Fridae

The movie that's been called "Korea's Brokeback Mountain"
is finally here. When King and the Clown was released in
South Korea earlier this year, it shocked everyone by becoming the
biggest box-office hit in the country's history. No one thought
that a film about a gay love triangle would have such a massive
mainstream appeal.

It attracted more audiences than any mega-budget Hollywood or Korean
movie. And more importantly, it led to open discussions of homosexuality
in homes, offices, schools and the media, something that had rarely
happened before. In short, King and the Clown is just the
kind of cultural phenomenon that gay activists hope for —
one that changes the way a lot of straight people view homosexuality.

Set in 16th Century Korea, King and the Clown stars Kam
Woo-Seong and Lee Jun-Gi as two travelling clowns who are arrested
for making fun of the King in their performances. But after making
the King (Jeong Jin-Yeong) laugh at their antics, the two clowns
are pardoned and allowed to become court jesters.

Of the two, Kam is accustomed to playing the male roles, while
slender and effeminate Lee usually takes on the female roles. But
Lee's female impersonations are so convincing that the king starts
to fall for him. This makes Kam jealous, because the male/female
personas of the two clowns extend beyond the stage and into their
bedroom...

King and the Clown is a beautifully-written and -directed
film. Although the actors are not well-known, their performances
are very strong. It is not surprising then that Lee Jun-Gi, the
actor who plays the effeminate gay clown, became an overnight pin-up
boy for Korean schoolgirls. Director Lee Jun-Ik weaves lush period
detail, historical saga and strong characters into an impressive
tapestry of human drama.

Though some critics say that its depiction of homosexuality is
too coy and subtle, others argue that its delicate handling of the
subject matter helps audience focus their attention on the men's
relationship instead of their sexuality. There is merit in both
arguments. Still, as discerning members of the LGBT community, we
urge you not to miss this gem of a movie.