Hwang Jin Yi: The Movie (Standard Edition) DVD

• 1 disc package (region 0 NTSC)
• English and Chinese subtitles

Hwang Jin Yi'' delivers a novel interpretation of one of the most celebrated women in the Joseon Kingdom era (1392-1910), but shines just dimly on the silver screen. The shortcomings of the highly anticipated film regrettably eclipse its unique plot, all-star cast and crew, and grand-scale production. The film traces the life of Hwang Jin Yi, a 16th century gisaeng - a female entertainer-artist similar to the Japanese geisha - remembered as both a distinguished poet and alluring femme fatale. Born into a respected noble family, the charming Hwang leads a peaceful life in the city of Songdo. But when her scandalous birth secrets are revealed, she voluntarily chooses the lowly life of a gisaeng. Hwang, brought to life by Song Hye-gyo, evolves from an innocent damsel to smoldering temptress. Song gives an impressive performance of her character's winding emotional journey, and breaks away from her image as a sweet-faced starlet. "Hwang'' is original in both senses of the word. The film portrays not so much the artistic gisaeng we saw hitherto in other works, but the human Hwang based on the novel of the same title by North Korean writer Hong Seok-jung.