IM Pictures presents
a Bidangil Pictures production
in association with CJ Entertainment
HAN Suk-gyu
LEE Beum-soo
KIM Min-jung
executive producer/ CHOI Wan
associate producer/ KIM Min-ki
produced by/ KIM Soo-jin YOON In-beum
written and directed by/ KIM Dae-woo
What brings you here?
I came to buy some chinaware.
Can't you see that we're closed?
Wait.
Well, do you have a bowl with a brass bottom?
Who'd have something like that?
Then how about a bowl with a brass top instead?
I have no clue what you're talking about.
But come inside and look around.
FORBIDDEN QUEST
Uncover him.
Is he still alive?
Yes, he's barely breathing.
Hurry, and bring him inside.
Yoon-suh!
Have you nothing to say?
I beg your pardon?
Terrible, so terrible.
How could they do this to him?
We need to get something on the Lim family and appeal.
And when do you plan to use that tongue of yours?
Afraid the Deputy Prime Minister is too powerful even for the King?
Well, you see...
Do you not understand what your elder is saying to you?
Are you afraid of Lim?
But no matter how furious this makes us,
how can we submit a false appeal?
But that's exactly what they did!
Even if the other side does evil,
as a scholar I cannot lower myself to the same level as them.
So what you're saying
is that since you're a scholar, you will overlook this travesty?
You don't think I'm in torment as well?
I'm just as upset as you, father.
I must leave for the Royal Court.
How can you leave when your brother is in that condition?
You also don't need to scold me.
No, you cannot just leave!
- What do you think... - Look here!
Look at this leg...
and you still wish to talk of your academic duties?
Aren't you even angry?
Our family has been disgraced.
Who gives a damn about integrity
and academic duty?
Do you not want vengeance?
Know what people are whispering behind your back?
They're saying that you're a selfish coward!
Inspections officer, Kim Yoon-suh, is here your Majesty.
Good, good.
Have you heard about the case on your way here?
Yes, I have your Majesty.
Despite my limited means, I will do my best.
Deputy Prime Minister.
What happened to Inspector Kim's younger brother?
He received the court's unlimited grace and arrived home today.
If they're brothers,
their personalities must be similar.
Inspector Kim Yoon-seo is different.
He is a man of gentle temperament who avoids going against the tides.
He looks that way, too.
Anyway, I hope he resolves it,
and puts a smile on my lady's face.
I accepted it because I couldn't tell the difference.
But the scribble I put on the back as a child wasn't to be found.
It was switched by someone while being mounted.
Not only was it dear to my heart,
but our family's honor is on the line.
Whoever it was,
he knew what he was doing.
Both the paper and artist's seal has been duplicated perfectly.
It seems you have profound knowledge in Chinese paintings and writings.
I would profess an interest
but nothing close to profound knowledge.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject sometime.
Of course.
We trust you will put your utmost efforts into this case.
You must catch the culprit.
You must not take this case.
It's fruitless.
Think the scoundrel is waiting around for you to find him?
But it's the King's order.
Whatever.
Feign illness and dismiss yourself.
Take good care of yourself.
We are about to embark on a great journey.
What journey?
Have you lost your mind?
We must annihilate Lim and his faction,
and establish a new state!
Never mind this.
We've had enough. Take it for yourselves.
Yes, sir.
You're spoiling your servants.
Giving them our food...
Have you heard of Lee Gwang-hun?
I heard he's very experienced.
Lee Gwang-hun?
You mean the 'angel of death' of the Justice Administration?
I need to ask you a favor.
I must say, you've got guts.
Do you even know which party I'm a part of?
It's the King's order, sides don't matter.
Are you sure we're at the marketplace?
There are no stores open.
They only open up briefly in the early evening.
Once the sun sets, housemaids fill the streets.
Who knows what they're selling.
So how old are you?
Who, me?
Thirty-six, why do you ask?
