Untold Scandal (2003)

Now this movie is based on "Les Liaisons dangereuses". And the story this movie takes place is in Joseon Dynasty in Korea. But I couldn't help but think of the movie "She's All That" except this one goes in a more serious and sexual direction. Which the book has and this delivers for the most part. But falls flat in other areas as well. But did a good job of incorporating the classic sexual tale into taking place during the 18th century Korea. Bae Yong-jun plays the flirtatious seducer that picks on the weak minded girls and woman. I am not a fan of Bae Yong-jun and this movie didn't make me have a different thought about the actor. But I still think he fit the this role quite nicely. Bae Yong-jun's character pulls all the tricks up his sleeves in order to seduce someone for a bet. Who is a this virtuous woman that is difficult to tempt. But the chemistry between the two leads just didn't seem all that strong or leaves a presence. Even if it's one sided for quite a while. The build up is a bit weak for the most part. And thus made the ending less impactful and believable. As a matter of fact a lot of the areas just seemed a bit rushed and not developed well, especially the ending. It's a tragedy shown in a kinda bleak manner, it's a alright watch at least once.4.6/10

Moving this story from the French aristocracy to the Korean during Chosen dynasty when everyone held up a mask of decency in daytime and let it fall together with the hanbok at night was quite the trick to re-liven this story. Everything is done so well from the flow to the brilliant actresses/actors. Most notably is Lee Mi-suk as the sly older cousin/fox. The backdrop of Korean castles is quite fitting, and as they sneak around at night like teenagers we sit on the edge of the seat hoping they wouldn't get caught. The charm of "Jeon-sama" is lost on me, but I know it wouldn't be for hordes of "women in their best age". So if you're one of those, catch it!! Must be a big hit in all of East-Asia now.

I was privileged to see "Untold Scandal" earlier this evening as a member of the Trenton Film Society. First of all, this is one of the best films of 2004, and I hope it gets a wider release in America. Why did the Korean film, "Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall...and Spring" get a significant release in the USA, but "Untold Scandal" has not? "Untold Scandal" is the far better of the two. Secondly, I felt this version of "Dangerous Liasons" was FAR superior to the American version that was made a number of years ago with Glenn Close and John Malkovich. This version was played more as a love story, more of a Shakespearean tragedy, and infinitely more heartbreaking. While all the performances are strong, the woman playing Lady Sook (the Michelle Pfeiffer role in the American version) was by far the most moving of all the performances. As someone noted earlier in their comment, I didn't see this as a comedy at all. But again, this was absolutely tremendous, and I hope it gets a wider release in America, so that more will have the opportunity to see it.

I was charmed by the eyes of Bae Yong Joon. They sometimes made me laugh, but sometimes held my heart so tightly. The movie showed us the way of thinking and the beautiful fashion of old Korean people. Strangely the music was western classic, though it matched the movie very well. The original story seems well-known because it was made into several movies already. I haven't seen them yet. But I think this Asian style version is a good work. I don't understand Korean language but the sound of it is very comfortable for ears to hear. So I was charmed through both the scenes of Bae Yong Joon's eyes' action and the voices of the actors and actresses. It is very sad love story. I liked it.