Untold Scandal - by Michael Duck
The director E J-yong has taken “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (1959) by the French novelist Choderlos de Laclos and moved it to the other side of the planet to Korea's Chosun Dynasty - not forward in time like the Hollywood remake “Cruel Intentions” starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe.
The synopsis
Lady Cho makes a bet that her cousin, Jo-won, won't be able to bed the innocent young Soh-ok, who is to become Lady Cho husband's concubine. If he loses, he has to become a monch, if he wins, he gets her.
Keeping close to the original book, the basic narrative and characterization are more or less the same, with only small adjustments made to fit with the 18th-century Korean society. But as E stays true to the spirit of the original novel he gives it however an entirely new aesthetic: The vibrant, gently clashing colours of the costumes and sets play an effective visual counterpart to the sensuality of the story (and the actors). The camera work and the initial establishing shots have their own slow rhythm and furthermore elegance - interacting well with the music, which is a mix of classical European and Korean music.
The Sex scenes -- far more explicit than in previous film adaptations -- collide with our preconceived images of old Korea. In contrast, the movements of the characters in day to day life are elegant in their restraint, echoing the strict moral code of Chosun society around which the characters must negotiate. In fact, the whole asian environment amplifies the story and the connotations connected to the story heavily - corresponding to the imaginations of an average European.
The primary credit for the suprising huge success of the film in Korea (over 3 million admissions nationwide) goes at my opinion to the cast: The main female actress Jeon Do-yeon, reknowned for playing well widely diverse roles, gives his character great depth. Lee Mi-Suk has earned a Best Actress citation from the Korean Critics Awards for her portrayal of Lady Cho. The most attention is however given to male lead actor: Bae Yong-Jun, famous for several TV-drama-productions, acts well, has an excelling presence and a huge sensuality for the many nuances of his role - sometimes though he is exceeded by the women in the film.
Comprising “Untold Scandal” by E J-yong is a very entertaining and insorfar interesting movie as not intended as an art film, “Chosun nam nyo sang yeol jisa” (Korean title) is a very good example of a modern-day blockbuster with a completely unexpected set of ingredients.