The Legendary Courtesan Hwang Jin Yi (2007)

This movie is really underrated. I was really surprised to see it didn't have much success in Korea, because to me this movie is a maserpiece.

Don't expect this movie to be a shorter version of the drama. This movie is a completetly different version of Hwang Jin Yi story. In this movie, Hwang Jin Yi was raised as a noble during all her childhood, and this is only when she turn fifteen that her life change all of the sudden.

Unlike the drama this movie focus on Jin Yi's personality, rather than her art, so those who expect a lot of music and dance will be disapointed. But the OST of the drama is really beautiful.

One thing I absolutely loved in this movie, was the settings and the costumes. The landscapes are beautiful, the architecture and costume are really subtle and delicate. Everything isn't flashy with bright color, you have deep blue, black lace, green and black dresses, black hair ornements, all those dark color contrasting with the ivory skin of Hwang Jin Yi and make her gaze mesmerinzing : all her expessions are magnified.

This is a captivating and moving piece of art that I recommend.

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I have this love-hate relationship with this movie.

Love it for Song Hye Kyo and her leading man, hated it because of how the whole plot line was executed. Though in history, I already knew how it was going to end, I still had that tiny bit of hope that they would do something colorful about it so it wouldn't be much of a hard blow to watch. I guess have put too much expectation on my plate.

Cinematography wise, everything was beautiful, literally. Even the brothel itself was fixed up nicely. Music score was a plus, since it did help out build the drama, but it wasn't something I would remember forever. The story was a bit draggy and berserk, it swung from one plot to another and I hate having that kind of story line in the movies I watch.

So what other perk do I have with this movie aside from the leading actress? It was the fight scenes and Hwang Jin Yi's clothes.

Firstly, the fight scenes were choreographed carefully that it had really great results. Watching these fights were awesome, never mind the blood and gore, it was all good to watch. Secondly, Hwang Jin Yi's Hanbok were breathe taking. It had so many details in it and definitely glamorous even for a courtesan. I guess the fashion designer did put a hint of modernization on her dress although it was supposed to be on the Jeoseon era. Anyways, she was one of the greatest Gisaeng's after all. I guess the least producers can do was dress her nicely to cover off the sub-par story line.

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