Korean Cozycrab: Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King

광해: 왕이 된 남자

Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King) is a 2012 South Korean historical film starring Lee Byung-hun in dual roles as the bizarre King Gwanghae and the humble acrobat Ha-sun, who stands in for the monarch when he faces the threat of being poisoned. The international title is Masquerade.

Background

Historically, Gwanghae, the 15th Joseon king from 1574-1641, attempted diplomacy through neutrality as China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) set their sights on the country. He also tried his hand at other reforms and reconstruction to try and make the nation prosperous, including an emphasis on the restoration of documents, but met with opposition and was later deposed and exiled to Jeju Island. Since he was deposed in a coup by the Westerners faction, historians did not give him a temple name like Taejo or Sejong.

The film is an interpretation of the missing 15 days in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty during Gwanghae's reign—designated by his 1616 journal entry, "One must not record that which he wishes to hide."

Plot

The confusing and conspiratorial 15th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty King Gwang-hae (Lee Byung-hun) orders his councilor, Heo Gyun (Ryoo Seung-ryong), to find him a double in order to avoid the constant threat of assassination. Heo Gyun finds Ha-sun, a lowly acrobat and bawdy joker who looks remarkably like the king, and just as feared, Gwang-hae is poisoned. Heo Gyun proposes Ha-sun fill the role as the king until Gwang-hae recovers fully and grooms Ha-sun to look and act every bit the king. While assuming the role of the king at his first official appearance, Ha-sun begins to ponder the intricacies of the problems debated in his court. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwang-hae, Ha-sun’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 Heo Gyun is moved by Ha-sun’s genuine concern for the people, and realizes he is an infinitely better ruler than Gwang-hae. However, his 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.

Cast

Lee Byung-hun ... King Gwanghae/Ha-sun

Ryoo Seung-ryong ... Chief Secretary Heo Gyun

Han Hyo-joo ... Queen Consort Joong Jun

Jang Gwang ... Chief Eunuch

Kim In-kwon ... Captain Do, king's personal bodyguard

Shim Eun-kyung ... Sa-wol, food taster

Kim Myung-gon ... Interior Minister Park Chung-seo

Park Ji-a ... Lady Han, chief court lady

Shin Jeong-geun ... Lee Jeong-rang

Jeon Guk-hyang ... Lady Jeong

Yang Jun-mo ... Kim