Miles doesn’t go to the police. He has no proof. Sasha won’t talk—she’s been offered a three-picture deal by A24, with Julian as her “mentor.”
Julian stands up. “The young lady is clearly exhausted. The rigors of art!” He laughs. The audience, uncomfortable, laughs with him.
The Treacherous (2015) is a heavy, gorgeous, and deeply unsettling look into the darkest corner of Korean history. It avoids simple definitions of good and evil, choosing instead to explore the murky gray areas of survival, ambition, and revenge. For those looking for a historical epic with sharp teeth, brilliant acting, and unforgettable visuals, it remains a highly recommended hidden gem on IMDb. the treacherous 2015 imdb
The Treacherous (Korean: 간신, RR: Gansin , literally “Treacherous Subject”) is a 2015 South Korean period drama set during the Joseon Dynasty. The film focuses on the infamous tyrant Prince Yeonsan (played by Kim Kang-woo), who, driven mad by his mother’s death, unleashes a reign of terror that blends carnal obsession with brutal violence. The “treacherous” title refers to Im Sung-jae (Ju Ji-hoon), a scheming vassal who manipulates the unstable king for his own political gain. With Im’s support, the king orders the rounding up of thousands of beautiful women from across the land—noblewomen, commoners, even married women, taken by force to serve as his personal concubines.
To understand The Treacherous , one must understand the real history behind it. The film is set during the reign of Yeonsangun (1494–1506), widely considered the worst tyrant in the history of the Joseon Dynasty. Miles doesn’t go to the police
It is a film about the psychological toll of tyranny—not just on the victims, but on the perpetrators who must constantly compromise their humanity to stay alive. Conclusion: Should You Watch It?
The film is beautifully shot with high production values, lush set designs, and a striking use of color that contrasts the opulence of the palace with the grotesque nature of the King's demands. “The young lady is clearly exhausted
The film acts as a prequel of sorts to the 2007 film The King and the Clown , exploring the same historical reign but through a much darker, more eroticized lens. Where The King and the Clown focused on the humanity and art of the clowns, The Treacherous focuses on the mechanism of power. It asks the audience: How much of your dignity are you willing to trade for survival?
of the award-winning performances by the cast. Share public link
Ultimately, "The Treacherous" is a challenging film that attempts to turn the historical epic on its head by focusing not on heroic warriors, but on the monsters who abuse power and the victims who pay the price. It is a lurid, beautiful, and often nauseating work that asks more questions than it answers, leaving the final judgment to the individual viewer.