The Treacherous 2015 Imdb [work] Jun 2026
If you are interested in South Korean historical cinema that breaks away from traditional romance or political intrigue, The Treacherous offers a unique, albeit disturbing, perspective. It is a film that demands a strong stomach and an appreciation for dark, decadent storytelling.
Lovers of lurid period thrillers, Ju Ji-hoon completists, and viewers who don’t mind their history with a heavy dose of exploitation. Skip if: You prefer character depth over chaos, or if sexual violence and torture are dealbreakers.
Despite the often-disturbing subject matter, The Treacherous is lauded for its high production quality. The film is characterized by its:
Upon its release, "The Treacherous" received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its engaging storyline, strong performances, and impressive production values. The film's IMDB rating of 6.9/10 reflects its critical acclaim, with users praising its historical accuracy, complex characters, and thrilling plot.
Often referred to as the "Korean Caligula," it takes viewers into the absolute moral vacuum of the Joseon court. Here is why this movie continues to spark intense debate years after its release. The True History of a Tyrant the treacherous 2015 imdb
Plays a complex anti-hero whose cold ambition slowly unravels as he develops genuine feelings for Dan-hee, setting him on a collision course with the king.
To capture the grueling nature of the descent, Kormákur kept conditions on set notoriously uncomfortable. The cast filmed in temperatures dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius. Real snow was blasted directly into the actors' faces using massive industrial fans, causing minor frostbite and extreme physical fatigue.
The Treacherous situates itself in the Joseon Dynasty, stripping away the dignity typically afforded to historical settings. The plot revolves around two main threads:
Min Kyoo-dong’s 2015 film, , is an audacious and visually extravagant historical drama that dives into the darkest excesses of the Joseon Dynasty. Set during the reign of King Yeonsan-gun—widely regarded as one of Korea's most cruel and tyrannical rulers —the movie explores how power, when left unchecked, spirals into a morbid display of depravity and corruption. If you are interested in South Korean historical
However, the is the film's most debated element. Many critics argue that the film's focus on eroticism drowns out its story. One reviewer noted, "Sometimes the plot just didn't seem all that focused," while another felt the film "poops out in the last act" due to too much plot getting in the way of the story. Others point out a fundamental hypocrisy in a film that critiques the exploitation of women while visually exploiting the actresses playing these roles.
The film isn't just a fictional thriller; it is based on the historic of 1504. It follows the "most traitorous men alive," Minister Im Soon-jae and his father, who served as the king's retainers. To please the mad monarch, they rounded up over 10,000 women from across the country to serve as "pleasure-seekers" for the court, using this forced gathering to consolidate their own political power. The IMDb Reception: Visuals vs. Violence
to other South Korean historical thrillers like The King and the Clown .
The Treacherous is an audacious, visually stunning piece of Korean cinema that pushes the boundaries of historical drama. While its graphic content and chaotic narrative make it challenging, its exploration of power, desire, and corruption is compelling. It serves as a stark look at a dark chapter in Korean history, presented with remarkable artistic ambition. Skip if: You prefer character depth over chaos,
As the country faces widespread unrest due to the mass recruitment, the palace is transformed into a competitive environment. These thousands of women, designated as Unpyeong , are subjected to rigorous and degrading training designed to ensure total submission to the court's hierarchy. Survival within the palace walls depends entirely on passing these grueling trials.
Both actresses deliver fierce, physically demanding performances, capturing the desperation of women fighting for survival in a world controlled by predatory men. Why It Polarizes IMDb Audiences
Among these women is (Lim Ji-yeon), a butcher's daughter who conceals a secret aristocratic lineage and infiltrates the palace with a singular purpose: assassinating the tyrant to avenge her family.
