Masquerade
Masquerade is an unlikely retelling of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper. This version is set in 16th-century Korea, during the reign of King Gwang-hae, who hires a double to keep assassins at bay. But when the king is poisoned, the imposter must assume the throne. The double is more democratic than the iron-fisted king, and it’s not long before people begin to notice the change. A gorgeous spectacle and one of South Korea’s all-time most successful films, Masquerade is capped by smart, clear direction by Choo Chang-min and a terrific dual performance by Lee Byung-hun. Many people are quick to bemoan all remakes, but the art of adaptation has kept Shakespeare works going for nearly half a millennium and this story has been filmed a number of ways, proving that when it’s done right, a good story is worth retelling.
By Colin Boyd
Credits
Director:
- Choo Chang-Min
Cast:
- Lee Byung-Hun
- Ryu Seung-Ryong
- Han Joo
- Kim In-Kwon
Now Playing
Masquerade is not showing in any theaters in the area.
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Now Playing
January 21-27
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Tucson Weekly
