Gwanghae is not used to face people and rather timid. He is often looked after by his Eunuchs and beloved maid Duk Yi (Esom). With the help of the proxy soldiers led by To Woo (Lee Jung Jae), the entourage went through deep across the mountains to Pyongyang. The Japanese soldiers came interrogate Prince Imhae requesting for Gwanghae's whereabouts. Gwanghae was lost for words when his close Eunuch turns out to be a spy and sending hints for soldiers to kill him. In fact they were orders from King Seonjo to kill his own son! The citizens and followers shook their heads realising Seonjo is hopeless and has abandoned the country for his own sake.
Gwanhae learned everything through the hard way, fighting to survive and learning the real truth that his father despise him after his mother died during childbirth. He realised that he needs to stand up for his people and fight to the end. But he didn't want to put the proxy soldiers in danger. He told them to go after they escorted him safely to Pyongyang. The King suddenly sends a message instructing Gwanghae to abandon the city and leave for his safety.
The useless King is a big joke! First he sends assassins to kill his son, then when his son is safe he wants him to leave again and go somewhere else! The ministers want Gwanghae to leave his citizens behind but he refused. To Woo came back with his other buddies to help the Crown Prince and people. They escaped to a ruined fortress to shelter while the Japanese came to confront them. They are so determined to capture Gwanghae but he fought hard to the end. Many soldiers died and even Duk Yi was shot to death. Gwanghae's tears rolled down upon seeing his people have been sacrificed for the royal family. He changed his clothes to a commoner to avoid the enemies.
The people and Gwanghae were about to board the boat to escape when the Japanese came to look for them. To Woo and his gang decided to remain- fight to the end. However the Japanese have guns so they have won the battle. But Gwanghae, his ministers managed to escape safely to another side of the region. He went to a nearby General camp battleground seeking for refuge. Nobody could recognise him as a Crown Prince but as soon as he handed the Royal Flag and letter from the King, everyone was shocked. Who would expect a Crown Prince dressed like a peasant with bruises and dirt, arrive at the battleground.
Flash back when Gwanghae asked why there were 2 dragon motifs on the royal family flag. To Woo answered humbly that one dragon symbolise the King, another represents the people...
What a meaningful movie...
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