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Plot
In the vibrant tapestry of 14th century Korea, soulful minstrels Jang-sang and Gong-gil are the threads pulling together a life of survival through their irreverent tightrope performances, often laced with bawdy stories. However, the wealthy elite's unsettling fascination with Gong-gil's androgynous allure encroaches upon their simple desire to entertain, inevitably leading to a calamitous crossing of societal lines and the death of an authority figure. Fleeing to the bustling heart of Seoul, the duo aligns with a trio of fellow minstrels, and under the leadership of Jang-sang, they venture into riskier, yet more rewarding performances.
However, their daring spirit leads them astray as they court danger with a biting satire aimed at the king and his concubine, resulting in their arrest and a looming execution date. An unexpected opportunity for redemption arises when they are commanded to perform for the king, a role that morphs into a precarious position as the monarch's court entertainers. The king, intelligent yet tyrannically excessive, is tormented by unresolved issues from his past, making his mental state fragile and unpredictable. His newfound fondness for the minstrels and subsequent infatuation with Gong-gil stirs discontent among the nobles and his jilted mistress, leading to a perilously divided court.
Jang-sang, sensing the volatile situation, advocates for a hasty escape, but Gong-gil, unwavering in his loyalty, sees things differently. As they navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue, the minstrels are faced with the ultimate test of survival and friendship, in a world where longevity is an elusive dream. "King and the Clown" is a vivid exploration of loyalty, power, and the transformative power of performance, set against the backdrop of a volatile royal court.
Where to watch King and the Clown?
King and the Clown is a drama movie featuring Kam Woo-sung.
King and the Clown is currently streaming on Netflix.