Lorena S
Very very emotional story and loved how was written and how well managed the scenes to make as real as possible. How sad story but definitely worth it. Recommended.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/09/23
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Siva K
What an absolutely amazing movie! Well-made and has a superb performance by everyone, especially the lead characters. Based loosely on historical events from the life of princess Deokhye, daughter of emperor Gojong (1852-1919), who was 60 when she was born. Deokhye was the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This movie has now made me look into more movies from the Korean movie industry.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/22/22
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Audience Member
This is a heartbreaking true story of the sad life of the last surviving member of the Korean royal family, who was not only kidnapped and forced to live as a prisoner of Japan, but was then refused re-admittance to her own country after Japan fell at the end of WW II, because the then current Korean government didn't want to rekindle support for the monarchy. Actress Son Ye Jin is one of the best actresses in Korea, and shows why in her performance here. Keep your tissues ready.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/21/23
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Audience Member
I've seen this movie at least five times. Top-of-the-line acting. The story really communicates the suffering of those who had to live under Japanese imperialism and the yearning of the Korean people.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/23/23
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Audience Member
The longest 10 minutes of the princess' life!
The story that sets in the 1961, but most of the film was a flashback narration that takes us to the 30 years earlier, in the 30s. This is a biographical film of the last Korean princess to be crowned. Though the film clearly briefs her power struggle over the foreign power. The entire tale was told from her perspective as she saw everything. So, it was real, but historical facts were compromised in places with additional characters or events that more cinematised. That's what the film declared at the opening. To be honest, any biopic would be the same. You can't expect a perfect, a flawless portrayal of a person or the event. Since films are just a recreation to spread the truth, whether they are good, bad or nothing important.
There are lots of Japanese dialogue as the story required it. I have seen other Korean historical films, especially about freedom fight. In this too, you could see that phase of the history, but in a different angle. The 2 hour long film, most of it was drama, but there are some action sequences too. A little love story, but overwhelmed by the princess' own struggle throughout her adult life. Probably one of most misunderstood person for her actions by her own people. Because they have seen only from their own eyes, not the truth, what their princess had gone through. Sooner or later, the truth always comes out, and that's where the narration draws its curtain.
While the Korean is being under the rule of Japan, the 13 year old princess, Deokhye witnesses her father's assassination for his objection over some matter brought by the Japanese officials. Now the grownup princess was forced to go to Japan for her higher studies. But she pledges to return home to her mother and people. That's not what happens, she sees many Koreans trapped in there as the slave workers. Her fight for their freedom becomes her next target, though things take twists and turns, leaving her in the tight spot. The remaining story is to reveal her rest of the life after a long struggle.
?Never give up until the end. Spring will come again to fields stolen from us.?
Usually a good Korean film will be recognised well in the international stage. Especially for like this, having a wonderful cast and crew, I did not expect the under-notice. As I have seen it, definitely the film deserves more appreciation. Well, I did not like the film either in the beginning. I thought it was too slow, too long and the events were uninteresting. But the real value of the film came in the later part. Yes, the narration picked up the speed with all the sudden developments. Basically what we would call such film is: a slow start, but concluded strongly. So you have to wait till the end to come to any judgement.
One thing I did not mention so far was the emotions. If I'm saying I liked it, that's mainly because of the sentiments. I did not anticipate that, it was like came from nowhere. As I always say, emotions are a big part of Korean films. In that, sometimes I hated for overusing it, though not in this case. Usually a film inspired by real do have such things strongly. The film did not cover any war events, except orally declaring the details for the viewers to get everything happening around.
Son Ye-jin is the most familiar face from the Korean films and as usual her execution was amazing in this. She was the right choice to play the title role, along with the director that seems he's back in the action with this like his earlier films. Its nothing lesser than any kings and queens films you had seen from the west. Since it was about a princess, her movements were strictly restricted within the walls. Which was one the reason she had nothing big to accomplish than being a puppet, except when she stepped into the Japan. Her Japan visit changed her approach, despite it was done against her will. So there are many things about the princess that you could learn through this film. Definitely a must see if you like biopics and history.
7/10
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Love it. It's based on a real story and Son Yejin's acting is really good here. It's heart-wrenching and teaches us not to forget our history. I even did some background reading before and after watching because of how hooked I was.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/13/23
Full Review
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