k-dramatic
Italy
This review may contain spoilers
the wigs are better than the narrative structure
On paper, this movie had the potential of becoming the redeeming title in my ever-growing list of otherwise-questionable, hormone-driven viewings.
On paper, a period piece with a bombastic cast of widely acclaimed actors such as Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Kyung-young and, even, Kim Go-eun (and, foremost, my beloved Junho who constantly inspires my watchlist) should have been a failproof winner, right?
Spoiler: it was not.
Now, I can tell that this movie was expensive, not only because of the amazing cast, but also for the undeniable high quality of the production. In fact, cinematography is strong, set design is stunning, fighting scenes are a beauty and even wigs are on point! (in my opinion the least embarrassing Goryeo era wigs seen up until now). The story might not be everyone's cup of tea (with the parricide and matricide and twisted vengeance plot) yet it has all the necessary cruelty and perversion required for epic storytelling both in the western and eastern tradition.
All these superb ingredients are bound to make something memorably tasty and, instead, all we get is the blandest of salads.
What a shame.
It is my humble and unrequired opinion that the reason for such a bafflling nonsuccess is to be found in the narrative structure (or rather in the lack of it). The exposition is very minimal, almost non-existent, and confusing. The relationships between the characters evolve abruptly, with no natural progression and at times I wondered if I was missing scenes. As a result I was totally incapable of establishing any kind of bond with the characters despite actively trying to (I really wanted to sympathize with shirtless Junho).
Someone argued that the movie is too short (with its very average length of 120 minutes) to set the story properly and I had the horrifying thought that binge-watching an unspeakable number of 16 episode-long kdramas must have been damaging to the point I am now unable to enjoy a normal sized movie. So I tried watching 3 more movies after this one and it turns out I'm not broken. I liked all three of them just fine despite the fact that their stories were possibly even crueler.
Therefore, in the end, I stand un-redeemed by Memories of the Sword and I am also a bit annoyed for the fact that it wasted (Lee Junho!) so much potential.
Female Empowerment Score 2/5 I felt like they were implicitly saying that men are driven by reason and ambition, whilst women are driven by their emotions and are terminally twisted.
On paper, a period piece with a bombastic cast of widely acclaimed actors such as Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Kyung-young and, even, Kim Go-eun (and, foremost, my beloved Junho who constantly inspires my watchlist) should have been a failproof winner, right?
Spoiler: it was not.
Now, I can tell that this movie was expensive, not only because of the amazing cast, but also for the undeniable high quality of the production. In fact, cinematography is strong, set design is stunning, fighting scenes are a beauty and even wigs are on point! (in my opinion the least embarrassing Goryeo era wigs seen up until now). The story might not be everyone's cup of tea (with the parricide and matricide and twisted vengeance plot) yet it has all the necessary cruelty and perversion required for epic storytelling both in the western and eastern tradition.
All these superb ingredients are bound to make something memorably tasty and, instead, all we get is the blandest of salads.
What a shame.
It is my humble and unrequired opinion that the reason for such a bafflling nonsuccess is to be found in the narrative structure (or rather in the lack of it). The exposition is very minimal, almost non-existent, and confusing. The relationships between the characters evolve abruptly, with no natural progression and at times I wondered if I was missing scenes. As a result I was totally incapable of establishing any kind of bond with the characters despite actively trying to (I really wanted to sympathize with shirtless Junho).
Someone argued that the movie is too short (with its very average length of 120 minutes) to set the story properly and I had the horrifying thought that binge-watching an unspeakable number of 16 episode-long kdramas must have been damaging to the point I am now unable to enjoy a normal sized movie. So I tried watching 3 more movies after this one and it turns out I'm not broken. I liked all three of them just fine despite the fact that their stories were possibly even crueler.
Therefore, in the end, I stand un-redeemed by Memories of the Sword and I am also a bit annoyed for the fact that it wasted (Lee Junho!) so much potential.
Female Empowerment Score 2/5 I felt like they were implicitly saying that men are driven by reason and ambition, whilst women are driven by their emotions and are terminally twisted.
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