Interesting fact-ion sageuk
"The Night Owl" is one of the best fact-ion (facts+fiction) sageuk I have seen so far. Using In Jo's infamous reign and Crown Prince So Hyeon's death as part of the plot, it develops an original story around an atypical character.I like historical movies that stick to the facts as much as possible very much, but I also like a well made fiction based on historical events when it is cleverly made, just like this movie. I don't think it's a thriller though, only a good sageuk with some thrills. I'm not usually keen for humour in sageuk, but the few little scenes in this movie were actually good and well made.
The cast is very good and all the actors are really good in their respective roles. Actors like Yoo Hae Jin, Jo Sung Ha and Choi Moo Sung, as usual, never disappoint, and Ryu Joon Yeol is excellent as Kyung Soo, and special mention for Kim Sung Cheol too that is really good in this role too.
The music isn't very special or grandiose, but it's good, and the aesthetic of the movie quite beautiful with an overall production very well made so I give it a pretty high ratings.
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A korean “Tarantino-like” film
The Night Owl is a movie that took a small part of Korean history and was told in a very different way. It was a similar style with Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino’s films such as Inglorious Bastards and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It’s very refreshing and exciting retelling of what happened to the kidnapped crown prince who died just a few days after he came back to Joseon.The acting was really good with Ryu Jun Yeol as the “light-blind” acupuncturist/doctor. It is not the first time I saw Ryu in a saeguk (Alienoid) and he delivered very well in this movie with a different take and was really convincing with his role. Yoo Hae-Jin as the mad King Injo also was very good and showed how flexible of an actor he is.
The cinematography of the film was really dark since they have to use dark sets, however there was no problem with seeing the small details while watching night scenes. The screenplay was also good and the flow of story was smooth even it is a thriller genre in the historical period. The best scene for me was when the crown princess went to the King to tell the story of “the witness”, the realization of who really killed the crown prince was amazing.
All in all, I recommend this movie. It is very thrilling movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Also, this movie really won a lot of Baeksang awards (Best Film, Best New Director and Best Actor), thus it is a must watch!
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What a masterpiece
Hooked from the start to the finish. Well made movie. I immediately googled the characters and read about the history of Joseon dynasty. Super fascinating facts.I love the concept although kinda hard to believe but hey, if there are animals like a bat who can see in the dark but barely in the day, then this could also be possible.
Musical score is great. Cinematography is also good. Acting, especially the ML, is super good. Well, the King irked me so he acted good.
Must watch!
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Night Owl is critically acclaimed and I loved it.
I really loved the Korean movie Night Owl. The movie covers the same time period as the historic Period dramas My Dearest (1636-1659) and Captivating the King (1636). The major action in Night Owl takes place circa 1645. The period covered is right at the end of the Chinese Ming Dynasty’s subjugation of Joseon ended and the Chinese Qing Dynasty took over. Joseon fared a little better under the Ming Dynasty, and less favorably under the Qing Dynasty. To maintain control, the Qing Dynasty took members of the Royal families from their subjects to China as “Guest” (hostages). The movie storyline is dramatized history, with many real historic persons. Facts are fed around the drama.Our protagonist (Ryu Jun-yeol as Kyung-soo) is a blind Acupuncturist, but he has some vision in darkness or at night, a fact he does not make known. Treated as invisible because of being blind, Kyung-soo plays that to his advantage, as Kyung-Soo is selected to work in the Royal Palace. All works well until one day someone murders a Royal in his presence. The movie looks polished and elevated. Camera angles are just right. There is always this heightened sense of danger for Kyung-soo, because of his disability.
Also, there is a great child actor (Joo Won as Yi Suk Chul [Eldest son of Crown Prince So Hyeon) in this movie. As you are waiting for the next episodes of your new Korean dramas to drop or waiting to binge upon completion, try out the Korean Movie Night Owl.
Night Owl was nominated for eight Baeksang Arts Awards (Equivalent to the Oscars) and won three.
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a must-see for history enthusiasts and cinephiles alike
The Night Owl is a cinematic gem that transports audiences back to the tumultuous era of In Jo's reign, with Crown Prince So Hyeon's tragic death woven into its narrative tapestry. This sageuk masterpiece is undoubtedly one of the finest historical films I've had the pleasure of witnessing.What sets apart is its commitment to historical accuracy. The movie meticulously adheres to documented events, even referencing King In Jo's death certificate, which attributed his passing to Malaria. It's a testament to the filmmakers' dedication to authenticity.
The film introduces an intriguing twist with the character of the acupuncturist, adding a layer of fiction that seamlessly integrates into the story. The cast's remarkable performances breathe life into their respective roles, making the characters relatable and emotionally engaging.
Despite its dark and somber cinematography, reflecting the period's ambiance, it is undeniably beautiful. The film's straightforward storytelling approach ensures that it remains focused on its central narrative, both a strength and a limitation.
It is an inspiration, not only for its historical accuracy but also for its heartfelt portrayal of characters navigating a turbulent era. It serves as an educational journey through history while reminding us of the power of storytelling in cinema. This movie is a must-see for history enthusiasts and cinephiles alike, offering an unforgettable and enlightening experience.
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TERRIBLE
Not worth of it. Totally historical inaccurate and inappropriate representation of the events. Not worth to waste time. There is no historical explanation, not a real historical setting. Only a blatant fiction who is not even scaring. The historical confict never shown. Impossible ever to describe a proper plot, it lacks it. Why involving others in something so blatant without any depth? Totally wasting time, watching it. Details are inaccurate and lacks proper definition.How is it the rating so high?
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A coruja noturna
Eu tô chocada com esse filme, de verdade. O Jun yeol me fazendo chorar mais uma vez e não por um romance.Que filme incrível, quando eu li a sinopse não esperava algo assim dessa magnetude, o filme te prende muito a medida que vai contando a narrativa, toda a trama parece uma teia de aranha, que vai fazendo várias ligações, quando você chega ali no fim e acha que vai dar tudo certo, a política mais uma vez sobressai. Uma das coisas que mais gostei foi o fato dele enxergar um pouco a noite, eu demorei para pereceber e fiquei toda arrepiada quando ele volta pra salvar o principe e o sol nasce. Todo mundo queria ir pro palácio para ter a oportunidade de uma vida melhor e ele foi com esse pensamento, pra tentar ajudar o irmão e olha em tudo que ele se meteu, eu realmente achei que ele fosse morrer, já estava desacreditada... Mas será que o príncipe herdeiro morreu? Ou o irmão dele morreu? Tem uma cena que parece o irmão que morreu, um corpo deitado, parece a casa deles. Meu coração se partiu, mas no fim ele voltou e fez a vingança, apesar de vingar a morte de todos a gente sabe que não vai adiantar muito, até porque o primeiro ministro sabendo de tudo arquitetou ali pra ficar no poder com outro herdeiro. Enfim, um belo filme, incrível. O Jun yeol me surpreendeu demais. E orgulhosa da Eun Jin, mesmo com um papel pequeno e rápido, ela tá ganhando muita visibilidade em trabalhos na Coreia
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