King and the Clown, The

Aroview: Subversive yet broadly-appealing Korean comedy with a gay streak that turns the Chosun Dynasty on its head with its story of two bawdy court jesters and their infatuated king.

Shakespearean in its structure and no-punches-pulled satirical depictions of court life, this was a record-breaking box-office success in Korea. With its political subtext and breaking of taboos, to its assured filmmaking and performances, this has plenty to recommend.