The film A Frozen Flower is a 2008 South Korean historical drama directed by Yoo Ha, and starring Jo In-sung, Joo Jin-mo, and Song Ji-hyo. The story is set during the late 14th century in the Koryo dynasty, when Korea was under the influence of the powerful Yuan dynasty of China.
The King of Koryo, Gongmin, played by Joo Jin-mo, is under immense pressure to produce an heir to the throne. However, he cannot consummate his marriage with his queen, because he is in love with his bodyguard, Hong Lim, played by Jo In-sung. Hong Lim is fiercely loyal to the king, and as such, he continues to hide his feelings for him.
Desperate to find a solution to his problem, the King devises a plan that he believes will solve everything. He tells Hong Lim to sleep with the queen, played by Song Ji-hyo, in his place so that he can still produce an heir. Hong Lim agrees to do so, even though he is aware of the potential consequences.
As Hong Lim and the queen begin their secret and forbidden relationship, the king also discovers the depth of his feelings for Hong Lim. The situation becomes increasingly complicated as the three of them become more entangled in an intricate web of desire, love, loyalty, and betrayal.
A Frozen Flower is a beautifully shot and intense film that explores the themes of love, power, and sacrifice in a time of political and social upheaval. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, and the film's production design and costumes are superb. This movie is not for the faint-hearted, as it portrays some intense scenes, including graphic depictions of sex and violence. Nonetheless, it is a compelling and emotional tale of forbidden love and the price of loyalty, duty, and honor in a tumultuous and complex historical period.
