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Review: The Last Princess (2016)
Genre: Historical Drama / Biographical
Hur Jin-ho’s The Last Princess is a poignant and powerful historical drama that explores the life of Princess Deokhye, the last royal princess of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, whose story is one of both national loss and deep personal tragedy. Based on true events, the film delicately portrays a young woman caught between two worlds—her royal heritage and the harsh reality of Japanese colonial rule.
Son Ye-jin gives an extraordinary performance as Princess Deokhye, bringing both grace and sorrow to a character long forgotten by history. The film follows her forced relocation to Japan under the guise of education, only to become a pawn of imperial politics and eventually a prisoner in all but name. Despite her status, Deokhye’s life is one of quiet suffering—isolated, stripped of identity, and mentally burdened by exile and betrayal.
The film weaves in the fictionalized character of Kim Jang-han (Park Hae-il), a loyal resistance fighter and childhood friend who attempts to rescue her and bring her home. Through his eyes, we see the princess’s inner strength, and through their connection, the film paints a picture of unwavering loyalty and love for one’s country and heritage.
Visually, The Last Princess is lush and elegant, capturing both the beauty of Korean royal culture and the cold severity of Japanese occupation. The emotional core lies in its depiction of Deokhye’s personal struggle to maintain her identity and dignity in the face of cultural erasure and manipulation.
More than just a period piece, this is a film about resilience, memory, and the tragic consequences of war and colonization. It’s a story of a woman robbed of everything—her home, her title, her future—yet holding on to hope for return and recognition.
What are your thoughts on Princess Deokhye’s journey and the cost of forgotten royalty? Share your reflections below.
