I've watched The Treacherous twice now and I loved it even more the second time. The cinematography is really great and the acting is really well done too. If you're into saeguk dramas, you'll love certain aspects of this like the inclusion of pansori by the narrator as well as some of the character, the traditional sword dancing, and of course the ever present court politics.
The King was the most interesting character, mostly because this is based off true history. My understanding and knowledge of Korean history is mainly from what I've watched in dramas (lol) so I'm not sure how much artistic license they took with the portrayal of this tryant king, but MAN was he out of his goddamn mind! It was insane! But that's what makes this movie so wild and enjoyable--there are almost no limits to the insanity...its raunchy and violent at times, but that's supposed to be the point. The film explores greed, power, lust, revenge all very dark and entrancing themes that really draw you in. The camera work really helps to add!
Honestly, the rating is probably so low because you have viewers who are used to watched sappy, romcom movies and dramas and this is definitely no where near that sort of story. If you're looking for something gritty, explicit, exciting, sexy, and just insane you will not regret watching!
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The fact that it is all based on gritty, hard fact adds a hefty weight to the already unsettling story. There’s a lot here that reflects upon corruption, in all its forms, ‘gifting’ the viewer with an insight into a darker time in history and the effects of a corrupted government. Despite the general breadth of its theme - that this insanity and moral degradation affects a whole kingdom - it still feels personal and real. No character is without its flaws, nor its scars, and at times I even found myself pitying the mad prince. There’s a lot of emotional intensity to see here, like everyone's just trying to survive.
It’s a well-paced film, as I never found myself bored. Though the acting wasn’t lacking however - especially not with Kim Kang Woo and Joo Ji Hoon! - I do think I could’ve been more emotionally-invested? Where the fault lies with that, I’m not certain, but that’s the main reason why I mark this film down: I didn’t FEEL enough as I believe I could’ve. That, and at times… clarity, I believe, wasn’t always there. Not regarding the major things, but more in the details of the characters and their histories. (A few things felt a bit skimped over and probably could’ve done with a tad more coverage, though overall the impact on the rest of the film isn’t a big deal at all.)
That aside, the costumes are brilliant. As are the sets. The music is above being ‘just good’ and I genuinely enjoyed these past two hours, with all my gasping and marvelling. It’s a dark yet interesting film that kept me watching to the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
what can i add - the description if not the comments cover it ALL - in all its gory, revolting, messed-up details. this is a movie about how really corrupt and wicked monarchy can be, and was at one point in time... but considering all the stories world round - if u were wealthy - had statue and were close to the king / emperor u weren't much better. heck considering the stories out there, is it any different now? just now "they" use different means to get rid of the opposition and hide their debauchery...what i didn't get was if Prince Yeon San was engulfed in insanity after finding out his mother was killed, who the heck was the woman he kept calling mother and breastfeeding from?!? the one that tried to get the Gisaeng Jung Mae to be his main concubine(?) queen(?)
insanity aside the ones that fueled his flame and enabled his debauchery were Sung Jae and his father - for personal gain. getting rid of opposing palace officials and revenging a dead "sister wife"(?) Sung Jae words - that's the translation's fault -
but what i loved was the intro of Dan Hee, Sung Jae's childhood sweetheart - whose father was murdered by Sung Jae's father - and they lost contact after that.. she for whatever reason wants into the harem to get at the Prince, so she can assassinate his ass - why - again guessing game.
but i loved her intro cause of how it finally effected Sung Jae - who showed no remorse, or emotional involvement no matter what he did - he was like a wicked, evil, manipulative, destroying machine let loose on everyone - and she reined him in - because suddenly even though he didn't want to, he cared. and cause of that he began to change...
this is one hell of a ride - and the nudity and erotic scene r the least of what's gonna punch u in the gut, if ur squeamish look away cause this is like a slasher movie..
side note - read one comment that at the end the Prince was f*cking the pigs - noooooo - like know this was nuts and that prince was doubly so - cray cray to the max, but he murdered all the hogs in that room - he was stabbing them when the room was opened and he was exiled (well that bit i read - again translation - or whatever u call what the "subs" or lack thereof)...
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This review may contain spoilers
I love this movie from the bottom of my heart
This movie has so beautiful places like the house is just so majestetic, I want that kind of house too!But the men in this movie are so annoying..
I Think I started to hate lil bit MORE men because this? btw I've always hated men/boys (I have my own reasons)
Now lets speak the sex scenes in this movie!
Masterpiece.
Do I need to say something else? hmm...
The sex scenes were so beautiful and I want it too..jk jk (Or am I?)
If you like lesbian movies where are annoying men, beautiful sex scenes, majestetic clothes and places, this movie is for you!!!
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