You seem to be talking to me as if you're an elder.
How old are you?
Thirty-three.
Satisfied?
I'm your elder then.
Look, look. Is that him?
- Please let me go! - Where do you think you're going?
Oh, right.
Inspector Kim. Check inside.
Oh, right.
Why do you think we're here?
How should I know?
Why, you little...
Ouch, ouch.
Where's the mounter?
Mounter? Mounter? Who's that?
If I find even one piece of stolen goods here,
I will break every bone in your body.
Stolen goods?
What stolen goods?
You're really asking for it.
You dare snatch it?
Then what should I use to hit you?
Okay, then how about this one?
Alright, Let's do it.
Mister Lee...
Over here.
He's getting away.
What are you doing here?
Transcribing a book.
What book is that?
It's a book of indecency.
Then you're committing a crime.
It's definitely not a right thing.
There was a racket outside, so weren't you scared?
Of course I was.
But there are many waiting for this book.
You're very skilled at calligraphy.
My lowly stature limits the potential of my talent.
But your talent is undeniable.
Shall I leave?
No.
Please go on.
Why are you going around hitting people?
This village is getting a little too scary.
How dare you.
Hwang, you know this man?
This gentleman is...
He's with the Justice Administration. He's here to buy some chinaware.
Come on by later.
If he came for chinaware, he must be the housewife.
Why that...
Whether I'm a housewife or not is my business.
You're interfering with my duties.
- So get out of here. - Get out of here?
- What if I say no? - Come on man,
he asked you to leave.
Oh yeah?
By any chance, is that a rod
made out of a bull's cock?
You've got a good eye. You must've gotten a taste of it.
Hey.
It looks longer than ours.
You've hit others with this but have never been hit, huh?
Hey you,
do you know who I am?
How is it?
Got a good taste of it?
What happened?
Sorry I passed out.
I caused more trouble for you.
You can barely pluck a chicken, so don't try that again.
- About today... - Maybe you should get on your way.
I've got a lot to do.
Did you paint these here?
Yes, it's a hobby of mine.
Why do you ask?
Such strength in the strokes...
It's really nothing.
I've got to see to those vagrants.
Let me see you out.
Sir, to be honest,
I don't want to protect that mounter either.
It's just that a friend of mine is involved.
His only crime is that he can copy any drawings.
He's innocent sir.
I will do all I can to protect his identity.
Could you trust me on this?
Your loyalty to him...
would only bring you your death.
Go here and see if you find something.
Would you like to read a few verses?
What kind of person do you think I am?
But if you insist.
Wet genitals...
Genitals?
She holds a thick penis in her hand,
and puts it in her mouth.
It certainly is outrageous.
That's the purpose of these books.
It's not all that special.
Really?
The author's pen name is In Bong.
He's considered the best of his kind.
In Bong?
The whole city waits for his latest creation.
The whole city?
Why haven't I heard of him?
You and he live in different worlds.
Like a bird in the sky and a fish in the waters.
A bird shouldn't be ashamed that it isn't aware of the fishes.
Go on.
And so, both Kim Mak-swe
and Hwang Eoh-geun were flogged fifty times.
Don't you think their punishments were rather light?
- Well, yes but in this case... - I see.
Do what you see fit.
I heard you're an excellent writer and calligrapher.
My lowly talent is not worth mention, your Majesty.
Anyway, the Queen will be very happy.
Please cure them well.
I don't understand...
why you're doing this.
Don't worry, I just liked you from the beginning.
You're very masculine and energetic.
But why me?
We've just met.
And I'm not energetic.
I like you, too.
A nation is not only made of men of prominence.
Men who can copy paintings like you are necessary.
Don't you think?
I can safely say that you will be in great demand someday.
No, that will be very unlikely.
Now, please get some rest.
There's a wound here.
Can I ask you something?
Yes, if you must.
It's about what the calligrapher said.
Is there some trouble again?
No, no, that's not it.
