The King and the Clown

The protective Jang-seng and the beautiful Gong-gil have been working together as minstrels for years. When they are forced to leave their small town for Seoul, they start to satirize King Yon-san's sexual escapades. Jang-seng and Gong-gil are consequently sentenced to death, and reprieve will only be granted if they can make the king laugh. Their fortunate success leads them to stay in the palace and perform regular plays. As the king shows growing attraction and love towards one of the clowns, they realize that they are into irreversible stages of their lives, entwined with desire, power and thick blood. (Moscow International Film Festival)