The Swordsman (2020)
The Swordsman (Korean: 검객; RR: Geomgaek) is a 2020 South Korean period action film directed by Choi Jae-hoon, starring Jang Hyuk as the titular character.
Plot:
Tae-yul, the best swordsman in Joseon who serves King Gwanghaegun as his bodyguard, refuses to join a rebellion of the King’s top officials, who believe him too weak to lead the nation against foreign invaders. One of the rebellion’s leaders, Min Seung-ho, challenges him to a duel, during which Tae-yul’s sword shatters and shards of metal pierce his eyes. The King personally stops the duel, declaring he will abdicate the throne, and releases Tae-yul from his service.
Years later, an older Tae-yul now lives with his teenage daughter, Tae-ok. The two live and work as trappers, but Tae-ok is increasingly frustrated with her father’s refusal to let her experience life outside of their home in the mountains; Tae-yul retorts the world is far more dangerous than she understands and he only wants to protect her. Tae-yul’s injuries have grown worse, and a local monk warns Tae-ok that unless his eyes are treated with special herbs, he will go completely blind in a few days.
