Masquerade (2012)
2h 11m | PG-13
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.
Director: Choo Chang-min
Studio: CJ Entertainment
Genre: Drama, History
Video: 720p
Cast
Lee Byung-hun
as King Gwang-hae / Clown Ha-sun
Ryu Seung-ryong
as Chief Secretary Heo-gyun
Han Hyo-joo
as Queen Joong-jun
Kim In-kwon
as Warrior Do
Jang Kwang
as Eunuch
Shim Eun-kyung
as Court Lady Sa-wol
Reviews
A commoner becoming the king is a theme that's all too familiar to us. The story was told in <The Prince and The Pauper> and this film takes the idea from that and takes it to the 16th-century Joseon Dynasty. The king is the tragic historic figure of Kwanghae. The commoner who becomes the King realizes just what it takes to be a good king. Although the premise may feel like it’s based on real events in history, but the film is a work of fiction. LEE Byung-hun plays both the king and the commoner and it's his first role in a historical drama since his debut. His queen, who loves her king despite realizing that he's a fake, is played by HAN Hyo-joo who showed great potential in <Only You>. The movie is directed by CHOO Chang-min whose other works include <Mapado> and <Lost in Love> and the writer HWANG Jo-yeon co-wrote <Old Boy>.