Important film about the ethical dilemma of modern times whether any unjust methods can be justified to achieve one’s goal if the person believes it is desirable. If so, where would be the permissible range?

Set in the 1960s-70s, “Kingmaker” revolves around an opposition party politician who dreams of becoming president and his excellent strategist. It was motivated by mysterious election strategist Eom Chang-rok, who worked for former President Kim Dae-jung, who became president in 1998 in the culmination of a decadeslong political career. As far as I understood it is the lead actor Sol Kyung Gu responsible for the change of names - because of the pressure in portraying an actual famous person and its habits he proposed to the director to use imagined names instead of true personalities. Of course, the synopsis is based on real life events but the portrayal and its characteristics are based on the interpretation of the actors. Personally I liked the small details that gave away hints for KDJ again and again. The injured leg should be the most obvious one.

Let’s talk about the movie:
I really enjoyed the whole ride into partially true history. When you’re in Korea and ask the people for their favorite President it’s mostly either Park Chung Hee or Kim Dae Jung (from my personal experience). It all depends where your political compass is headed. Because I also vibe with KDJ I was eager to watch the movie and had high expectations, especially when I got to know the whole crew. I wasn’t disappointed because the acting is extraordinary brilliant - fitting to the senior actors Stils. They captivated me all along and made the time travel a unique experience. However, I also enjoyed the creative intermissions like “aged black/white tv reports” or two masqueraded political cabaretist which gave you a time stamp within the story. The intrigues, mind games and versatile tricks to win elections are impressive and scary at the same time. So my fascination really pulled the strings and left me in awe with the story. Not really good but also not really bad characters - the truth is in the middle. But the overall question about what’s right or wrong to reach your goals build on your ideals can only be answered by the viewer and it’s quiet noticeable how modern is this philosophical question. Overall, I’m impressed and had fun with the movie. I’d wish we would get more movie portrayals about the Three Kim Era instead of the republican anti-heroes.