Masquerade
Though it places his own life in danger, a look-alike commoner secretly takes the place of a poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos.
Critics Sentiment
Ha-sun fights to protect Queen and her brother
King Gwanghae becomes paranoid about assassination attempts
The film dramatically improves from a slow opening to soaring heights when Ha-sun takes the throne and begins his humanitarian reforms.
Masquerade builds from a modest opening to become an emotionally powerful masterpiece, with critics consistently praising Lee Byung-hun's dual performance and the film's seamless balance of comedy and drama. The sentiment peaks during Ha-sun's heroic protection of the Queen, with reviewers moved by his genuine empathy and transformation into a better ruler than the real king. Despite the bittersweet ending, critics found the conclusion satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 27
Lee Byung-hun
King Gwang-hae / Clown Ha-sun
Ryu Seung-ryong
Chief Secretary Heo-gyun
Han Hyo-joo
Queen Joong-jun
Kim In-kwon
Warrior Do
Jang Kwang
Eunuch
Shim Eun-kyung
Court Lady Sa-wol
Park Ji-a
Lady Han
Shin Jung-keun
Lee Jeong-rang
Jeon Guk-hyang
Lady Jeong
Lee El
Lady Ahn
Kim Myung-gon
Park Chung-seo
Kyul Hwi
Public Officer
Lee Yang-hee
Minister of Land
Lee Bong-ryeon
Royal Kitchen Court Lady
Lee Ran-hee
Royal Kitchen Court Lady
Shin Un-seop
Nobleman
Joo Young-ho
Public Officer
Yang Joon-mo
Kim Joo-seo
Moon Chang-gil
Prime Minister
Kwon Eun-soo
Gwang-hae's Towel Court Lady
Crew
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