Watch Empire of Lust
- 2015
- 1 hr 53 min
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6.1 (978)
Empire of Lust is a 2015 South Korean period drama film directed by Ahn Sang-hoon and starring Jang Hyuk, Kang Ha-neul, and Shin Ha-kyun. The movie is set in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, and it revolves around the intense power struggles, political intrigue, and lustful desires of the ruling class. The movie tells the story of Kim Min-jae (Jang Hyuk), a passionate and ambitious military commander who is determined to advance his career and rise to the top of the ruling elite. He is married to Ka-hee (Kang Han-eul), a beautiful and intelligent woman who is as savvy as she is loyal to her husband. Together, they have a son, but their marriage is strained due to Min-jae's obsession with power and his many affairs with other women.
Meanwhile, there is another powerful figure in the court, Crown Prince Sado (Shin Ha-kyun), who is constantly at odds with Min-jae. Sado is a troubled man haunted by his own demons and suffering from mental illness, which makes him an even more dangerous opponent. He is married to Lady Hyegyeong (Kang Han-na), a kind and gentle woman who tries to protect her husband and their children from the machinations of the court.
As the power struggle between Min-jae and Sado intensifies, they become entangled in a web of intrigue and betrayal that threatens to destroy them and their families. The backdrop of this epic battle is the court's obsession with lust and desire, which fuels their ambitions and drives them to the brink of madness.
The movie is beautifully shot and features stunning sets and costumes that transport the viewer to another time and place. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, with Jang Hyuk bringing depth and complexity to the role of Kim Min-jae, and Kang Ha-neul imbuing Ka-hee with intelligence, strength, and grace. Shin Ha-kyun is also impressive as Crown Prince Sado, portraying the character's inner turmoil and descent into madness with haunting intensity.
Empire of Lust is a sweeping and epic drama that explores the dark and dangerous side of power, ambition, and desire. It is a film that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer, both for its visual spectacle and its complex and thought-provoking story.
Empire of Lust is a 2015 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.