1, "Mourning"
Director: Lee Jun-ik
Release Date: 2015-09-16 (Korea)
Douban score: 8.5
Gathered in the early 18th century, the Lee dynasty of North Korea tells the tragic story of a complex father and son, Youngjo and Yi Cho.
Due to the early death of his eldest son, Yingzu had high hopes for his second son, Li Chou, and did everything to cultivate him as a son.
However, Li Su indulged in fun and lived up to Youngjo's expectations.
In the collision of power and family affection, the relationship between the two gradually deteriorated.
One rainy night, Li Su's impulsive actions pushed the contradiction to Gao Chao, and he was finally imprisoned in a rice cabinet by Yingzu.
The eight-day imprisonment is not only a physical confinement, but also a torture of the soul, and the father and son reflect on the past in their own memories, and the emotional entanglement is moving.
Through accurate psychological portrayal and superb acting skills of the actors, the film vividly shows the emotional world of historical figures.
With his unique perspective and narrative techniques, director Li Junyi allows the audience to feel the weight of history while also deeply experiencing the brilliance and darkness of human nature.
2, "I Am the King"
Director: Jang Kyu-sung
Release Date: 2012-08-08 (Korea)
Douban score: 6.1
tells a legendary story about identity misalignment and self-growth.
King Sejong was not good for his eldest son, so he changed his third son, Li Yi, who was weak and sick, to the prince's son.
Li Yi was tired of the constraints of the court and longed for freedom.
At the same time, the powerful slave Deqi is killed by his master's involvement in political intrigues, and he accidentally swaps identities with Wang Shizi in the process of saving his lover.
Deqi is forced to play the role of Wang Shizi in the palace, experiencing power while also facing many crises; The real prince of the king has gone through hardships among the people and gradually realized the responsibility and mission of being a monarch.
When Prime Minister Shen Yi uncovers the truth about the fake world, a contest about identity, power and growth quietly unfolds.
The film blends history and fiction to present the audience with a story that is both absurd and touching.
Through the exchange of identities between princes and beggars, the film shows the great contrast between inside and outside the court, and explores the themes of identity, responsibility and growth more deeply.
The film has beautiful graphics and a moving soundtrack, which adds a lot of color to the whole story.
3, "The Ministers of Nanshan"
Director: Woo Min-ho
Release Date: 2020-01-22 (Korea)
Douban score: 8.2
With Kim Jae-gyu, the head of the Central Intelligence Department, at the core, it revolves around the complex political conspiracy in which he participated.
The film is set in 1979 during the turbulent political situation in Korea, and a series of major events broke out one after another, intensifying the power game and conflict.
The growing conflict between Kim Jae-gyu and the head of the hard-line presidential guardhouse eventually led to an assassination that shocked the nation.
Through a tense narrative rhythm and exquisite plot design, the film brings the audience into that era full of intrigue and betrayal, showing the cruelty and ruthlessness of the power struggle.
The film restores the truth of historical events and digs deeper into the distortion and struggle of human nature in the face of power.
The director skillfully blends elements of history, biopic, political and thriller to create an oppressive and tense atmosphere.
4, "Namhan Mountain Fortress"
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Release Date: 2017-10-03 (Korea)
Douban score: 7.9
The film is set in 1636 in the 14th year of the Battle of Bingzi, the 14th year of Injo, Joseon, tells the story of the Later Jin (Qing) army attacking Korea, King Injong and his ministers Choi Myeong-gil, Kim Sang-hun and others were forced to the mountain city of Namhan, isolated from the outside world and in a dilemma for 47 days.
In the film, Choi Myung-gil advocates for peace for the safety of the people, while Kim Sang-hun insists on continuing to fight, and the two factions face off in the city, showing the interweaving of nationalist sentiments and the brutality of war.
Through a delicate narrative and grand war scenes, the film delves into the beliefs and choices of different characters in extreme circumstances.
The film not only shows a high artistic standard in terms of cinematography and costume design, but also achieves remarkable achievements in plot depth and character building.
The film does not shy away from the cruelty of history, but presents the plight and struggle of the Joseon Dynasty during the Battle of Bingzi from an objective and calm perspective.
5, "Seoul Spring"
Director: Kim Sung-so
Release Date: 2023-11-22 (Korea)
Douban score: 8.8
The film follows "The Ministers of Namsan" and tells a thrilling scene on the Korea political scene in 1979.
After President Park Chung-hee was shot dead by a cronie, the situation is volatile.
Army Security Commander Chun Doo-kwang was appointed head of the Joint Investigation Headquarters, and he took the opportunity to expand his power and plot against him.
In order to contain Chun Doo-gwang, the chief of staff appointed Lee Tae-shin as the commander of the capital garrison.
However, Chun Doo-kwang was unwilling to be restrained and plotted to arrest the chief, but because he was in a hurry, he acted ahead of schedule and finally decided to launch a military coup.
Isolated and helpless, Lee Tae-shin held on to his faith and fought to the death against the rebels.
The film is set against the background of the famous "Double 12 Coup" in Korea history, showing the cruelty and complexity of the power struggle.
Through delicate portrayal and tight rhythm, the film brings the audience into that turbulent historical period, making people feel the thrilling political struggle.
The director perfectly integrates historical events with human entanglements, so that the film not only restores history, but also profoundly reveals the complexity and multifaceted nature of human nature.