Sado (사도, The Throne) #review

English Title -  The Throne

Romanization -  Sado

Writers -   Jo Chul hyun, Oh Seung hyun, Lee Song won

Genre -  Period Piece (Historical based on real events)

Released -  September 16, 2015

CAST

PLOT

King Yeongjo (Song Kang ho) aspires to become a perfect king due to his tarnished background. His mother is from a lower class and a rumor exists that he killed his older brother to become the king. King Yeongjo then has a son at a late age. He appoints the little prince as the Crown Prince (Yoo Ah in). King Yeongjo has high expectations for the Crown Prince, but the Crown Prince cares more for martial arts and paintings rather than focusing on his studies. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince longs for a benevolent father rather than a strict King. The relationship between the King and Crown Prince becomes shattered. ~AsianWiki

REVIEW

Let me start by saying this received quite a few awards, and with good reason.

Then, I'd like to share a bit of back-story prior to an honest review of the movie.

I found, on YouTube, a Korean variety show series titled Battle Trip and only watched the first episode, thinking it was okay but not inspiring.

Until about mid-way through the show, when the History Professor and (some handsome Korean actor?) walked along a thin riverbank in downtown Seoul, which is like a culvert of sorts with boulder walls, stone walkways, and even places to sit.

As the history professor started talking about that particular part of Seoul, I became amazed by its history and the sheer fact that so many modern Koreans walk up and down this culvert without even realizing the amount of fascinating history involved in that one, simple stone bridge.

There is a lovely, engraved sarcophagus (of sorts) hanging upside down and with most of its inscription missing, underneath that lovely bridge, but as the History Professor told the tale of a forgotten time in Korea's past, I was blown away.

THEN they mentioned a 2015 movie in which my boy, So Ji sub, made a non-paid-for appearance, I just had to watch and so did an immediate search for a movie titled Sado.

FOUND IT!

Sadly, the subs were below par and made it a bit difficult to follow, but luckily I was wise enough to research the history of the story prior to watching, so I felt slightly confident about what I was trying to read and follow.

Also, I was extra anxious to see So appear on screen, which probably made things a bit more angst-y for me, but not enough to distract me from what ended up being an enjoyable, rewarding, and I'll admit without embarrassment, tearful watch!

That ending...

But, before I get too far ahead of myself, let me just say that this wasn't the BEST historical depiction of Korea's past that I've seen, but it was, by far, the most action-packed as far as true 'drama' goes.

Also, I had to wonder if the story wasn't a 'rendition' of the true history, or if the writer's chose to stick as closely to the facts as was possible.

Either way, it still was worth the watch.

To some, it might be a bit confusing the way the director chose to jump about with the time-line of events, but again, having researched the story prior to watching helped in that regard.

It was also a bit difficult to side with the doomed prince one minute, only to be completely sucked into his cause the next, so kudos to the director for keeping me guessing.

I was also sorry to learn that, while this was a total success in Korea and elsewhere in Asia, it didn't get very far in any Western-type award shows, more's the pity.

Now, back to So Ji sub's unpaid appearance near the end.

So Ji sub

Jeez, was that a tough one to sit through and not just break down crying like a wronged 5-year old!

Stellar cast, no one was necessarily over-the-top or attempted to outshine someone else, which is always appreciated.

It was also great to see Moon Geun young in a serious, era role and, no surprise, she did a wonderful job of convincing me she belonged there and knew her place in history.

Moon Geun young in Sado

She played Prince Sado's wife and King Jeongjo's mother.

Also, it was just as refreshing to see baby-faced Yoo Ah in work to portray the doomed Prince and do it in a way that seemed to break all conventional barriers as far as his being type-cast go.

As mentioned, this was a stellar cast of performers all working seamlessly to create a memorable movie that I highly recommend you watch if you haven't already.

If the ending doesn't move you to tears, I will have to question your human side!

Do it first, and then listen to this exceptional orchestra piece that weaved its way through most of the story...

...see if you don't shed at least one tear before the movement ends.

Such a moving ending to a sad, sad story!