Shadows in the Palace Review
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008 | Movies
Tags: Movies, review, shadows in the palace
Shadows in the Palace or Goongnyeo is a Korean mystery/thriller released in 2007 directed by Mee-jeung Kim. This is also Mee-jeung Kim’s first feature film, who previously worked as assistant director on the 2005 Korean blockbuster King and the Clown. In many ways, Shadows in the Palace is an unique film, for instance its attempt to combine elements of multiple genre into one film, and also its all-female crew. The story is also very unique, it is like CSI or Sherlock Holmes except it takes place in the royal court of Chosun Dynasty. In addition, its cinematography and historical costume design deserve praises. However, overall as a film, it fell apart in the second half. Personally, I think the introduction of mysterious spiritual entity destroyed the seriousness and believability of the film. The seemingly complicated murder case built in the first half of the film suddenly became unrealistic and even incomprehensible.
A maid-in-waiting hangs herself within the palace walls. However, while performing the autopsy, imperial medic Chun-ryung suspects murder and starts an investigation. With a taste for justice and full of wisdom, Chun-ryung bravely uncovers the deceptions. But she is soon confronted with a hidden past kept secret by those with far more power than she could ever imagine.
My reaction is confirmed when the light in the theater came back on, and the viewer next to me asked people around him whether anyone got the ending. In my opinion, the film could have been much better if story did not involve any supernatural entities. Nevertheless, I do recommend watching this on a DVD. As a warning, its depictions on physical torture can be extremely revealing and horrendous. So if you have a weak stomach, you may want to skip this, or cover your eyes during those scenes.
October 14, 2008
2:44 pm on Tuesday
thanks for the heads up, i’m watching this film tomorrow night.
October 14, 2008
3:41 pm on Tuesday
No problem! Let me know what you think after watching it.
October 14, 2008
10:22 pm on Tuesday
Sorry to be off topic from the review here (I don’t know anything about this movie genre), but I just wanted to comment that this is one of the slickest, sexiest WP themes I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing everyday.
It’s been on the tip of my tongue for weeks, and I figure it’s about time I said something. :D
You may now continue with your regularly scheduled comments…
October 14, 2008
10:23 pm on Tuesday
I love Korean Films. This one is now on que with the rest I have lined up! thanks.
October 14, 2008
11:13 pm on Tuesday
Thanks so much for your compliment Jack!
October 16, 2008
1:24 am on Thursday
just got back from the movie, i’m so confused… i have lots of questions that need to be answered.
October 16, 2008
2:02 am on Thursday
Hahaha, like I said in my review, I think the introduction of spiritual entity seriously damaged the film, and made the ending nearly illogical.