
The King
2017

2019
Director
Khan Lee
Runtime
106 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
In the 1990s, when Go gambling fever swept Korea, Gui-su loses everything because his father gambled obsessively until there was nothing left. Left all alone in the world, Gui-su meets a mentor and Go teacher, Il-do, and goes through vicious training to become the grandmaster of Go. He sets out for revenge on the world that destroyed his life, but soon finds himself chased by an unknown loner pursuing his own vendetta.
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film centers on a masculine-coded journey of vengeance and professional mastery. There is no evidence of non-cisnormative gender identities or narratives engaging with heteronormativity.
Gender Representation
The plot drives through male agency and male-dominated spaces like the professional Go circuit. There is a lack of significant female character agency or subversion of traditional gender roles.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
As a South Korean production, the film features a predominantly Korean cast. It maintains cultural authenticity without actively seeking to disrupt homogeneous casting norms through diverse representation.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The narrative explores themes of fate and supernatural retribution. It focuses on the competitive environment of professional Go rather than prioritizing secularism or anti-capitalist frameworks.
Disability Representation
The story focuses on the psychological toll of competition and trauma. There is no explicit or meaningful portrayal of visible or invisible disabilities as a central element of character agency.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
The film operates as a traditional genre piece that prioritizes individualistic storytelling and psychological tension. The narrative architecture is built around conventional masculine archetypes and a singular focus on personal vengeance. While the film maintains cultural authenticity through its South Korean setting and cast, it lacks intersectional representation. The focus remains on the protagonist's personal vendetta and his relationship with his mentor. Ultimately, the work follows a non-subversive approach to social dynamics, favoring high-stakes action and professional mastery over systemic critique or diverse character perspectives.

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