Jerry007
Arch-Supremacy Member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2004
- Messages
- 14,392
- Reaction score
- 0
The Korean blockbuster is finally here!
Synopsis from movieXclusive.com:
MASQUERADE (Gwang-hae: The Man Who Became King) is a South Korean historical film starring Lee Byung-hun in dual roles as the bizarre King Gwang-hae and the humble acrobat Ha-sun, who stands in for the monarch when he faces the threat of being poisoned. The paranoid 15th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, King Gwanghae (LEE Byung-hun), orders his chief secretary Heo Gyun (RYOO Seung-ryong) to find him a double in order to evade the constant threat of assassination. Heo Gyun finds Ha-seon, a performer of satirical farces who bears a remarkable resemblance to the king. Just as feared, Gwanghae is poisoned shortly thereafter. The chief secretary proposes Ha-seon fill the role of the king until the bed-ridden monarch recovers fully, and grooms Ha-seon to act every bit the part. While assuming the role of ruler at his first official appearance, Ha-seon begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwanghae, Ha-seon’s affection and appreciation of even the most minor servants slowly changes morale in the palace for the better. Over time he finds his voice and takes control of governing the country with real insight and fair judgments. Even the chief secretary is moved by Ha-seon’s genuine concern for the people, and realizes he is an infinitely better ruler than Gwanghae. However, the king's chief opposition, Park Chung-seo (KIM Myung-gon), notices the sudden shift in the king’s behavior and starts to ask questions. The queen (HAN Hyo-joo) is also conflicted between the real king and the fake king’s secret.
Movie opens 28 March.
Synopsis from movieXclusive.com:
MASQUERADE (Gwang-hae: The Man Who Became King) is a South Korean historical film starring Lee Byung-hun in dual roles as the bizarre King Gwang-hae and the humble acrobat Ha-sun, who stands in for the monarch when he faces the threat of being poisoned. The paranoid 15th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, King Gwanghae (LEE Byung-hun), orders his chief secretary Heo Gyun (RYOO Seung-ryong) to find him a double in order to evade the constant threat of assassination. Heo Gyun finds Ha-seon, a performer of satirical farces who bears a remarkable resemblance to the king. Just as feared, Gwanghae is poisoned shortly thereafter. The chief secretary proposes Ha-seon fill the role of the king until the bed-ridden monarch recovers fully, and grooms Ha-seon to act every bit the part. While assuming the role of ruler at his first official appearance, Ha-seon begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwanghae, Ha-seon’s affection and appreciation of even the most minor servants slowly changes morale in the palace for the better. Over time he finds his voice and takes control of governing the country with real insight and fair judgments. Even the chief secretary is moved by Ha-seon’s genuine concern for the people, and realizes he is an infinitely better ruler than Gwanghae. However, the king's chief opposition, Park Chung-seo (KIM Myung-gon), notices the sudden shift in the king’s behavior and starts to ask questions. The queen (HAN Hyo-joo) is also conflicted between the real king and the fake king’s secret.
Movie opens 28 March.
