A treat for fans of mature historical dramas and revenge tragedies.
Before you press play, read the parental guide. Check the trivia. Understand that you are about to watch the Joseon version of Caligula . That is not a movie for everyone. But for those willing to brave the treachery, it is unforgettable. the treacherous 2015 imdb
Some viewers find the high levels of sensuality, cruelty, and violence overwhelming. Critics argue that certain scenes border on excessive, making it a challenging watch for mainstream audiences. A treat for fans of mature historical dramas
The narrative is set in the 11th year of King Yeonsan-gun's reign. The story follows a monarch who, after avenging the death of his mother, loses his grip on reality and begins to exploit his power for personal gain and hedonism. Understand that you are about to watch the
: The central controversy—perhaps by design—is whether the film’s excesses serve a thematic purpose or simply exist for shock value. Some defenders argue that the violence and eroticism are meant to critique the corruption of absolute power. One reviewer on Letterboxd, giving it 3 stars, said: “The Treacherous is about the real life tyranny … The film, at times, demonstrates why tyranny can have huge ramifications on women. Namely the loss of their rights”. Detractors, however, see no such nuance. As another user wrote, “It’s quite obvious the director wanted to arouse and shock the audiences … except this sometimes seemed like a really high quality porn with really good acting”.
Meanwhile, King Seonjo (played by Kim In-woo) is desperate to turn the tide of the war and seeks the help of the legendary warrior, Choi Myung-hee (played by Kim Joo-hyung). As the war rages on, Im Kwang's treachery is slowly uncovered, and he must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the Joseon and Japanese forces.
If you are reading the page to find where to watch it, you will notice the "Watch Now" section is sparse. Rights to this film are famously fractured.