Cast
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Chang Hoon
as King Hansu
Kim Ok-ran
as Queen
Lee Seung-hwa
as Crown Prince Bohae
Byeon Gi-jong
as Lord Jinpyeong
Kim Mi-seon
as Goo Seulagi
Jo Hang
as Ba Duda
Kim Seung-ho
as Hwa Pidal
Go Hyang-mi
as Hwa Seonagi
Kim Sin-jae
as Beo Deulagi (Hwa-Seonagi's younger sister)
Seong So-min
as General Myeongryun
Choe Seong-ho
as General Kaeryong
Yang Il-min
as Tae Eul-ra
Kim Se-ra
as Pung-no
Kim Ung
as Juruhyeon
Heo Chang-kang
as Soe Mangchi
Crew
Director
- Jeong Chang-hwa
Producer
- Kim Gyeong-jun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Palace of Ambition examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jeong Chang-hwa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Palace of Ambition took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Palace of Ambition shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Reckoning, which focuses more on action than character development, Palace of Ambition subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving and King Naresuan Part: 1 explore similar territory, Palace of Ambition stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 18, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 38m
