The King and the Clown (왕의 남자, or Wang-ui namja) 2005

Jangsaeng and Gonggil are two clowns in the 16^th century, who often play-act as a man and a woman in their routines. This works out perfectly for two reasons: because they have great chemistry together, and because Gonggil is so utterly feminine. You will even think yourself that Gonggil is a girl, perhaps even questioning it the entire time you watch him. His intense feminine beauty, unfortunately, is what also sets this tragedy in motion. When Jangsaeng finds out Gonggil is being pimped by their boss, he runs away with his close friend, but only into a worse predicament. When the king catches wind of their new satirical act and watches them, he himself becomes enamored with Gonggil.

Kept in the king’s castle as his personal playthings, Jangsaeng and Gonggil are at constant risk, and the movie is tense as the king’s actions are completely child-like and unpredictable. How long can the clowns stay in his good graces? And how long can Jangsaeng tolerate watching the king and him spend so much private time together? When it comes to sexuality, neither relationship in the triangle is ever explicit. The king, in a quick fit, kisses Gonggil on the lips, although without lingering. Jangsaeng, meanwhile, keeps his emotions bottled, but has feelings that are much more true.

Jangsaeng and Gonggil have an intense partnership in their work that makes them almost like brothers, but the jealous Jangsaeng is forced admit to himself and Gonggil that it is much more than that at the end. It’s true love. The tragedy is that because of the volatile king, the clowns lose their chance to practice this love in this life.

Reaction

In South Korea, 12.3 million people saw the film, and it grossed more than any South Korean film before it – $85,000,000. (In the summer of 2006, the film The Host surpassed this with 13 million tickets sold.) It seemed unexpected that the film gained so much success, what with its focus of traditional arts and homosexual underlyings, especially without the attraction of high profile celebrities.

Despite the movie’s huge popularity in South Korea, it was first banned from screening in China. It premiered in Shanghai on 28 October 2006 and Chinese DVD version is distributed.

Cast

Gam Woo Seong – Jangsaeng

Jeong Jin Yeong – King Yeonsan

Lee Jun Ki – Gonggil

Kang Seong Yeon – Jang Noksu