The Last Princess (2016 Film)
The Last Princess (Korean: 덕혜옹주; RR: Deokhyeongjoo) is a 2016 South Korean period drama film directed by Hur Jin-ho. The film is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Kwon Bi-young, which chronicles the life of Princess Deokhye, the last princess of the Joseon Dynasty.
Plot
Set during the period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea, the film follows the life of Princess Deokhye (played by Son Ye-jin). As a member of the royal family, she is taken to Japan as a hostage. The narrative explores her struggles to maintain her identity and hope for the Korean people amidst the harsh conditions of the colonial era. A central fictionalized element of the film involves Kim Jang-han (Park Hae-il), a fighter for Korean independence whose mission is to facilitate the princess's return to her homeland.
Production
The film was directed by Hur Jin-ho, marking a reunion with lead actress Son Ye-jin, who had previously worked with the director on the 2005 film April Snow. Principal photography commenced on November 30, 2015, and concluded on March 23, 2016, with production taking place in both South Korea and Japan.
Cast
- Son Ye-jin as Princess Deokhye
- Park Hae-il as Kim Jang-han
- Yoon Je-moon as Han Taek-soo
- Ra Mi-ran as Bok-soon
- Jung Sang-hoon as Bok-dong
- Baek Yoon-sik as King Gojong
- Kim Jae-wook as Takeyuki
- Kim So-hyun as young Princess Deokhye
Reception and Awards
The film received recognition at major South Korean film ceremonies. At the 53rd Daejong Film Awards in 2016, it won awards for Best Actress (Son Ye-jin), Best Supporting Actress (Ra Mi-ran), Best Costume Design (Kwon Yoo-jin), and Best Music (Choi Yong-rak). Son Ye-jin also received the Best Actress award at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards in 2017.
