The Treacherous
The Treacherous

The Treacherous

2015
Movie
133 min
Korean

The story of Joseon's tyrant king Yeonsan who exploits the populace for his own carnal pleasures, his seemingly loyal retainer who controls him and all court dealings, and a woman who seeks vengeance.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Metacritic59/100
Google Users78%
Director: Kim Ji-woonGenres: Drama, Historical, Action

Plot Summary

In the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Grand Prince Suyang schemes to seize the throne from his young nephew. He manipulates court officials and military leaders, clashing with loyalists like Kim Jong-seo who strive to protect the rightful heir. The film chronicles the brutal political struggles, betrayals, and power plays within the royal court.

Critical Reception

The Treacherous received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its visual spectacle, production design, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Song Kang-ho. However, some found the plot to be convoluted and the historical liberties taken to be significant.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with impressive period detail and grand set pieces.
  • Features strong performances from its acclaimed cast, especially Song Kang-ho.
  • The narrative can be dense and struggles with pacing at times.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's visual grandeur and the intense power struggles depicted. Some viewers found the story compelling and well-acted, while others wished for a clearer narrative focus.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for several awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

Fun Fact

The film's elaborate sets and costumes were designed to meticulously recreate the opulence and political intrigue of the Joseon Dynasty's royal court.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review