Lee Won-suk's "THE ROYAL TAILOR"
Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
During the Chosun Dynasty period of Korea a long-time royal tailor responsible for the attire of the royal families for 30 years expects to be promoted to nobility as a reward for his long and loyal service. At the same time a new and fashionable young tailor joins the royal wardrobe department and quickly gains the attention of the young queen.
A rivalry develops between the old and the young tailor. This rivalry eventually blossoms into a full-blown war where factions in the royal palace take sides. Clothing and fashion become symbolic of the intense competition between the traditional and the new. What began as an almost lighthearted and innocent exploration of clothing gradually becomes an all out war with the new king and his estranged queen playing — and being played — central roles.
Whatever your interests are regarding court politics and fashion you should consider seeing this film. Cast performances are superb, photography and set design are extraordinary and, most of all, the clothing on display is simply spectacular.
Don’t expect to see lots or action or swordplay. Do expect to see an engrossing and beautiful to look at historical drama where subtlety and whimsy eventually give way to high drama and tragedy. Highly recommended.
Review copyright (c) 2021 by Dennis D. McDonald
