Movie Digest
The story centers on the empress who struggled to defend herself and her family while having to endure the most tumultuous period in Korean history such as the Gabshin Incident, the Imo war, and even the Eulmi Incident. Empress Myeongseong never left behind a single photograph, in contrast to King Gojong, who loved being photographed. Just like any royal family, a lot is going on here too. Hwi loses his entire family as he criticizes the royal court in front of the queen in a shelter during the Military Mutiny of 1882. He vows retribution and works as the royal photographer’s assistant. His former fiancée Seonhwa, a lady of the court, criticizes him for his quest for vengeance. Additionally, A Japanese reporter involved in assassination attempts searches for the Empress’s pictures but is unable to locate any. When Hwi invites Seonhwa to pose for a picture while she’s out of the court on errands, the reporter snatches the picture, thinking it’s of the Empress. Will Hwi be able to take his revenge? Is Seonhwa in mortal danger? Why does the queen not agree to any photographs? Watch the musical to find out the answers.
The Feel-Good Part
This musical is a masterwork of historical fiction, fusing the writer’s imagination with real-life people and events and yet keeping it as accurate as possible without making major changes. Instead of concentrating on Empress Myeongseong’s existence as a public figure, this production delicately examines her as a person. The viewers are left mesmerized by the group’s flashy, particularly Korean flair as we watch them dance to regal music. Additionally reflecting the harmony placed into the production of this performance are the costume design, lighting, and background. The musical was determined to challenge the performance film market which is usually seen as an exclusive property of broadway and west end in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively with its original Korean content and like most Korean dramas it does not disappoint. To make matters better, Empress Myeongseong’s role is played by Cha Ji Yeon. She brings a much-needed three-dimensional quality to the character. Moreover, the writers did an amazing job concerning the script. One of the best examples of this is how instead of portraying the empress as a heroic figure or as most royalty dramas tnd to lean towards: villainizing the emperors, the writers maintained (or at least tried to) to keep a neutral stance allowing the viewers to form their own opinions by showing the way she was caught in the whirlwind of history, from the Gabshin Incident to the Imo war and even the Eulmi Incident.
The Disappointing Factor
Musicals tend to miss out on important little details as the information must be in a certain structure to make it easy for actors to be able to perform them. The condensation of data thus leads to some inconsistencies. This might not be an issue for some but almost everything is presented on a platter to marvel at which leaves little to nothing for imagination.
In-Depth Analysis
One of the major questions that haunt us throughout the musical is ‘would we be able to see her true self?’ and simultaneously ‘ do we know our true selves?’
Star Power
The cast consists of Cha Ji- Yeon, Kim Yong- Han, Sing Sang- Un, and Kang Sang Joon amongst others. Cha Ji- Yeon is known for her roles in dramas such Taxi driver, Scent of Woman, movies such as the Treacherous, Love Lies, and Horror stories III along with her roles in tv series such as Double Casting and guest starring in the King of Mask Singer. Kim Yong-Han is well known for his role in Uncanny Counter and Bad and Crazy. Additionally, Kang Sang Joon’s famous works are memories of Hae – Gak. Moreover, He has recently signed a contract with the entertainment agency ‘Cre company’ along with Moon Geung Young, his co-star in the drama memories of Hae- Gak.
Overall Opinion
This musical is for those people who can’t sit through documentaries or for those who want to jazz up their history lessons. The information doesn’t feel like an information dump and it keeps your brain stimulated enough that you won’t be sleeping while watching it.
