Sang-eui-won (2014) Reviews

• Beautiful, But Tragic

  alisonc-12015-07-22

  Cho Dol-Seok (Han Seok-kyo) has been the royal tailor for three Kings, including the current King (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Queen (Park Shin- hye). He's maintained his position by keeping to traditional, dignified clothing styles, ones that emphasize position and gravitas. The royal court is not without intrigue, however, and soon the Queen has a rival, young Concubine Soo-Yi (Lee Yoo-bi). The Queen meets a young tailor, Lee Gong-jin (Ko Soo), who unlike Cho is a true artist in terms of his creations, and it's not long before the divided loyalties in the court are made manifest through which tailor makes one's clothes.... This is an absolutely beautiful-looking film, as befits a movie where the clothes are paramount in telling the story. It's also very well-acted, particularly by the two actors playing the tailors, who depict their deep friendship while at the same time having completely different temperaments and spirits. There's some humour in the piece, but it's generally quite somber and tragic - as is frequently fitting for a period drama like this one. Gorgeous to look at, but it might just break your heart.

• A feast for the eyes

  pyattimac2017-07-20

  This was a lovely film! Don't be put off by the slow start-- it will draw you in, and it evolves from a visual feast to a sweet and sad story. The garments are just breathtaking-- I had trouble reading the subtitles because I kept looking up to see the costumes! This movie also shares some commonalities with many other films made outside the United States-- the slower pace, and greater reliance on the power of the actors' facial expressions and subtle gestures. I highly recommend it!

• Wonderful Movie

  miket6412018-05-02

  My wife and I watch a lot of Korean movies ( her being Korean and all) and I really enjoy the romantic comedies. I don't enjoy the period movies or shows unless there is a lot of sword play and material arts in it BUT! Even I enjoyed this movie. The Characters/Actors were perfect and it was an amazing story. Give this movie a try, though it's not a romantic comedy it is a great movie.

• Exquisite Morality Tale

  AJ_McAninch2018-09-10

  All of the leads are wonderful actors beloved in South Korea and with a strong supporting cast. The costumes, of course, are breathtaking and become more so with each of Kong-Jin's creations born of dreams and gentle love, especially for the queen. But for a bit of slow pacing and some continuity breaks, the film is perfect. It is also wrenching and heartbreaking as it moves from a story about making beautiful clothes to a parable of jealousy and karma. Strongly recommended.

• Artfully done while tragic, with light humor

  kathyjilee2018-07-08

  The costumes and actors/actresses were wonderfully aligned and prepared for this beautiful movie.