Masquerade

Synopsis

In the historical drama film Masquerade, released in 2012, Lee Byung-hun portrays dual roles that tell the captivating story of King Gwanghae's double life. The King, fearing assassination attempts, hires a lowly acrobat to be his decoy. The acrobat, living as the King, must navigate through the royal court's treacherous intrigues while the real King experiences the humble life of his doppelganger. As tensions rise and secrets are unveiled, the kingdom's fate hangs in the balance, showcasing themes of identity, power, and sacrifice amidst a visually stunning backdrop of ancient Korea's royal court.

Cast

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  Lee Byung-hun

  King Gwang-hae / Clown Ha-sun

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  Ryu Seung-ryong

  Chief Secretary Heo-gyun

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  Han Hyo-joo

  Queen Joong-jun

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  Kim In-kwon

  Warrior Do

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  Jang Kwang

  Eunuch

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  Shim Eun-kyung

  Court Lady Sa-wol

Reviews

Masquerade has received critical acclaim for its intricate plot, engaging performances, and lush cinematography. Rotten Tomatoes rates the film at a perfect 100%, acknowledging it as a 'riveting historical drama.' IMDb scores it at 7.8/10, with praise for Lee Byung-hun's dual role as the King and the acrobat, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. Metacritic commends the film's meticulous attention to detail in recreating historical settings and costumes. The New York Times describes Masquerade as a 'masterful portrayal of political deception and personal struggles,' while Variety hails it as a 'royal masterpiece that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.' Overall, critics laud Masquerade as a standout in South Korean cinema, blending intrigue and emotion seamlessly.