Masquerade / Маскарад

SOUTH KOREA
2012, 131 MIN

Director Choo Chang-Min
Script Hwang Jo-Yoon, Choo Chang-Min
Camera Lee Tae-Yoon
Design Oh Heung-Seok
Music Mowg, Kim Jun-Sung
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Ryoo Seung-Ryong, Han Hyo-Joo, Kim In-Kwon, Jang Gwang, Shim Eun-Kyung, Kim Myeong-Gon
Producers Yim Sang-Jin, Won Dong-Yeon, Kim Ho-Seong, Jung Ji-Hoon, Kim Bo-Yeon
Production CJ Entertainment, Realies Pictures

The paranoid 15^th ruler of Korea's Joseon Dynasty, King Gwanghae, orders his chief secretary Heo Gyun to find him a double in order to evade the constant threat of assassination. Heo Gyun finds Ha-seon, a performer of satirical farces who bears a remarkable resemblance to the king. Just as feared, Gwanghae is poisoned shortly thereafter. The chief secretary proposes Ha-seon fill the role of the king until the bed-ridden monarch recovers fully, and grooms Ha-seon to act every bit the part. Being fundamentally more humanitarian than Gwanghae, Ha-seon’s affection and appreciation of even the most minor servants slowly changes morale in the palace for the better. Over time he finds his voice and takes control of governing the country with real insight and fair judgments. However, the king's chief opposition, Park Chung-seo, notices the sudden shift in the king’s behavior and starts to ask questions. The queen is also conflicted between the real king and the fake king’s secret.

CHOO CHANG-MIN

He made his feature directorial debut in 2005 with the hit comedy “Mapado: Island of Fortunes” scored 2,6 million admissions. His next film was a romance titled “Lost in Love” (2006), which garnered critical acclaim. Choo's third film, “Late Blossom” (2010), was a drama about romantic relationships between senior citizens that reached sleeper hit status through word-of-mouth after it was released.

World sales
CJ E&M Corporation
www.en.cjenm.com