The King and the Clown

In the Joseon period two street performers, Jang-saeng and Gong-gil, who plays the women's parts, are summoned to the palace. Tried for execution over a performance mocking the king, they are taken into the court once they manage to make him laugh. Yeonsangun enjoys the shows, but his real interest is Gong-gil, and the court reads that as a threat. Lee Joon-ik adapted a stage play. The story shows how power first buys humour and then turns it into a weapon. Lee Joon-gi became known through Gong-gil. The film reached an audience no Korean production had reached before and counts as the turning point for queer themes becoming visible in mainstream Korean cinema. Who it is for: viewers who like Korean historical drama and court stories. Who it is not for: anyone who must avoid torture and suicide.