The Royal Tailor

[Billie Johnson]

The Royal Tailor, directed by Lee Won-suk, was a wonderfully made historical drama. I really didn't know what to expect and initially thought that this film was going to be a comedy at first like Ode to My Father. In terms of wardrobe and design, the traditional wardrobes and the fashion of the times were beautifully done and also told a story of the importance of dress according to rank. The movie initially begins on a light-hearted note but unfortunately does not stay that way. This film depicted during the Joseon Era, quickly morphed into jealousy, tradition, punishment, and a struggle to seek the love of the King.  It is not only the Queen who wishes to capture the King's favor, but also the Royal Tailor who wants to not only retain his status, but rise in rank within the Royal Court. The takeaways from this film that I could incorporate in class is once again from the perspectives of the King, Queen, commoners, concubines, commoners, and the Royal Court. What I found most interesting is that all of these people were unhappy with the exception of the commoners and the tailor who was not officially beholden to the King. We can discuss how these different groups have more in common than they think.  The range of emotions and political topics were covered in this film in a way that would be easily understood by an 8th grade and up class. We can talk about the ceremonial dress and how power, and the fight to hold onto it, can have serious consequences.

[Cynthia Stults]

Billie, I also watched this one, and loved it. I also love your ideas for using this to discuss class differences and perspectives. 

[Esther Dupree]

Thank you for the film suggestion!  I think this would be a great film to show when discussing class, aristocracy and heirarchy.  Every country has some form of class system and it would be good to make this part of a unit where you compare and contrast the different country's structures.  In my Scandanavian history class my professor taught us about a Lord who was particularly cruel and was whipping his peasants in the field one day while on his horse.  One of the peasants pulled him off the horse with his whip and all the peasants came over and stabbed him with pitchforks.  I know this is an extreme case, but it is interesting to see how power dynamics in different countries are established, maintained and challenged.  This movie would add some insight into South Korea's structure.

[Billie Johnson]

Hi Cynthia,

I wasn't sure what I was in for, but certainly glad I stuck with it.  The movie was not predictable and creative in its retelling of history.  I hope other people will take a look at this one.

[Billie Johnson]

I like the three categories that you laid out here: Established; Maintained; and Challenged.  I think this can be the focus of a unit and is certainly worth exploring.  Thank you for the idea!

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