We’re back with a new film review and this time we went back to 2015 with ‘The Magician’.
‘The Magician’ is a romantic historical fantasy that leans more on charm and atmosphere than big twists—and honestly, that works in its favor. Directed by Kim Dae-seung, the film drops us into the Joseon era and introduces Hwan-Hee (Yoo Seung-ho), the most popular magician in Moorangroo, a red-light district buzzing with life and secrets. Behind his dazzling performances, though, Hwan-Hee carries deep emotional scars from an abusive childhood under the cruel magician Gwi-Mol (Kwak Do-won), a threat he knows may one day return.
Enter Cheong-Myung (Go Ara), a Joseon princess on her way to an unwanted political marriage in the Qing Dynasty. When her journey pauses in Uiji, fate brings her face-to-face with Hwan-Hee on a quiet mountainside. He doesn’t know she’s royalty, and she relishes the brief freedom of being seen as just a woman. Their romance unfolds gently, built on stolen moments, curiosity, and the contrast between her confined life and his free-spirited existence.
The film balances its lighter romantic tone with darker undercurrents. Gwi-Mol’s looming return adds tension, while hints of conspiracy within the princess’s inner circle keep the story moving.
Visually, the movie is a treat. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, and the magical performances are staged with flair, giving the film a fairy-tale quality. The dynamics between the characters are fun and easy to watch, and the romance is undeniably cute, even if it follows familiar genre beats.
‘The Magician’ doesn’t reinvent the historical romance wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a solid, comforting watch with beautiful visuals, likable characters, and a sweet love story at its center. If you’re in the mood for something light, romantic, and visually pleasing, this film delivers exactly that.
Go ahead and watch the trailer below.
