Masquerade

'Masquerade' is kind of movie that is hardly to find weakness from it. It is so beautiful and entertaining from the beginning through the end. The first half of the movie is about how Ha-seon adapts in palace environment which is interesting to see and sometimes really funny, and the last 45 minutes of the movie is just so tense. This is an example movie that is handled by professional cast and crew members. Chang-min as director built a dazzling and powerful movie, the cinematography is beautiful captured and solid frame by frame, the make-up and costume design are also did their responsibility well. Cast member also had done an incredible part especially Byung-hun as King Gwang-hae and Ha-seon. His name has already known internationally as a tough fighter in 'G.I. Joe series' and will be in 'Red 2' too but you wouldn't find him acts like in this kind of movie, it's totally worth to see. Byung-hun acts really convincingly as two different character here, a serious charismatic king and a naughty lazy comedian. Without the right guy who plays exceptionally in the main role, this movie wouldn't be that great. Overall, 'Masquerade' is a serious making movie with great storyline and strong performances although the ending is not so extraordinary. No wonder 'Masquerade' is appreciated and so successful in South Korea which it well deserved.

This was an absolutely stunning film. It is amazing to me that a director with relatively minimal experience can produce a masterpiece like this film. The story, the dialogue, acting, the costumes, the set decorations, the locations. Everything was absolutely pitch perfect. If only Hollywood could make films this good. I understand why it won so many awards. An absolutely stunning achievement.

I am not a fan of costume drama/movie and have limited knowledge of the truth historical events which the story is based upon. I even have doubt of watching this movie at the first place. But the slogan drew me in, 'The Kingdom in the hands of a layman for 15 days".

The front part for about 30 minutes is kind of pale. But I am happy that I got through that. Because what follows is the one of the most intriguing and interesting plot I had watch for a long time.

It is simple plot. A king is afraid of an assassination plan (later got drugged) and proceed to hide himself and put a fake on the throne for 15 days. The story follow Ha-seon, a layman impersonate as the fake king puppet during his 15 days reign of Joseon Kingdom and the relationship with his servants and the queen.

Lee Byung Hun is terrific as King Gwanghae and Ha-seon. The transition through and forth is clearly display. The affection towards his maid, Sawal, the Queen and the royal chief secretary is so well acted.

This movie give people something to think about. A king and a layman is not much different. A king is made to rule the country but he is not necessary the best man for the job. In the other way round, a layman with little literature education who had experience the poverty and difficulties as a citizen should not have the ability to rule a kingdom. BUT, HE DOES WITH HIS OWN WAYS AND MADE CHANGES THAT TURN THE KINGDOM INTO A BETTER PLACE.

This movie is the reason why I love cinema so much. A beautiful film that conveys so much emotion from you, I cried so much during this movie. Every actor did an amazing job but the main character showed some serious acting chops with his performance. When the scenes switch between the impostor and the real king, you don't for a single second think "Oh it's the same guy". It's two completely different and separate people despite being played by the same actor, now that takes some serious acting skills to pull off. The cinematography, sets, costumes, script, and everything was perfect. I hoped that the ending would have turned out different but being that it's a historical movie, it can't be helped. I don't usually like historical movies aside from WW2 movies, but this one is now my absolute favorite. Before watching, I knew literally nothing about Korean history but this movie has definitely made me a fan. Would recommend to anyone who likes inspiring, beautiful, funny, and emotional films.. so basically everyone. An easy 10/10.

Well this movie is not meant to be hidden! I know enough history to recognize that the two faces of the ancient god Ianós have no relevance to bad or good or prince Gwanghae or the dual role of Byung-hun Lee.But the acting of the latest is surely godlike.

Byung-hun Lee plays the part of Gwanghaegun the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty and this movie is a work of fiction created around a quote that I love , "Do not put on record what is meant to be hidden".

The plot of the movie is the following.The king, afraid of his life during rumors of assassination attempts, searches for a man that looks like him and can replace him as long as the danger for his life remains.

What follows is a masterpiece.Great actors,great direction and great costumes create a drama worth anyone's time.

Do not miss it.