Swine Escape

The prime minister's precious only son Ho-yeon has feelings for courtesan Wol-hyang. Ho-yeon's servant, Spot, who has always had unrequited love for Wol-hyang, drugs Ho-yeon. When he falls unconscious, she sells him off to a slave trader. Ho-yeon, waking from his drugged state, is frustrated because he can't prove he is not a slave. Ho-yeon soon learns the reality of the slaves who face injustice and rolls up his sleeves to try and save them from an unreasonable system.

Directed by —, Swine Escape leans on a strong ensemble — Park Ki-woong, Kim Joo-hyun, Seo Dong-won — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about history titles of 2013.