Blades of Blood: A 2010 South Korean Period Film
Blades of Blood, released under the literal Korean title Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds (Korean: 구르믈 버서난 달처럼), is a 2010 South Korean period action film directed by Lee Joon-Ik. Based on the manhwa of the same name by Park Heung-Yong, the film was released in South Korea on April 29, 2010, with a runtime of 111 minutes.
Plot Synopsis
Set during the 16th-century Joseon era in 1592, the narrative follows individuals from lower social strata striving for social equality against a backdrop of political turmoil.
- Lee Mong-Hwak seeks to challenge Joseon with his sword to claim ultimate rule.
- Hwang Jeong-Hak is a skilled blind swordsman who conceals his blade inside a cane.
- Kyeon-Ja is a young man abandoned by his family and society.
- Baek-Ji risks her safety to pursue the man she loves.
Production
Principal photography for the film commenced on August 31, 2009, in Mungyeong, located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The production was handled by Tiger Pictures and Achim Pictures, with distribution managed by SK Telecom.
Cast and Characters
The film features a prominent ensemble cast portraying historical and fictionalized figures of the era:
- Cha Seung-Won as Lee Mong-Hak
- Hwang Jung-Min as Hwang Jeong-Hak
- Baek Sung-Hyun as Kyeon-Ja
- Han Ji-Hye as Baek-Ji
- Kim Chang-Wan as King Seonjo
- Ryu Seung-Ryong as Noble man Jung
- Kim Sang-Ho as Park Dol-Seok
Festivals and Awards
Blades of Blood was screened at several international film events, including the New York Asian Film Festival, the Fantasia Film Festival, the London Korean Film Festival, and the Deauville Asian Film Festival. Director Lee Joon-Ik received the Best Director award at the 14th Fantasia Film Festival in 2010.
