Portrait of a Beauty

In 18th-century Korea, the tradition of court painting held a revered position in society. Yoon-jeong, a seven-year-old girl, possessed an innate talent for painting, but the societal norms of her time dictated that women play a secondary role to their male relatives in such esteemed professions. Specifically, the expectations placed upon her family's next generation rested heavily on the shoulders of her older brother, Lee Gang-hwa. He was expected to not only continue their family's legacy but also uphold the honor of their esteemed clan. As the designated successor, Gang-hwa's responsibilities demanded all his attention. Yoon-jeong's brother often sought her aid, subtly relying on her incredible talent to supplement his inadequacies. In an act of selflessness and unassuming dedication, the young girl surreptitiously painted masterpieces alongside her brother, thus ensuring their family's esteemed position as court painters. Tragedy soon struck the family when Gang-hwa, overwhelmed by the pressures of living up to his family's exalted expectations and the knowledge that he could never pursue his dreams, chose the irreversible path of self-destruction. This heart-wrenching incident left an unbridgeable void in the lives of Yoon-jeong and her family. To salvage their family's honor and protect their reputation, her father makes a fateful decision – Yoon-jeong is persuaded to change her name and live as a man, adopting the male persona of Yun-bok. In taking on her new identity, Yoon-jeong is forced to suppress her true self and suppress her female attributes, which were deeply ingrained since her youth. The pressures of adapting to her new persona soon reveal themselves, and as she begins to forge a distinct path as a renowned painter in her own right, her innate talent and creativity are given the freedom to flourish. Under the tutelage of the great Kim Hong-do, Yun-bok's art becomes increasingly captivating and expressive. Her masterpieces capture the essence and beauty of the female form, reflecting a deep sensitivity and a profound understanding of the intricate nature of the opposite sex. However, the strict guidelines of the royal institute, which dictated the artistic expressions that could be tolerated, deem her artwork as scandalous and indecent. This disapproval of her unorthodox paintings sets off a debate in the art and social circles. In the midst of this turmoil, Yun-bok crosses paths with Kang-mu, an officer of great moral character and unwavering loyalty. His encounter with her is nothing short of serendipitous, as both discover an unbreakable affinity for each other. However, this budding romance poses an immense challenge to Yun-bok's concealed identity. For a long time, she has been hiding her true self from the man she loves, forced into a delicate dance of deception and secrecy. The relationship between Yun-bok and Kang-mu blossoms, strengthened by their mutual love for art and each other's unwavering devotion to the truth. However, their affair is not without its perils, as Yun-bok struggles to reconcile her authentic self with her artificial persona as a male artist and, subsequently, as a member of society. As the stakes rise, and the scrutiny intensifies, Yun-bok finds herself confronting an existential crisis: can she find the courage to reveal her true identity to Kang-mu and potentially sacrifice everything they have built together for the sake of honesty and self-acceptance? Ultimately, it becomes clear that Yun-bok's love for Kang-mu transcends the societal norms she had once been constrained by. Together, they face the overwhelming odds stacked against them and forge a path that allows her to be true to herself. The movie ends with a sense of hope and renewal as Yun-bok and Kang-mu look forward to living their lives on their own terms, free from the suffocating shackles of conventional expectations and societal norms.