Watch Untold Scandal

Untold Scandal is a 2003 South Korean movie which is known for its striking and gorgeous visual and auditory depiction of 18th century Korea. Directed by E J-yong, the film is based on the novel "Les Liaisons dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. This period drama has won several awards for its impressive cinematography, beauty, and acting.

The story begins with the main protagonist, Lady Cho (Lee Mi Suk), a sharp and calculating femme fatale, who is married to a wealthy and powerful man but is deeply involved with a low-level government worker Mr. Jo Won (Bae Yong Joon) and is his secret lover. Lady Cho is uncaring of her married life until she sets her eyes on her innocent widow cousin Kwon In (Jeon Do Yeon). She sees Kwon In as an opportunity to manipulate and corrupt the two men in her life, toying with their emotions and desires to satisfy her own.

The character of Lady Cho is the driving force behind the movie, and Lee Mi Suk does an excellent job of portraying her. She’s a seductive, cunning and manipulative character, who uses her beauty and intelligence to get what she wants. Lee Mi Suk effortlessly captures the seductive nature of Lady Cho, effectively conveying her character's intentions through subtle shifts in tone and body language.

Bae Yong Joon as Mr. Jo Won is a restrained and reserved character but one that is all too aware of his own passions. As he is drawn into the duplicitous world of Lady Cho, his composed persona gradually dissolves and he finds himself caught in the web of her schemes.

Jeon Do Yeon's Kwon In is a youthful and naive woman who becomes Lady Cho's victim. Her character, while not as prominent as the others, still provides a powerful contrast to Lady Cho as an innocent, loyal figure. Her performance displays her range as an actress, effectively conveying the character's rise and downfall which is fascinating to watch.

The costumes, sets, and visual effects in this movie are awe-inspiring. The production design is flawlessly crafted, bringing to life the lush interiors, stunning gardens, and colorful costumes of the period. And the visuals are further complemented by the striking background score, which elevates the viewing experience.

One aspect of this movie worth mentioning is how it maintains the essence of the original story while adding a Korean twist to it. The references to social class, gender inequality and honor-related violence and appearance versus reality, all the themes are relevant and interpreted with nuance and depth, carrying considerable weight.

Untold Scandal offers a unique perspective on Korean history and culture while upholding universal themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal. Overall, the movie is a masterclass in period drama, made even more stunning by the capable performances of a phenomenal cast. Untold Scandal continues to captivate viewers with its depiction of grandeur and deception even today.