Watch The Throne

The Throne is a 2015 South Korean historical drama film directed by Lee Joon-ik. The movie is set in the 18th century and chronicles the tragic story of Crown Prince Sado, who was ruthlessly executed by his own father, King Yeongjo of the Joseon dynasty. The film stars Song Kang-ho as King Yeongjo and Yoo Ah-in as Crown Prince Sado. Moon Geun-young plays the role of Lady Hyegyeong, Crown Prince Sado's mother and King Yeongjo's Consort.

The story begins with a young Crown Prince Sado who suffers from intense anxiety and paranoia. His father, King Yeongjo, has high expectations of him and is determined to mold him into a suitable heir to the throne. However, due to his mental instability, Crown Prince Sado is unable to perform his duties properly and is often subjected to cruel punishments by his father's court officials.

As the years pass by, King Yeongjo becomes increasingly disappointed in his son's lack of progress and eventually decides to have him executed. Lady Hyegyeong, who is deeply attached to her son, tries desperately to convince her husband to spare Crown Prince Sado's life. However, King Yeongjo remains unmoved and orders the execution to proceed.

The movie portrays the strained relationship between King Yeongjo and Crown Prince Sado, as well as the internal struggles of Lady Hyegyeong, who is torn between her loyalty to her son and her duty to her husband and the state.

The Throne is a poignant and haunting portrayal of the tragic fate of Crown Prince Sado, who was caught in a web of political intrigue and family dynamics beyond his control. The film captures the complexities of power and familial relationships, and the toll they can take on the most vulnerable members of society.

The acting in the film is superb, with Song Kang-ho delivering a powerful performance as King Yeongjo. Yoo Ah-in is equally compelling in his portrayal of the tormented Crown Prince Sado, while Moon Geun-young brings depth and nuance to the character of Lady Hyegyeong.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with the film's lush landscapes and intricate sets transporting viewers back to the Joseon dynasty. The costumes and visual design are also stunning, attesting to the attention to detail and historical accuracy of the movie.

Overall, The Throne is a masterful work of historical drama that delves deep into the intricacies of power, family, and human suffering. It is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

The Throne is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.