on Gonggil's side for either the King or his friend Jangsaeng. For sure, I feel Jangsaeng has some sort of feelings for him (we see him getting jealous as the king spends more time with Gonggil) and the king is definitely attracted by Gonggil's physical beauty. I supposed knowing about Gonggil and Jangsaeng's background (like their family, how either of them relate to each other's past), would help us understand whether Gonggil has attraction towards Jangsaeng or even the king, But I still give this story good points despite that since we don't need to know exactly what Gonggil feels, it is enough for the audience to know that he sincerely cares about Jangsaeng at least as a really great friend (and also somehow can understand the king's attraction to him). (9.5/10)
Acting Cast:
I noticed that all the actors seem to act as if they are in a Shakespearean play (maybe because of the way some lines are presented). Everyone is really great. Particular highlights for me are Jung Jin Young as King Yeon San and Lee Joon Gi as Gonggil, but Kam Woo Sung and the rest of the cast also did great (10/10)
Music:
Music is not very much memorable but it really fits well with this film. However, the song "Fate", which is not in the movie but is eventually associated with it, is really good and I really love it. (8.5/10)
Rewatch Value:
I usually don't give higher scores on rewatch value as most films/dramas require people not knowing everything for them to appreciate it, but I'm giving this film a perfect (10/10) for rewatch value because I feel like there are many scenes that can be understood and analyzed more for more interpretation upon rewatch . (10/10)
Overall: (9.5/10)
It is a great story about Joseon minstrels made more interesting in the historical background of this movie. I love how this movie is made to look like we're watching an actual Korean play. I love how the King is being humanized in this movie, showing some moments between him and a character the audience is supposed to care about, Gonggil. A lot of people mention that this movie has homosexual tendencies, and while I do agree, I'm not sure if I see it on Gonggil's side for either the King or his friend Jangsaeng. For sure, I feel Jangsaeng has some sort of feelings for him (we see him getting jealous as the king spends more time with Gonggil) and the king is definitely attracted by Gonggil's physical beauty. I supposed knowing about Gonggil and Jangsaeng's background (like their family, how either of them relate to each other's past), would help us understand whether Gonggil has attraction towards Jangsaeng or even the king, But I still give this story good points despite that since we don't need to know exactly what Gonggil feels, it is enough for the audience to know that he sincerely cares about Jangsaeng at least as a really great friend (and also somehow can understand the king's attraction to him). (9.5/10)
Acting Cast:
I noticed that all the actors seem to act as if they are in a Shakespearean play (maybe because of the way some lines are presented). Everyone is really great. Particular highlights for me are Jung Jin Young as King Yeon San and Lee Joon Gi as Gonggil, but Kam Woo Sung and the rest of the cast also did great (10/10)
Music:
Music is not very much memorable but it really fits well with this film. However, the song "Fate", which is not in the movie but is eventually associated with it, is really good and I really love it. (8.5/10)
Rewatch Value:
I usually don't give higher scores on rewatch value as most films/dramas require people not knowing everything for them to appreciate it, but I'm giving this film a perfect (10/10) for rewatch value because I feel like there are many scenes that can be understood and analyzed more for more interpretation upon rewatch . (10/10)
Overall: (9.5/10)
Was this review helpful to you?
