Trailer for The King, which was distributed in South Korea.
Charting the rise and fall of an ambitious young prosecutor, director Han Jae-rim’s The King navigates a path through the turbulent political climate of 80s and 90s Korea, revelling in the obscene excesses and violent power struggles on display. With its stylish portrayal of the unchecked hedonism enjoyed by men thrust into positions of power and the lies and corruption that keep them there, The King plays out like a Korean Wolf of Wall Street, albeit with more synchronised dancing, shamans and soju.
Offering a timely exploration into the corrupting effect of power, The King has muscled its way into the number two spot at the 2017 Korean box-office, and its slick, cinematic visuals and thrilling narrative should prove equally appealing to UK audiences.