<b>Yeonsangun</b> is the first historic piece by the ′giant of the historical films′ director Shin Sang-Ok. Based on Park Jong-Hwa′s novel (1938), the film depicts the motivation behind Yeonsan′s atrocities, a longing for his mother. Yeonsan is a tragic figure that becomes the king of Chosun dynasty, but because of his tyranny, is dethroned. After his coronation, Yeonsan spends his days immersed in women and alcohol. However, when he finds out that his father′s other wives and the vassalage killed his mother, he becomes enraged and seeks blood. The unfolding of the narration is smooth and the transformation of Yeonsan′s inner rage is depicted with exceptional style. Most of the scenes were shot in the Chosun dynasty palace, and the cast is a who′s who of 60s Korean cinema. With dazzling sense of color and outstanding settings, the film shows director Shin′s talent as a ′mise-en-scene′ artist. (Kwon Yong-Min)