The Last Princess tops its historical narrative with a promising dramatic performance from its stellar cast.
A brief introduction about Princess Deok-hye and a disclaimer are shown at the beginning of the film. Kim Jang-han (Park Hae Il) at present enters his office, and he is informed about Prince Yeong’s location. The scene transitions back to 1919, and see Emperor Gojong (Baek Yoon-sik) resists the annexation of Japan to Korea.
He cherishes his young child, Princess Deok-hye (Shin Rin Ah), and introduces her to Kim Jang-han. Deok-hye cries as she witnesses her father’s death through a suspected assassination by poison.
Her father’s death strengthens Counselor Han Taek-su’s (Yoon Je Moon) motive to bring adolescent Deok-hye (Kim So Hyun) to Japan. She angrily disagrees at first, but then gives in to the order with the existence of the Yi dynasty in mind.
As agreed, Deok-hye finishes her studies in Japan while staying in Prince Yeong’s, but her stay has exceeded more than what was agreed upon.
Adult Deok-hye (Son Ye Jin) meets Kim Jang-han again, and they collaborate with each other in planning Deok-hye’s escape from Japan. Jang-han stays by Deok-hye’s side in interacting with the Korean laborers in Japan. Deok-hye becomes determined to escape from Japan with the news of her mother’s death, and her separation from her long-time assistant Bok-sun (Ra Mi Ran).
They execute the detailed plan of escape from Japan, but their mission fails with the death of many Korean independence fighters.
Jang-han and Deok-hye meet on the beach, but the boat arrives with Han Taek-su in it. He shoots Jang-han, and separates Deok-hye from him. The marriage between So Takeyuki and Deok-hye proceeds, and they bear one daughter.
With the news of Japan’s surrender, Deok-hye rushes to the port to return to Korea, but her reentry is denied. She cries and laughs in misery on the floor as she discovers Han Taek-su’s involvement in her failed reentry.
Eager to locate Princess Deok-hye, Jang-han discovers that Deok-hye takes the name Yang Deok-hye and stays at a mental hospital in Japan. With that awareness, he catches the attention of the director-general in the press conference.
He obtains the seal of approval of bringing back the royal family back to Korea, and travels with Deok-hye back to Korea. Deok-hye is greeted by a crowd, and reunites with Bok-sun along with other court ladies.
She and Jang-han stroll in the palace, and the film ends with the original pictures of the royal family.
Marcie Line watched The Last Princess on Netflix
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The Last Princess Movie Peak Points
Inspiring Story of a Nation’s Fight for Independence
Stuck in a seemingly hopeless situation, the film has successfully brought some color to a tragic story. It appears to have dark themes as it tackles several issues during the war, but it does not refrain itself from inserting scenes where viewers may be inspired by the characters’ passion to fight for their country.
Although the film has already placed a disclaimer on its portrayal of historical events and figures, viewers may still become familiarized with some elements of Korea’s fight for independence.
In the scene where Prince Yeong chose to wait for his wife and Deok-hye, Hwang-jin (Ahn Nae Sang) respected his decision, but still fought until the end.
The portrayal of the people who fought for their country’s independence are remarkable, and can move the hearts of the viewers. They are outnumbered, yet they still choose to remain hopeful of their plans.
Eye-opening Tragic History of Treachery
From beginning until the end, character Counselor Han Taek-su has been the icon of betrayal in the film. Counselor Han is in fact Korean by blood, but he chooses to turn the tables and persuade Emperor Gojong to proceed with the annexation of Japan. With Emperor Gojong’s resistance, we hear him say that the people who agreed with the annexation are moved by money offered to them. It is saddening that people can betray their own nation to protect their own interests.
By the near end of the film, Counselor Han sides back to Korea, and he even has power over Deok-hye’s reentry to her home country. Again, Counselor Han proves that he is a man of betrayal and is disloyal to his country. He truly is a representation of people who easily change sides that may favor them.
Impressive Character Portrayal
From the young to the old, every character in the film has been portrayed well. The production team’s choice of actresses to portray Princess Deok-hye is commendable. Kim So Hyun’s performance as adolescent Deok-hye proves again how remarkable her skills are as an actress. Her role may remind viewers of her excellent performance also in her past dramas Rooftop Prince and Moon Embracing the Sun.
The combination of Son Ye Jin and Ra Mi Ran makes the scenes in the movie livelier and vibrant. Despite having a serious theme, Ra Mi Ran’s portrayal of Bok-sun brings some short comedic and warming intermissions to viewers.
Son Ye Jin’s acting throughout the movie is versatile. In the scene where she feels betrayed and hopeless, her cry and laughter radiates the emotion outside the screen. Viewers may empathize with her character more through her effective portrayal of Deok-hye.
The Last Princess Movie Musings
The Last Princess ends with a positive note even though the story unfolded with tragic stories. It leaves viewers with a good feeling and somehow educates them through giving a gist about Princess Deok-hye’s story.
The film has already put disclaimers at the beginning of the film about their portrayal of history, which then encourages viewers to research the facts from the historical events. Thus, the film did not fail in bringing great artistry and dramatization to the historical narrative.
Deok-hye, Bok-sun and other women in the film are characters that viewers may look up to as they are brave, strong, and are ready to fight for their country’s independence. Even though some events never occurred in history, these characters from the movie encourage viewers to remain firm no matter what life may bring.
There may be struggles in the middle of life, but in the end, there is hope for those who believe.
Counselor Han Taek-su’s character is a representation of someone who is disloyal to their own nation. His character opens the eyes of the viewers to the sad reality of people who value their own interests even at the cost of the lives of many people. He is a reminder to all viewers about the importance of maintaining dignity as part of a nation and a bigger organization.
The cast of the film brings justice to the character they portrayed. As emotions of the characters may be felt outside the screen, truly the actors and actresses are successful in bringing their characters into life. Their feelings and thoughts are well conveyed throughout the movie.
Overall, the film has shown great artistry and has brought a substantial view of history. Through the film, viewers may be oriented about some events that happened in Korean history.
As it has explicitly announced that the film has a mix of fiction, viewers’ curiosity about more facts may grow through the movie. Such encourages further research and reading about what really happened in the past.
For people who are fond of history and drama, they may consider watching The Last Princess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEoyVa6Y1W4
The Last Princess is now available on Netflix.
Photos: Lotte Entertainment
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