The King And The Clown - Korean Movie (2005) - Poignant, Deep, Must-Watch!

 

Source: Internet

Since I am on a Lee Joon Gi marathon when I was reading up about him, this one movie kept cropping up over and over again - the movie that was responsible for the rising popularity of the young man that he was in 2005. 

Set in 15th/16th century Korea, this period drama touches upon several aspects in the subtlest of ways. There are hints of homosexuality, they talk about the tyrant king, freedom of expression, and of course the traditional arts that are used to showcase these. 

In Tamil Nadu, the street plays are referred to as Theru Koothu and it is refreshing to see them in other parts of the world too. 

This film had pretty much lesser known "stars" but the output is simply outstanding. Be it King Yeonsan, the tightrope walker Jang-sang or my new favourite, Lee Joon Gi who plays Gong-gil. 

These tightrope walkers/minstrels, street performers mock the King and are jailed but get a chance to escape punishment if they make the King laugh, and laugh he does.

The King displays a variety of emotions - from being the cruel King who doesn't hesitate to kill people in an instant to the comical one who bows down to Jang-sang during the skit/performance in the court to "playing" with Gong-gil and preventing the whore turned consort from hurting Gong-gil. 

As for Jang-sang, the more manly and stronger tightrope walker, he is just too brash and is very protective of Gong-gil, the effeminate one. His affection for Gong-gil shows mildly in the beginning but you can see it becomes more evident as we progress through the film. 

And now over to Gong-gil, the boy with feminine traits owns the role and plays it to the T - with what grace and naiveite. Selected after an audition of about 3000 other boys, Lee Joon Gi has really immersed himself in the role, you only see the beautiful and innocent Gong-gil all through. He shares the same affection that Jang-sang has for him but when the King saves him, he feels indebted and wants to continue staying at the palace.

As I mentioned in the beginning, the director has touched upon homosexuality in a very subtle manner that you know it is there but it is not explicit and that is how it should be done IMO. 

While the scenes and the progression might seem light and simple, the depth of the emotions portrayed is immense. When you see it, you will feel it. It is not a surprise that this low-budget film went on to become a blockbuster hit that year and it honestly deserves the recognition it received. 

When I read a summary of the story, I assumed it might be like Jogwa, an Indian art film that will move you greatly, it was kind of a sad story too (a true story in fact) but after I watched this one, I realise they are both amazing films by their own right.

I think this sums up the story - “Here comes a fool rash and proud. I never knew a fool who knows his place.” It all begins here and the story lies inside these lines. Beautiful and profound!

If you like international cinema, add this to your list, you'll not regret it - thank me later.