The pace of the story flowed really nicely for me. It didn't jump right into the main plot. It gives you a little while to get used to the characters and sort of get a feel for how they are with each other, which makes it a lot more enjoyable to watch in the end.
I think my only complaint (or at least the only one I can think of right now) would be the sex. There was a lot more than I was originally expecting. The first hour or so is like watching softcore porn. I'm so glad I was watching it by myself, because that would've been incredibly awkward if anybody else had been around.
Acting/Cast: I really liked this cast. A lot. Their chemistry together was amazing.
I'd seen Joo Jin Mo in a couple of things before watching this, and I liked him in those. I absolutely loved him in his role as the king in this though. He's what really made this movie for me. He had me smiling whenever he was happy about something, and when someone would hurt him, it would just break my heart because he looked absolutely crushed. This movie really shot him up on my list of actors to watch.
It's the first time I'd watched Zo In Sung and the second time for Song Ji Hyo, and I was definitely impressed. Zo In Sung looked so torn between his loyalties and his feelings that you just wanted to reach out and hug him at times.
Shim Ji Ho's part was definitely not as big as some of the other actors, but I'd be lying if I said he wasn't one of my favorite characters.
Music: I don't remember much of the music. I did enjoy the music that I do remember though.
Rewatch Value: It's over two hours long and, like I said, a bit on the pornographic side for the first hour or so. I'd need to be in the mood for a Joo Jin Mo movie if I ever wanted to watch this again.
Overall: Overall, it wasn't too bad. There was a bit at the end that they could've done without, and there was a bit of stuff in the middle I didn't really think was necessary, but I don't feel like it took away from the film.
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ultimate love triangle: check
intense love story: check
explicit love scenes: check
historical setting with more blood and gore than usual: check
For those not willing to bear with the last two....I suggest its not for you, but for those that can overlook the bottom two and are looking for something different but intense, definitely one to watch or you may like all of the above. You won't really know until you watch it. :)
Acting- Superb acting from some of the best actors out of korea! This alone got me curious and I definitely have no regrets.
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The greatest thing about this story is that is something that feels real, that I think could've happened in real life, and probably did. It portrays the difference between love and lust, and how the world functioned at that time. I do think that it could've been better with less graphic scenes, or adult scenes, they weren't necessary, and in Asian context they used it to make it dirtier, something like "well he cheated on his boyfriend, which is indecent, so it doesn't matter if we throw in a couple of sex scenes because it already is immoral." Actually Asians tend to that with sex scenes, I've seen it in other movies and dramas.
The acting is completely superb. I mean, in real life both actors are straight and yet they made their gay and bi characters completely real and believable, you understand what's going through their minds and how the evolve. And besides, to take these roles was a risky choice because even in Hollywood this is like a "taboo" topic, now imagine in Asia, where they're a lot more conservative. I think the queen wasn't a main character, she actually wasn't that important, she only was there to create the conflict.
The music was awesome, it made the scenes deeper, and it gave you a more accurate knowledge of what was going on.
I will probably never rewatch this movie again, because even though it truly is a superb movie, I thought it was to raw and had too many sex scenes. Also, I didn't like the things that happened before the end, it was completely unnecessary, they just put it in there to create more drama and shock the viewer. This is a good movie, very real and cruel, so if you're looking for something with content, this is your movie, if you're looking for a romcom or something fun to watch, you probably won't like this one.
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Plot was interesting and acting was superb. My jaw dropped when i saw that sex scenes. Koreans always have problems with kissing scenes and man to man scenes done with such a high quality was really surprising.
Everything in this movie was unique. Story, acting, music, even fight scenes... everything was done well.
I really liked the movie and i would recommend it to those who aren't against of watching man to man scenes but love interesting and original movies.
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I must say I commend the 3 main actors especially Song Jihyo for doing the sex scenes with so much intensity and passion.
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So this lead me to A Frozen Flower. By reading the premise of this story, you would already know what the end would be...
From a historical point of view, I think the premise (of the king who used somebody else to sow his heir)is quite a legit plot. Monarchs would really do that to guard the throne. The passion, lust, love (may it be twisted or not)or the bloods spilled- I think, are also necessary.
I fully understand the King's decision to put Hong Rim and the Queen into such set up. Stepping out of the throne would only mean death to him, his loved one and his loyal subjects. The sex scenes are wow, it's an MA film so i expected it. Oh well, it's quite a watch--- in a decent way. I think they've put those sex scenes to show how Hong Rim and the Queen's feelings have developed. There is no way they could actually meet outside (only in the bedroom the King has provided for them). In a feudal society women are sexually repressed and with that social condition, I know where the Queen's lust and passion is coming from. I also don't think that the King's decision in the near end of the film is twisted. He just acted and reacted both based on him being the monarch and simply as a human being with a strong feelings for his lover. (i liked how the film showed the LGBT issue w/o discrimination or whatsoever) I also loved the ending scene in the King's chamber, it's so symbolic! Watching the scene will bring your mind back to the earlier part of the film where you can truly feel the love between them.
The cast is superb! I paused in between to read the subs and stare to Jo In Sung, Song Joong Ki and No Min Woo in between. LOL. I also loved the music used in the film, esp the one sang by the King (very heartfelt). Sniff.
As for the rewatch value, I don't think I can watch it again. But then, the film is so good that the scene and story is unforgettable. (which btw is rare for me coz i tend to immediately forget recent movies i've watched)
Will I recommend it? Of course! It's really worth the watch.
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If you're here for the "gay" tag and a love story between two men, don't watch it honestly. If you're not, you'll probably like it more than i did.
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Sad and disappointing, but i'll definitely watch some films with the men actors of this one because they're great actors however.
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Superb Movie, Unforgettable
This movie knocked me off my feet, and then some. WOW!As advised by the reviews I have read, I watched this movie with an open mind and focused more on it's entertainment value. Suggest for you to read Yoon Na Rae's review on myDramalist. Her comments on the movie was done really well, so I will not write much on mine. Except to say that "A Frozen Flower" is a truly bold, intense and superb movie. All the actors were so good, especially Jo In Sung and Joo Jing Mo. It looked like they had to give it their 'all' to carry the movie from beginning to end, and I must say it was very much appreciated. Their acting truly showed how versatile and talented Korean actors are for international market consumption.
For the first time, I also looked for the Director of this movie who did a magnificent job. Yoo Ha (Mr). Saw his profile and realized that he also directed Marriage Is A Crazy Thing (Kam Woo Sung) and Gangnam 1970 (with Lee Min Ho). Two movies which I also liked. I find that Director Yoo is really good with movies that actually depicts deep, difficult emotions and situations which is part of life. I guess life is not sunshine and roses everyday for all of us.
So again, if you are keen to watch a mind blowing movie, with an open mind, I highly recommend "A Frozen Flower".
Cheers! K-Movie Forever!
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At first I thought the story line would be a bit cliched...typical love interest and jealousies etc. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic emotions and feelings that the main cast leads the viewer as the film progresses. True, I thought stars like Jo In Sung and Song Hi Hyo would not have needed to bare all for such a film as this - and I don't believe there was a need for so many such scenes - but they bring out the emotions.
The way the film was shot - use of color, close-ups, music and visuals - was top-notch. I especially loved the way the eyes and the face were used as instruments for conveying urgency, passion, fear and anger. The fight scenes also get a thumbs-up.
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