He said the writings of In Bong are renowned.
What about it is so exceptional?
His name is not to be said in vain under any circumstances.
It's a pseudonym anyway.
What makes it so great?
I've never thought about why. It's a difficult question.
How can I explain this?
He knows the true flavor of it.
True flavor? What do you mean?
You're the greatest writer in Korea, so how can you ask that?
Oh, come. Please explain.
Well, it's almost dreamlike.
Dreamlike?
It's like you're in a dream...
and seeing things in a dream.
Tasting things you can only dream about.
That's the true flavor of it.
Oh boy, how could you have written without knowing these things?
It's hot!
I heard you carried out the King's order with dedication and diligence.
And you joined forces with our enemy who did that to your brother?
I did carry it out but I was not the one...
Silence!
Memorial to the King
Genitals
Genitals...
The thick penis penetrated the woman's wet genitals.
These are the rules.
You are not to look at the Queen.
If she gives you a gift, you are to just bow in gratitude.
If you extend your hand...
Look, I know that much.
I asked you to come see me so that I could thank you personally.
I was only doing what was my duty.
I heard your physical strength played a big role this time.
I don't understand, my Lady.
With the gang of vagrants.
When you and your partner were in danger,
I heard you let out a thunderous roar.
Then you pounced on the criminal,
and he moved his arm like so,
and you flew like a frog towards the wall.
Well, that was...
And you went dizzy and fell in and out of consciousness.
Thank you.
What do you mean, my Lady?
Anyway, thank you.
I was stung by a bee as a child and ever since I cannot stand bees.
I don't know what this is about, but go on, tell me.
I wrote it on a whim, I mean, for game.
Would you take a look at it?
What's it about?
It's an indecent book.
'Chu Wol Sek'.
'The Light of the Autumn Moon.'
- You already have a pen name? - Well, I thought I'd need one.
Don't make fun of it.
A royal woman...
If it's no good...
Well, what do you think?
I knew it.
I was planning to burn it anyway.
Who would've thought you of all people?
Come on now. I said it was for sport.
This is what I think.
I think you should make this a series of stories.
From the moment they meet, until the deed is done.
Make it tantalizing.
You think it merits such a fuss?
Look.
I thought my trousers were going to bust.
Did you get the treatment?
We could have met at my store. Why do we have to meet here?
Looks like there's a problem.
You don't look too well.
No book either.
I was too arrogant and proud.
Arrogant?
I thought it would be easy, but it wasn't at all.
So you didn't even try?
Let's see, I promised the manuscript to the merchants on...
To make copies and get them ready,
I needed it by today.
Now I can't honor this deal.
It's going to become messy.
Those merchants can get nasty.
Oh sir, if only you could...
'Hukgok Bisa'?
You mean, 'Tale of the Dark Valley'?
I was just trying it out.
Do you think it is inappropriate?
It's pretty explicit.
Isn't that the point?
Well, these books tend to have sober titles.
But from the first page?
Wait, I guess I don't have what it takes.
- Give that back to me. - Sir, hold on.
Slap it here.
What is this?
Just do it and stop asking questions.
Now we have an agreement.
Hwang, wait!
Hwang! Hold on!
So you haven't started Chapter Two yet?
Well, it is what it is.
I was feeling under the weather.
And filial duties kept me busy.
And the maids mistakenly threw out what's been written so far?
Yes, that's right.
So, what's the reaction to Chapter One?
Well, I mean, it is your first time, a little rough around the edges.
I see.
I understand.
Let's just say it never happened.
I just don't think I can keep this up.
That darn temper of yours. It is a huge sensation, okay?
Really, are you sure?
Look, this is your book.
See how it's all worn out?
And look at the last page.
Who wrote all that?
Those who read your prose
were inspired to write down their thoughts and opinions here.
What do you call these messages?
In my ten years as a merchant, this is a first.
Since the readers left messages... how about calling it a message board?
