The Fatal Encounter (2014) (DVD) (2-Disc) (Normal Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3

Set in 1777, the film sees Hyun Bin taking on the meaty role of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, who after witnessing the death of his father and surviving countless assassination attempts himself during the first year of his reign has become a guarded figure who only trusts his clerk Sang Chaek (Jung Jae Young, Confession of Murder) and his head guard (Park Sung Woong, New World). It's quickly established that his suspicions are entirely grounded, with the ruthless Empress Dowager (Han Ji Min, Rooftop Prince) plotting to dethrone him at every turn, a far-reaching conspiracy aiming to take his life, and trained killers lurking in the shadows. One of the would-be assassins is Eul Soo (Jo Jung Suk, The Face Reader), cruelly trained since birth by an evil slaver (Cho Jae Hyun, Moebius), though his mission becomes more complicated when he falls for a palace maid called Wol Hye (Jung Eun Chae, Nobody's Daughter Haewon). Meanwhile, Sang Chaek has secrets of his own, and pretty soon the King is up to his neck in warring political factions.

It's a shame and perhaps a little surprising that The Fatal Encounter wasn't better received by the critics in Korea, as it's arguably one of the better historical dramas of late. This might well partly be down to the decision by Lee Jae Kyu and first time screenwriter Choi Sung Hyeon to shake things up a bit by packing the film's events into one 24 hour period, a fact which does give the film a different feel to its peers despite the over-familiarity of its subject matter. In many ways this actually works very well, adding a subtly contemporary touch, as well as upping the drama and tension - it's always clear that the film is building towards an explosive climax, and Lee does great job of exploiting the ticking clock for suspense throughout.

The complex and multi-layered script also helps in this regard, and it's a film with a great deal going on and which definitely demands that the viewer pay attention. The twists and revelations come thick and fast, and the film boasts some impressively Machiavellian scheming along with plenty of betrayals, hidden identities and shifting allegiances. Choi's screenplay is well-written and intelligent, and successfully manages to leap back and forth on its timeline, making good use of flashbacks and ensuring that the viewer stays gripped. Lee gets great performances from the cast as a whole, and excellent turns from Hyun Bin, Jung Jae Young and Han Ji Min, who each add real depth and substance to their key roles. This richness of character writing is very welcome indeed, and ensures that the film never feels either melodramatic or overly dry, two traps into which many other period dramas often fall.

Added to this are a number of skilfully handled action set pieces, the film featuring lots of assassination attempts, duels and battles, most of which are bloody and brutal - the film certainly pulls no punches when it comes to depicting the viciousness of the tumultuous time. Lee makes great use of the blockbuster budget, and proves himself as adept on the big screen as he was on the small, the film benefitting greatly from some opulent costumes and sets. Frequently dark and grim, it's an atmospheric and often visually stunning film, with a pleasing amount of attention paid to historical detail.

The Fatal Encounter is definitely one of the more entertaining and accomplished films of its type from the last year, and stands out from the vastly overcrowded playing field of Korean costume dramas. Through intricate plotting and assured direction, Lee Jae Kyu manages the difficult feat of making the usual formula feel fresh, and it's a film which certainly deserves to find its audience.

by James Mudge - EasternKicks.com