Reading fate People have always been interested in the secret, hidden, their future and what can be said about them. From that were popular priests, witches, fortune tellers. The main character of this film has mastered the craft, or as he calls it, has a talent to read faces and determine the fate of people. A certain parallel with palmistry and chirology, when the lines on the hand, the shape of the fingers and hands determine both the fate and character of a person. It's all in the eyes, in the facial features. An interesting interpretation, only, to my personal regret, physiognomy here was only an accompanying theme, an occasion to start a story.
Plot
The film, as mentioned above, is not about physiognomy, but about people’s weaknesses. Here people are killed by alcohol and they are almost captured. Then destroys power, excessive trust, excessive feelings, self-interest. A film about honor and duty, about love and justice. It is not for nothing that the son of the protagonist Jin-hyun wanted to restore the honor of his family, “to atone for the sins of his grandfather,” as he himself says.
But the film is not the same as we are used to seeing instructive stories. This is a real life film based on the true events of the history of the Joseon dynasty, when the thirst for power is stronger than family values and love for others. In contrast, ordinary people who are ready to betray the state, for the sake of family values, the well-being of the family. What's better? Director Ji-Ram Khan gives an unobtrusive answer - nothing if it goes to extremes.
Another conclusion is the idea that it is important not just to be able to read a person by the expression of the face and eyes, but to see the soul of a person. The ruler of the house of Kisen says: “Although you read faces best, I know people best.”
Actors
It happens that actors play, and sometimes they live in their role. And in this case, it happened with Son Kang Ho and Lee Jung Jae. Although everyone coped with their roles. And really looking at them, at their eyes, facial expressions, movement, gait, you understand that here is Sunyang, cruel as a wolf, and here is the first minister, harsh and strong as a tiger.
South Korea is able to make quality historical films about its people. Decorations, costumes are always at the highest level. Monologues and dialogues, images of heroes, stories are filled with the wisdom of generations and deep meaning. And this is a good film about the harsh days of the era of the tsarist coups, about people and their vices, with a beautiful camera work, a good script and excellent actors, a bit of humor and strong drama.
9 out of 10