A message board.
Sleep abandoned me after I read your work.
How well you know the secrets of a woman's heart.
It is strange.
This is my story.
I must meet the writer.
Did my lover confess to you?
Chu Wol Sek, the writer. He is human trash.
I will never read his writing again.
I will only read your work.
In Bong's followers are all trash.
Die In Bong!
I eagerly await the next chapter!
You want to keep this?
Aren't those colored glasses?
My eyes are fine.
These aren't for improving vision.
Writers usually wear these.
Writer...
How can you all come in droves like this?
Sorry, good bye.
The writer only wants to work with us. What can I do?
I'm sorry.
I'll see you later. Go on, go on.
Those tradesmen.
I've already circulated sixty copies, and I'm still short.
Such a fuss over some clumsy work.
Well, it seems you've recovered the cost of paper.
Well, that is...
Sir, your books are selling well.
But the uproar is, well...
In Bong has come out with a new book, 'Maiden Ok Ryung'.
Oh, I see.
I was wondering what that was.
This man, In Bong.
I'd like to meet him.
Every book of his causes a sensation.
Your books are no less of quality.
It's just that...
Just what? Tell me.
Do I lack that 'true flavor'?
No, not at all.
It's just that...
There's an air of pretentiousness.
No, I mean...
Air of pretentiousness?
Yours is the second best selling book,
so what's the problem?
You have such ambitions.
Second to 'Maiden Ok Ryung'...
Why isn't this working?
Your joke is going too far.
Where would I get a book like that?
Who is trying to incriminate me?
I'm not saying you read it.
What?
Then why are you here?
In truth, I'm writing this kind of novel.
So what?
But I need some illustrations,
and wanted to ask you to paint them.
So you want me to illustrate your scandalous books?
Me?
Yes.
You've got some nerve!
How dare you ask this of me?
What about that painting?
I wanted to ask the person who painted this
to illustrate my book.
Even if it's indecent,
my fans are eagerly awaiting for the next chapter.
The life and breath in this painting.
The lust behind the twitching muscles.
I need the person who created this.
I know I may be acting rash.
But I need you.
I really want your pictures.
I'm going to act like this never happened.
This is the first time I'm disobeying the national law
by not throwing you into jail.
Go back home quietly.
Please do this favor for me.
Are you dying
to be locked up in here?
I bring you over to a wonderful place like this,
so why such a long face?
As members of the court, we shouldn't be socializing like this.
Shouldn't be socializing?
If it's so wrong, why are you here?
You girls go outside.
What's this?
If I was you,
I wouldn't touch that and just leave.
It's not too late.
Just walk way.
I apologize for the commotion.
I only wanted to thank you for your efforts.
You saw me alarmed by a trifle animal.
You risked embarrassment to save me, I can never thank you enough.
I send this small token to you,
and hope you'll accept it as a sign of my gratitude.
She sewed it personally.
Don't accept it.
If you do, she'll ask to meet.
If there's something the Queen wants,
she will do whatever to have it.
Where is your courage?
I refused to believe people who called you a coward.
Where is the man who struck the bee without a second thought?
Your words don't matter.
I'm leaving.
Do you know how difficult it was to leave the palace?
What business do you have here?
Father, I will take it from here.
Please don't worry and go inside.
With a court lady?
I don't believe this.
Please speak.
It's indecent, not to mention blasphemous.
And it makes no sense.
Oh my.
- That's the physiology of these books. - Well!
So are you going to do it or not?
I want to do it.
I'd like to start Chapter Three like this.
Queen Yoon is overcome with desire and sneaks out of the palace.
She has an encounter in the midst of the crowds
during the lotus festival.
That's ridiculous!
What do you mean?
How can a woman of her stature?
Even fiction should have some plausibility.
Reality is unrealistic.
It's like a dream.
Like something seen in a dream.
Like something tasted in a dream.
That is what this book is all about.
