Kattiera Nana I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Peereddi I was totally surprised at how great this film.You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation.

TaryBiggBall It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

tchrjudith I can't believe that this film was low-budget. The cinematography was breathtaking, the costumes were colorful and vibrant (and depicted what each character should be wearing), the acting was superb for the main and minor characters, the skits were hilarious, the dialogue based on the subtitle was poetic and must be more poetic in Korean, and the entire feel of the movie was outstanding. It did not rely on star power or glitzy special effects or well choreographed action sequences. It used an interesting plot, well- rounded characterization even for some of the minor characters, and of course themes and actions that were better left unsaid or implied. I never liked the in your face style of movie making that many Western directors seem to take to make their point (which some Asian directors seem to follow). For example, I am uncomfortable with homosexual themes and yet the depiction of homosexuality in this film was subtle and it was not the only theme explored in this movie. There didn't have to be sexual scenes to make me think that there must be something between the two jesters. The beauty of this kind of subtlety, though, was the fact that some viewers just thought of the relationship as brotherly or platonic in nature. And because it was so subtle, it could be interpreted as such. Even the deaths of the jesters were subtly portrayed and did not become explicit. I got teary-eyed even though in the end, there were no tears and the characters were shown as happy being together. And there were humorous parts that came off naturally. The skits were of course funny by themselves, though they were bawdy. But the dialogue among the jesters made me laugh despite the fact they were just talking about what was happening to them in the course of events like not wanting to act the parts of certain characters or why they had to do certain things or why awful things happen after each skit.The melancholy scenes also tugged at the heart and even though the king was such a tyrant, one couldn't help pity him at some parts.This will become a classic because of its universal themes and great film making. I have to admit that I am homophobic but the love portrayed between the two jesters (and to me it was not brotherly love) in this film was more romantic than other couples depicted on film with a lot of explicit sex scenes, whether they are homosexuals or otherwise. I wish modern films would use more implied scenarios (off cam situations) instead of using a lot of graphic sex and violence to sell their films. Viewers who have brains won't have an issue understanding the implications unless they love sex and gore.BRAVO!!!!!

Tehranu This is one of the most powerful Korean movies that I've seen in my entire life. The story of The King and the Clown, (왕의 남자) is an artful tale of entertainers that dare to mock the King, and then are brought to the palace. Though well-known for the gay-themes that the movie brings, it is only implied, and not the sole purpose of the story. It deals with corruption in the high court, the art of entertainment and survival.Although the script, cinematography and etc. are done masterfully to successfully bring the audience back to the Joseon Dynasty in which our story is set, its main attractions are the characters that are beautifully portrayed by actors Kam Woo-Seong, Jeong Jin-Yeoung and, last but Definitely not least, Lee Jun Ki. Jeong Jin-Yeoung plays the slightly deranged tyrannical King, scarred from his mother's early suicide forced upon by his court ministers, who later becomes obsessed with one his new entertainers, Gong-gil (Lee Jun Ki). Kam Woo-Seong, who plays Jangseng, the leader of the troop, managed to win a DaeJong award (equivalent to an Oscar) for his role, while Lee Jun Ki, for his brilliant acting that brought tears to his audiences, as well as his beauty that surpasses most girls, became an instant (and extremely popular) success.I highly recommend watching this film. The end brings the audiences heart-rending tears, and empty wallets from watching it about 20 times. It is that. good.

bluenooky007 King Young San was perhaps the most infamous tyrant in Korean history (or perhaps the most well known). He showed sociopath tendencies even as a child(hurting animals and such)but what drove him over the age and started his tyrannical reign was his discovery of the circumstances under his mother died.His mother Yoon, was the King's favorite concubine. She was falsely accused of plotting to kill her rivals and ordered to drink poison by the king. The circumstances of her death were kept a secret until King Young San found out by accident. Upon his discovery, he was seized with sorrow and rage, and put to death or exiled anyone who was responsible of his mother's death. Even those those who didn't strongly oppose her execution were put to death.Although he is portrayed as a terrible dictator, his love for his mother and the terrible pain her death caused adds an extra dimension to his tyrannical reign.It is interesting to note (according to the movie) his bringing the clowns into the palace and having them perform those skits was what drove his ministers into a rebellion.

loniewolf Throughout the unknown history, The King and the clown (or the jester) seemingly have special relations whether they intend it or not. And it goes without saying the clowns always put themselves in a position on stage where people usually find deep sadness - if not humbleness - and throw their sympathetic applaud. In this movie, this milieu doesn't fade away as though I didn't find any similarity and simultaneousness betwixt and between Korean and any Wesern history. So I momentarily wonder if any two historical/cultural facts with different backgrounds can be juxtaposed. Of course it we think from outside of the box, we'll ambiguously realize there's only one rules controlling under any culture: common sense.Yunsan-kun is the one of the ferocious dictators throughout the Chosun Dynasty. No wonder his characteristic behaviour sometimes led to the horrific incidents draws broad attention; yet he governed the country surprisingly adequate even though his way of making decision seemed rebellious comparing to the social notion at the time. Although the story deals with the chaotic times, which we might have gone through the similar one unwittingly, it introduces "Pan" culture throughout the movie. Pan means simply the stage; where the clowns and acrobats perform. In the movies, along with those three Pan performances I realized how we have become so accustomed not to open up ourselves and let it go as opposed to people arduously enjoyed it.I may have to say the movie doesn't describe the dark history effectively because of too many fictitious characters and artificial scenes; however, it successfully delivers the coarse conversation beautifully between clowns. It is obscene and full of hatred against the discrimination towards them from the noblemen. The social climate was not ready for these kinds of radical protest and thoughts, either. But I believe it was generally amused and accepted only by grass roots. But when it happens on Pan, it was ironically accepted to noblemen. It is a dramatic irony after all.One thing I'm not sure is if the movie sets and garments were really reflected based on the fact - especially the scene when two clowns perform about the death of King's mother, the garments and ambiance look like they borrow them from Chinese opera. I just hoped it properly reflects more about Korean culture whether it intends or not. (I suppose the movie can provide the "Pan" and we only can be an audience.) Still, the movie has a great deal of efforts to embrace it, though. I personally think the script is almost perfect. Of course for those who can understand the text and Korean innermost feelings streaming amongst them.