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IMDbPro

The Face Reader

Original title: Gwansang
  • 20132013
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 2h 20m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
Kim Hye-su, Lee Jung-jae, Song Kang-ho, Lee Jong-Suk, and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
Set during the seizure of the throne by Sejo of Joseon in the year 1455, the movie follows the life of Nae-Kyung. Nae-Kyung, the son of a ruined noble family, goes all around Joseon and studies physiognomy. He is able to assess the personality, mental state and habits of a person by looking at someone's face. Because of his abilities, he gets involved in a power struggle between Prince Sooyang and Kim Jong-Seo.
Play trailer1:24
1 Video
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • History
About Nae-kyung who is able to assess the personality, mental state and habits of a person by looking at his face. Because of his abilities, he gets involved in a power struggle between Prin... Read allAbout Nae-kyung who is able to assess the personality, mental state and habits of a person by looking at his face. Because of his abilities, he gets involved in a power struggle between Prince Sooyang and Kim Jong-Seo.About Nae-kyung who is able to assess the personality, mental state and habits of a person by looking at his face. Because of his abilities, he gets involved in a power struggle between Prince Sooyang and Kim Jong-Seo.
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Jae-rim Han
  • Writers
    • Dong-Hyuk Kim(screenplay)
    • Jae-rim Han(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Song Kang-ho
    • Lee Jung-jae
    • Yun-shik Baek
Top credits
  • Director
    • Jae-rim Han
  • Writers
    • Dong-Hyuk Kim(screenplay)
    • Jae-rim Han(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Song Kang-ho
    • Lee Jung-jae
    • Yun-shik Baek
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 5User reviews
    • 9Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 17 wins & 21 nominations

    Videos1

    Theatrical Trailer
    Trailer 1:24
    Theatrical Trailer

    Photos255

    Yun-shik Baek in The Face Reader (2013)
    Kim Hye-su in The Face Reader (2013)
    Kim Hye-su and Song Kang-ho in The Face Reader (2013)
    Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
    The Face Reader (2013)
    Song Kang-ho and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
    Lee Jong-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
    Lee Jung-jae in The Face Reader (2013)
    Song Kang-ho and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
    Song Kang-ho in The Face Reader (2013)
    Kim Hye-su, Lee Jung-jae, Song Kang-ho, Lee Jong-Suk, and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
    Kim Hye-su, Lee Jung-jae, Song Kang-ho, Lee Jong-Suk, and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Song Kang-ho
    Song Kang-ho
    • Nae-kyungas Nae-kyung
    Lee Jung-jae
    Lee Jung-jae
    • Prince Suyangas Prince Suyang
    • (as Jung-Jae Lee)
    Yun-shik Baek
    Yun-shik Baek
    • Kim Jong-seoas Kim Jong-seo
    Jo Jung-Suk
    Jo Jung-Suk
    • Paeng-heonas Paeng-heon
    • (as Jo Jung-suk)
    Lee Jong-Suk
    Lee Jong-Suk
    • Jin-hyeongas Jin-hyeong
    Kim Hye-su
    Kim Hye-su
    • Yeon-hongas Yeon-hong
    Sin Dong-ryeok
    Kim Eui-sung
    Kim Eui-sung
    • Han Myung-hoias Han Myung-hoi
    Yoon Jong-goo
    • Bureaucratas Bureaucrat
    • (as Jong-gu Yun)
    Kwang-Hyun Joo
    • Suspect 1as Suspect 1
    Kyoo-hyung Lee
    • new Eunuchas new Eunuch
    • Director
      • Jae-rim Han
    • Writers
      • Dong-Hyuk Kim(screenplay)
      • Jae-rim Han(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Dong-Hyuk Kim's screenplay won the grand prize at the 2010 Korean Scenario Contest held by the Korean Film Council.

    User reviews5

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    Tragic tale of ambition and power
    This historical drama at 2 hours and 20 minutes is nearly in epic territory. Telling the life story of a 'face reader', a man who predicts people's future by looking at their faces, it is a story of loss, ambition, greed, and how small people are swallowed by the powerful looking to further their goals. Set in 15th century Korea, the costumes are lavish (oh those hats!), the mannerisms accentuated, and societal roles clearly defined. Billed as the story of the rise to the throne of Grand Prince Suyang, who became king Sejo of Joseon, it is historically accurate, with the addition of the face reader to give it human interest. Technically, there is much to like about this film; well shot and acted, with some very pleasing cinematography. It is slightly let down by over-dramatic music at times, and 'generous' editing. It would have come in better at around 2 hours. The story is gripping, and the portrayal of life in that era in Korea is fascinating. It is easy to love the good guys, and hate the bad, and there is enough ambivalance about the two to keep one's interest. I really liked it, and give a solid 8.
    helpful•4
    1
    • Amadio
    • Aug 6, 2018

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 4, 2013 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • South Korea
    • Official site
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Language
      • Korean
    • Also known as
      • Thuật Xem Tướng
    • Filming locations
      • South Korea
    • Production company
      • JupiterFilm
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $515,876
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $159,720
      • Oct 6, 2013
    • Gross worldwide
      • $61,559,184
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 20 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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    Kim Hye-su, Lee Jung-jae, Song Kang-ho, Lee Jong-Suk, and Jo Jung-Suk in The Face Reader (2013)
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