You could call it the 'true flavor' of life.
True flavor'.
And one more thing, I'm the writer here.
And you're the illustrator.
Please recognize the difference.
I understand.
Anyways, the two lovers circle a pagoda,
and the man pulls the queen into the storage.
If you don't stop, I'll scream!
I know you don't have it in you to scream.
Why are you doing this?
What? He touches right away?
Of course.
Wouldn't he be stupid not to?
But there would be a couple upstairs already.
Hey.
It doesn't matter.
Can it be this wild?
Stop it! He took off his noble hat?
Why are you yelling?
You're saying he took off his hat, and explores there with his mouth?
And I plan to describe in detail the shape and state of the genitals
in this edition.
Gen...
Such indecent words.
Genitals.
Why are you sitting like that?
Do you have an erection?
What are you talking about?
So can you draw it?
Draw what?
A guy standing her back to a tree, with his mouth exploring down there?
Let's draw them lying on the ground,
with him exploring in earnest.
You could draw his behind at a slightly lowered angle.
How are you going to make sixty copies with such a slow hand?
You're right.
You're not making art. Take it easy.
If you don't like my work, I can leave.
No, no, no.
Keep going.
I'm strangely tired.
I only do it because I like the paintings.
Okay, okay. I'll take better care of you.
Wow, what a great idea to illustrate the writing.
I'm shocked.
One must be a cut above the rest.
Allow me the liberty of saying.
Go ahead. It's between us.
You are my treasure and fortune.
You're too much.
Anyways.
In your next book, what's your vision for that scene...
What pose will you depict?
That's a marvelous talent of yours.
Just your typical man and woman position.
Nothing special.
I knew it. I knew it.
Nobles are too boring. That's why I asked to make sure.
Come over here.
Me?
I'm transcribing right now.
I said come here.
Don't nobles usually take this position?
Like this until it comes out, right?
They just keep doing this, yes?
What fun is that?
Only a cricket would like it.
I'll show you what women like.
Lift this.
Relax, stop tensing up.
Like this?
Now, if you do it like this, what happens?
It goes really deep, no?
She'll go crazy, saying it's deep,
it hurts, and it feels good.
This much.
This is the least you can do.
I've been thinking of one or two things.
Two things?
Don't think too indecent of me.
A noble takes off his hat?
Please hold this.
Please stand up for me.
Me again?
- Come, get up. - Oh, why me?
Turn around like this.
Prop up the woman like this.
The man goes behind her,
and lifts the leg like this.
Darn, it's stiff.
Like this from the behind.
Doing it like this.
Oh my, it does look a bit sadist.
Saddest? Why sad?
This position is good when the ground is lumpy and there's little time.
So that's one.
Now lie down.
This time, move up, up farther.
Lay the woman like this,
and the man lies next to her with a leg up like this.
Hey, can you make that sound again?
Like this, okay?
Doing it like this.
The distinction here is that each can do his or her own business.
Scholars like us have a lot of reading to do.
Look here, give me that book.
Book.
So while making love
you can also read.
That's a great position for me!
I can write while doing it.
Yes, you're right.
You don't have any time to rest anyway.
Is there any more?
Well, yes.
But he's too old for it.
What position is it now?
Tell me.
Then let's go into the bedchambers.
No, just tell me.
I was able to draw the other two.
I said let's go to the bedchamber.
I said no.
Why, are you frightened?
Oh, please.
Then listen carefully.
So,
the woman lies with her gaze towards the skies.
She raises her legs over her head.
Completely!
What's wrong? Do you not understand?
No.
Just that it is so indecent.
How will you visualize my writing if you're already like this?
No, I'm all right. Keep going.
At any rate,
she raises her legs so high,
her feet touches the ground.
Are the knees touching each other? Or are they parted?
That's up to you.
It doesn't matter.
- Knees together. - Now, it's the man's turn.
His legs are about two feet apart.
He places her in between and enters.