The Sword with No Name (2009) - full transcript

A Joseon dynasty bounty hunter becomes the body guard of the queen he secretly loves.

Out of the way.

The government
troops have arrived.

Book of hymns.

Where is he now?

Why isn't your God sparing you?

Listen very carefully.

The God that you believe
in doesn't exist.

Now slice her neck.

Yes, sir.

Mum.

Mum.



Mum.

Mum.

Johannes.

Mum.

What are you waiting for?

- Slice her neck now.
- Yes, sir.

Please let me mother live.

Mum.

See what happens to you

when you are tempted
by foreign forces.

Mum.

Mum.

In the late 19th century,

Imperialist powers sent
Catholicism and printed paper



to Eastern countries to
expanded their colonisation.

Gojong became King of
Korea's Joseon Dynasty

and his father, Daewongun
executed a strong policy

of seclusion and closed
the nation's doors.

With the fear and thirst for
new things, the whole nation

was engulfed in a conflict
between reform and conservatism.

Daewongun hastened
to choose a Queen

in order to strengthen
the royal power.

And during these times,
a man meets woman.

And this woman shall be
the fate of Joseon...

They say that one of her strengths
is that she has no father.

But how could she be
Queen of a royal family?

They must be sick
of the influences

from the royal brides' families.

Just wait and see.

The royal family in power
will not easily concede.

Daewongun has taken this too far.

The royal family won't be
able to give up so easily.

What will you do, Your Excellency?

A special day will
dawn on us soon.

So how could I think
only for myself?

They will not back
down, Your Excellency.

I know.

So she will come to us
the day after tomorrow?

Yes, Your Excellency.

I trust only you.

She must not be
harmed by any means.

Do not worry, Your Excellency.

Also...

I created a separate
military office

that is directly
under your control.

It's due to security.

From now on, you will be in charge
of special weapons development.

In particular, we need to quickly
create vests to block bullets.

That way, we can effectively
stand against foreign invasions.

I understand, Your Excellency.

- Here it comes.
- You caught it.

Come here, you fish.

Cook it the best you can.

A Femme Fatale.

What?

It means a very beautiful
yet dangerous woman.

Where?

You can see from here?

Of course I can.

Must be because of those
expensive glasses.

Mother, look at this.

Joseon is such a small country.

But it stands against
big countries.

How brave it is.

You're already
speaking like a Queen.

To be honest, I'm not at
all pleased about this.

Do you know what kind
of place the palace is?

It is a place that stinks of
blood from never-ending battles.

Mother. I want to go to the sea.

Okay, I will get ready.

I want to go alone.

If I can't even go
on this short path,

how do you expect me to go
on that long journey alone?

Can you drive this boat?

Excuse me, sir.

I'm asking you if you
can drive this boat.

The sea...

That sea must be a
very special place.

Seeing that you're
going there alone.

What does the sea look like?

I heard the water is salty.

Well, all water is
the same anyway.

Will you wait for me here?

I won't take long.

Wait, miss.

I'm afraid to stay here alone.

And I'd like to see
the sea as well.

I won't be a bother.
Can't I just tag along?

Is it this way?

Let's go.

Hey, we've come a very long way.

Are you sure we're
headed to the sea?

And not the mountains?

Why are you laughing? Am I funny?

No, I was just remembering me
asking my father the same thing.

So you were a fool like me.

I don't believe it.

I'm sorry.

What do those characters say?

Ja for red.

Yeong for a flower's corolla.

It's my name.

I liked writing my name
like this when I was young.

It disappears without
a trace, you see.

Hold on.

Since this sweetbrier is red,

I just thought it
resembled your name.

Look. Ja-yeong, Red flower.

You really thought that?

Why? I can't?

Of course you can.

So are you accepting it?

Of course.

Thank you.

This place holds the memories
I had of my deceased father.

Whenever I had
gotten upset or sad,

my father would
always bring me here.

And I always found
consolation here.

Do you need consolation again?

I'll be going to a
faraway place soon

in order to fulfil my destiny.

Actually, I'm scared.

I'd like to show you something.

Here.

These are the eggs of a waterfowl.
No one knows about this.

Even my friends don't know.

When the baby birds hatch
out of these eggs,

they can fly right away
as soon as they are dry.

And they never return home.

Aren't they courageous?

Hearing that gives me strength.

Thank you.

Thank you for this long trip.

Please, I'd like to repay you.

Well, if you insist,
instead of money...

Could you give me
your hair ribbon?

Pardon?

Well, I think my friend
would like it a lot.

He's a bit feminine.

Goodbye.

Are you okay?

- You must get treated quickly.
- I'm okay.

What's going on? Why
are they after you?

- Let me see your wound first.
- I'm okay.

Why do you have so many enemies?

Don't come any closer.

Are you Min Ja-yeong?

Yes, I am.

I am Lee Noe-jeon.

Daewongun sent me.

