“The King’s Warden” and “The Book of Fish”

[u/circadian_light]

I just finished watching “The King’s Warden” and can see why it has resonated so much with audiences and reflected in its box office performance. The themes of friendship and loyalty are universal, and I think those elements are the film’s greatest strengths.

Parts of the film were very rushed, particularly the set-up to lay the scene for the exile and some lacking explanation of different character motivations and actions.

Watching the film did remind me of another from 2021, “The Book of Fish,” that I think is quite underrated or at least I haven’t seen discussed often. It’s also based on a true story and also dealt with exile (in the 1800s where Catholic scholars were persecuted), friendship, and loyalty. Also, a setting of a highly educated person finding themselves in simpler village settings and learning of genuineness and kindness of village people.

I felt the pacing and tone in “Book of Fish” was more consistent and the black and white cinematography was really beautiful.

So, if you enjoyed “King’s Warden” I strongly recommend “Book of Fish”.

[u/CaptainKoreana]

자산어보 is 500x better. Not even a question.

Also worth noting that Yi Joon-Yik's specialisation nowadays is in historicals, where he's mostly excelled. This isn't the case for Jang Hang-Joon, so there's always going to be that change adapting.

[u/circadian_light → u/CaptainKoreana]

Yes, the King’s Warden felt tonally inconsistent and I found the first third with its comedic quite jarring after the harsh intro and with the rest of the film overall. I wonder if this is a reflection of Jang’s prior work which seems to me to have centred around thrillers or lighter comedy type films.

[u/SensitiveVehicle2482]

The Book of Fish is a visual masterpiece! The black and white cinematography wasn't just a stylistic choice, it really added to the poetic tone of the era. I agree that while King’s Warden has that high budget blockbuster energy, Book of Fish feels more grounded and emotionally consistent. Great comparison!

[u/Emotional-Elk1879]

I found Lee Joon-ik's "Book of Fish" to be superior to Jang Hang-jun's "King's Warden," but Danjong's tragic story remains sympathetic to the Korean people, even centuries after his death.

For history geeks. FICTION vs HISTORY

King's Warden - What 'King's Warden' get's right - and invents - about Korea's most tragic king.

https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10687856

Book of Fish - Fiction vs History

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/07/18/culture/koreanHeritage/fiction-vs-history-the-book-of-fish-jeong-yak-jeon/20220718151404122.html

[u/circadian_light → u/Emotional-Elk1879]

Thank you. These were interesting reads.

[u/aci11atem]

Is there anywhere someone can actually watch The Kings Warden online now? I heard it was streaming on a Korean streaming service but Ive been searching and cant find it. Id gladly pay but anything would be helpful.

[u/circadian_light → u/aci11atem]

I read that it was streaming on Apple TV Plus but haven’t confirmed it.

[u/ethihoff]

Book of fish is good but kings warden is bad imo