The Face Reader (2013) User Reviews

For those who are interested in Korean filmmaking and History

[niutta-enrico · 8/10 · 10 March 2014]

The film narrates, in an enjoyable way, a crucial point in 15th Century Korean History and although the main character (the face reader) and his friends are fictional, most of the others are real historical figures, from King Sejo himself to his legendary adviser, Han Myung-hoe

It's a good movie, spiced with funny characters and beautiful women, well acted, edited and directed. The script has a classical breath that reminds of Shakespearian works but could be perceived somehow naive or slow paced by a Western audience.

Therefore I would not recommend it to someone who is not interested in the Asian way of describing human feelings or is not willing to experience something alien. The idea that face reading could reveal the human soul or that someone's destiny is carved in his own outlines is catching and very well developed.

Tragic tale of ambition and power

[Amadio · 8/10 · 6 August 2018]

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.

Surprise bonus entertainment - if you don't mind subtitles

[bogus-bogus-one · 8/10 · 6 June 2018]

I was surprised I had not heard of this film until recently since I've developed a love of Korean film over the years & regularly search for new titles. I always wonder about films with an IMDB rating below 8 but I thought I'd give it a tryjust because I'm a fan of Kang-ho Song. Now that I've viewed this film I'm not sure why it hasn't been rated higher? I feel very comfortable giving this 8 stars. The acting was good as I'd expect and the story seemed pretty solid to me. If I get picky I could ding it for a few minor things that I might like to see done differently. I thought it might have been made clearer why the face reader seemed unable to understanding the characters of those that were closest to him. (Or maybe that was the whole point and some of the subtleties in Korean were getting lost in English subtitles)? Other than that I can only think of one scene that may have dragged a little more than I liked ( the tragic scene towards the end ). I guess you'll have to watch it to find out if you agree with me.

A movie with a lot going on, but still dragged out

[KineticSeoul · 6/10 · 22 April 2014]

I wasn't highly looking forward to seeing this movie or anything. However like any movies that comes across my path, I decided to check it out. Watching this movie was like watching a mystical fairy tale that takes place in the Joseon Dynasty that revolves around a legendary face reader. The face reader is some made up guy that can know someone by just looking at the person's face, able to accurately predict what that person is capable of and what that person will do in the future. And what can bring fortune or negativity to them. Through about half the movie is about the face reader going through different stages. First working for some madame mistress to working for officials to track down criminals to working for the king. And it's really dragged out and boring. When it comes to the face reader trying to find the people who are trying to commit treason against the kingdom, is when things get kinda interesting. Despite the historical architecture in the Joseon Dynasty and the costumes and everything it just didn't seem to have what it takes to grasp the audiences attention. Lee Jong-suk is also in this but he pretty much is a useless character, except maybe near the very end. I give this movie a 6.5/10 since although it had a slow intro, the ending stood out to a degree.

6.5/10

Really enjoyed

[ryanlsj · 10/10 · 1 November 2018]

Very detailed description of what really happened in that period of time and adding fictional face reading story into the story is very creative. Brilliant acting. Many beautiful scenes. Specially last ending was very emotio al.