Greed, betrayal, vengeance — all this and the casual brutality wrought in their service — are at the raw, bloody heart of 궁중잔혹사 – 꽃들의 전쟁 (Cruel Palace: War of the Flowers), where a veritable Pandemonium of malignant narcissists —essentially functional psychopaths, the lot of them!— has the run of King Injo of Joseon’s court. Joseon era sageuk are generally replete with a particularly acrid flavor of palace intrigue, but none more so than those … Continue reading
Stand in awe of the woven wonder of Words: these that are nought but wisps crafted of as much substance as wraiths that haunt the dreams of mortals; And once uttered, vanish into that realm whence the insubstantial spectres that muddle mens’ minds draw forth; for ‘though perceived, bear no corporeal weight and are nothing to the touch. Yet never was sword crafted so keen and jaggéd — that so swiftly slid … Continue reading
John Milton could not have said it better when he summed up the folly of vanity: all who in vain things Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame… Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. (III 448-54) When the second edition of his epic poem Paradise Lost appeared in 1674, Milton had raised hell enough to call it a day. No doubt … Continue reading
