The Concubine (film)
The Concubine Hangul RRHugoong Jewangui Chub lit. Royal Concubine Concubine to the King is a 2012 South Korean historical film directed by Kim Daeseung. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, it centers around Hwayeon Jo Yeojeong, who becomes a royal concubine against her will, Kwonyoo Kim Minjoon, a man torn between love and revenge, and Prince Sungwon Kim Dongwook, who has his heart set on Hwayeon despite the countless women available to him. These three characters form a love triangle which is ruled by dangerous passion. The struggle to survive within the tightspaced boundaries of the palace is intense, and only those who are strong enough to overcome the helllike milieu can survive.
Reviews have been almost unanimously positive, with The Korea Times calling it one of the best commercial films this year. Promotion and hype had singularly focused on the films graphic portrayal of sex and Jo Yeojeongs nudity, which local critics found misguided and demeaning to a film that according to The Korea Herald explores the theme of betrayal, revenge and obsessions, with much nuance and depth and offers substance and ample entertainment, as well as almost Shakespearean psychological intricacy. Despite too many subplots which cause the narrative flow to be awkward at times, The Korea Times said it was an intense, multitextured journey that is certainly worth the effort, with psychological depths that demand multiple viewings. Hwang Kiseoks lush cinematography was praised, as were the costumes and the casts excellent acting, particularly Kim Dongwooks performance.One of the movies highlights is the finale, a slow zoomout on a scene that mirrors one of Christianitys famous images, The Piet. It summarizes Prince Sungwons character and his tragedy all stemming from the abusive relationship with his mother. Director Kim Daeseung also said that it is a reference to salvation, or the lack thereof, in all the characters quests. Everyone ends up in selfdestruction after a lifelong struggle to save themselves, their children or in the kings case, his love. ........
Source: Wikipedia
