I decided to watch this movie solely because Hwang Jin-Yi was a famous person of my country's past. Also, I would be lying if I said I didn't watch it to see Song Hae-Gyo as the main role.

Unfortunately I was caught by these traps.

Firstly, if you are watching this movie in order to learn historic facts, don't bother. Almost half of the movie involves senseless fighting and unpleasant sensuality, while trying to immerse viewers into the absent plot line.

**TINY SPOILER** Clichés are existent. It's the same old thing: Two young friends are tragically split up because of an overly dominating father, the girl goes through physical/mental hardships (becoming a kisaeng) while the boy trains to fight enemies and ultimately to meet back with his childhood friend. **SPOILER END**

The first parts of the movie pathetically try to involve viewers emotionally by using children to enhance our pity for their tragic separation, and grab the attentions of fight-scene lovers by including a brutal battle scene. While these kept me interested in the short-term, I can't say the same about the rest of the film.

Some good points: What can I say about korean movie actors? Beautiful, accurate and gets-to-the-point expressions. Although this film was Song Hae-Gyo's first movie, she does an incredible job bringing up clear emotions according to the situation.

The atmosphere was excellent almost throughout the whole film. Dark, brutal and tense lighting keeps audiences suspenseful and wondering what terrible event will happen next. (Very similar to Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) The music is average, as it doesn't include memorable scene-music (like Old Boy did) but suited the situation alright.

Overall, in my opinion, this movie used korean must-know historic facts and famous actors to make people interested and to get them to watch it. This is not excellent, but not a disaster either. You may enjoy it if you're a fan of tragic love stories, but other than that, nothing is special here. 5/10

such a beautiful and touching movie! i was amazed how they presented an artist's heart, and an artist's calling. i enjoyed so much watching this movie and i appreciate the tenderness and deep understanding of artist's conditions, not only during that time, but in our times also. i am also a bit sad because not so many people understood the message of the movie. there is some criticism concerning some minor mistakes. anyhow, i would like to express my gratitude and to congratulate the team and the actors who played in this drama. there were no bad people. there were people who were hurt, there were people who sought for healing their souls. and the art, the pure and true art is able to do it. i believe in this message of the movie. thank you!

It's a film worth watching for its beauty - beauty of the actress playing Hwang Jin Yi, beauty of costumes and location. It's valuable for those who are interested in Korean culture and history.It is also good to know the story of the famous courtesan. Anyway, apart from its visual values the film doesn't offer too much. The love story presented there isn't convincing at all, actually, it even sounds a bit illogical and therefore didn't move me at all. The story of their love was somehow neglected and not fully shown in the initial stage and then at the end the director focused on it and was apparently trying to make it touching and moving. The film seemed to have too many plot lines, none of them fully developed, so actually it was neither a good love story nor a proper biographical or historical film plus it was a bit boring. All in all, it's not a bad idea to watch it just to admire traditional clothes, music and beautiful actresses but if you are looking for something ambitious and really interesting, you may be disappointed.