A MUSE
Eungyo · Korean Movie · 2012
✦ Overview
Art, Aging, and the Destructive Power of Desire
A Muse (also known as Eungyo) is a highly acclaimed and deeply atmospheric South Korean psychological romantic drama. Based on the controversial novel by Park Bum-shin, the film explores the complex themes of aging, artistic longing, jealousy, and the desperate desire for youth.
The story follows Lee Jeok-yo, a highly respected and legendary 70-year-old national poet who lives a quiet, isolated life. His orderly world is completely disrupted when he encounters Han Eun-gyo, a vibrant, innocent, and beautiful 17-year-old high school student. Eun-gyo begins working part-time at his house, and her presence reawakens a powerful, long-lost youthful passion and artistic inspiration within the elderly poet.
However, this delicate dynamic triggers a dark, dangerous tension with Seo Ji-woo, Jeok-yo's ambitious but insecure young disciple. Feeling threatened by the old man's obsession with the young girl, Ji-woo attempts to steal his mentor's private work inspired by Eun-gyo, leading all three characters down a tragic, complex path of emotional destruction, betrayal, and obsession.
A Muse is a hauntingly beautiful piece of cinema. It looks past the superficial elements to deliver a raw, bittersweet, and highly poetic examination of how the human heart refuses to age.
— Review Team
✦ Main Cast
The Phenomenal Lineup Delivering Raw Emotions
The film marks the legendary debut of Kim Go-eun, who delivers an incredibly raw, natural, and fearless performance that swept major awards. Park Hae-il undergoes an incredible transformation to play the elderly poet, anchoring the film with massive psychological weight.
✦ Detailed Rating