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Masquerade
광해, 왕이 된 남자
2012 131 min South Korea 12+
★8.1
Drama, History
Director: Choo Chang-min
Trailers
Description
Though it places his own life in danger, a look-alike commoner secretly takes the place of a poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos.
US Gross:
$922,921
Starring
Lee Byung-hun
Actor
Ryu Seung-ryong
Actor
Han Hyo-joo
Actor
Awards
25 wins & 16 nominations total
Key opinion
Masquerade is a polished, highly successful historical drama that effectively blends humor with serious political themes. Anchored by a masterful dual performance from Lee Byung-hun, the film balances its crowd-pleasing, fairy-tale structure with striking visuals and a compelling narrative about the nature of power.
| Acting | Lee Byung-hun delivers a masterful, versatile performance, seamlessly navigating the distinct demands of playing both a cold, paranoid monarch and a commoner jester. | |
| Cinematography | The film features high-quality cinematography and production design that create an authentic and visually immersive atmosphere of the Joseon era. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay successfully balances lighthearted comedic relief with serious exploration of political corruption and moral leadership. | |
| Originality | While some viewers find the plot absorbing and emotionally resonant, others perceive the narrative as a formulaic, commercial, or overly lighthearted adaptation of established tropes. |