Fengshui

Fengshui is a 2018 South Korean historical drama directed by Park Hee-gon, starring Moon Chae-won, Cho Seung-woo, and Seong Ji. The movie is set during the Joseon dynasty, a political and social period in Korea's history that saw the country thrive in arts, science, and culture.

The story revolves around the concept of feng shui, a Chinese philosophical practice that aims to balance the flow of energy, or qi, in a particular place. In the movie, the concept of feng shui is given a supernatural twist as it is believed that the positioning of certain objects, like rocks, trees, and bodies of water, can bring about good fortune or misfortune.

The central character of the story is Park Jae-sang, played by Cho Seung-woo, a well-known feng shui master who is summoned to the royal court to read the auspices of the king. At court, he meets his old friend, Choi Hyung-suk, played by Seong Ji, who is a royal guard.

The royals are worried about the prophecy that the king's reign will come to an end due to inauspicious feng shui in the palace. The king sends Park Jae-sang to find the source of the problem and ensure that the prophecy does not come true. Along the way, Park Jae-sang meets the king's concubine, So-yeon, played by Moon Chae-won, who possesses a secret of her own.

As Park Jae-sang delves deeper into his investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and betrayals. The ancient practice of feng shui becomes a metaphor for the precarious balance of power in the royal court, where every decision has the potential to upset the delicate equilibrium of the nation.

The film is beautifully shot, with breathtaking landscapes and stunning costumes that transport the viewer to a different time and place. The performances of the lead actors are also outstanding, particularly Cho Seung-woo, who brings a quiet intensity to his role as the conflicted feng shui master.

However, the movie is not without its flaws. The plot can be convoluted at times, and some of the characters are underdeveloped, which can make it difficult to fully invest in their stories. Additionally, the supernatural elements of the film may not appeal to all viewers, particularly those who are looking for a more straightforward historical drama.

Despite these issues, Fengshui remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of power, fate, and the human desire for control. Its exploration of the role that feng shui played in Korean society during the Joseon dynasty adds a unique and fascinating dimension to the film, making it an essential watch for fans of historical dramas.