Are you alright?

Thanks to this gentleman.

I will escort you from now on.

Is Ja-yeong here?

Quiet down.

- Is Ja-yeong here?
- Be gone.

- Watch it.
- Have you lost your mind?

Let go. You're wrinkling it.

You fool.

How dare you step foot in here.

Tell her I'm asking
for her presence.

Are you asking for your death?

Who said I was asking for death?
I was asking for her presence.

Are your ears clogged?

Be careful with that sword.

You think I'm just talking
because I don't have a sword?

Stop it.

What can I do for you?

There was a time when I
yearned to be strong.

In order to prove myself,
I killed that tiger.

I'd like to give it to you.

That's enough.

All he wanted to do
was offer a gift.

Stop being so uncooperative.

I really want to do this job.

But he said that he wouldn't
kill women or children.

This is so frustrating. Do
you have brains or not?

Your head doesn't work?

Look.

If a pretty girl
like this is gone,

then your chances get better.

Be practical about it.

- I want to be practical, but...
- But what?

I told him that it'll be
tough, but just take a look.

Why does he want her killed?

When did we ever ask why?

It must be important
since the pay is big.

So are you taking the job?

Moo-myeong.

You didn't mess with women
and children until now.

I mistook you. It's not
like we need the money.

- Dae-doo.
- Yes?

Who are you? Show yourself.

You're pretty smart.

Assassins will hunt her down.

They will move soon.

- This is absurd.
- You're right.

Damn it.

Dae-doo, what's going on?

Where's Moo-myeong?

Well, you see, he's...
Over there...

if you move, I will
kill you with no mercy.

Moo-myeong, that rotten bastard.

You deceive me as
well? You traitor.

This job was worth so much.

What a damn waste.

Who the hell spilled the beans?

I'm sorry.

Your Highness, are you asleep?

It is Noe-jeon.

What's the meaning of this?

My name is Moo-myeong.

My name was Johannes
when I was young.

But my name was forgotten,
and I became just a shadow.

Moo for no and myeong for light.

That is why I am Moo-myeong.

Thank you for the gift last time.

I must go now.

What is the meaning of this? I
am to wed the King tomorrow.

To me, you are the image
of when I first saw you.

You are that image now.

I don't want to
remember any other.

Let go of me. I will be disgraced.

Ja-yeong.

Ja-yeong.

I couldn't protect
my mother long ago.

Even though my mother
was frightened,

I couldn't even help her.

Are you not frightened now?

Didn't you say at the sea that
you were scared to go there?

I want to protect you.

If you would like, I will
have no one find you.

No.

I want to go.

Ja-yeong.

Starting tomorrow, Ja-yeong
will exist no more.

People won't call me
by that name any more.

I'd like to cherish my past
only as fond memories.

Our meet like this
is more than enough.

Commence.

Be respectful and cautious,

and fulfil your duties
from morning to night.

To the husband and wife...

Bow.

Rise.

Bow.

Go away.

Don't stay here and go.

Go.

He doesn't work for days, and
drowns himself in booze.

He's completely lost his mind.

Lee Noe-jeon.

The best swordsman of Korea.

Why are you looking
for a person like me?

You have received too much
attention from an exalted person.

An exalted person?

So what will you do about it?

I will see if you
are worthy of it.

Is it a test?

With your life at stake.

You give up your shoulder to
survive. Very entertaining.

This will settle the score
for aiding the Queen.

Don't appear before her again.

Next time, I will kill.

I have a woman. A different woman.

She's neither a friend, a
courtesan, nor a subject.

But she's a wise person
I can communicate to.

I'll think of you as a wise
Queen who stands by my side.

Please rest.

You must be tired
after a long day.

I find situations like
this uncomfortable.

I'll go sleep in another room.

Where do you think you are?

Who are you?

- You bastard.
- I came to see Daewongun.

Drag him away.

I came to see Daewongun.

Leave him.

You.

Do you really want to die?

My stomach.

My stomach. It hurts so much.

My stomach. It hurts so much.

What's all this noise?

My apologies, Your Excellency.

I will send the crazy man away.

Your Excellency.

I heard you hire people
for their abilities

and not for their background.

If I fight him and win,
please grant my wish.

You.

Do you know who this officer is?

Let's test your courage.

Put the bullet-proof vest on him.

That vest blocks bullets.

But I haven't tested
it on a person yet.

What do you think?

Can you do it?

Yes.

Fine.

What is the wish you'd
like to be granted?

I want to be a palace guard.

Since I was born of
such a low origin,

I wanted to work in the
most prestigious of places.

I'm just a tail anyway.

But I'd like to be a dragon's
tail rather than a snake's tail.

Is that all?

Yes, Your Excellency.

If you survive, then I
will grant your wish.

Ready.

Aim.

Fire.

Fire again.

Second line forward.

Fire.

Is he dead?

He's still breathing,
Your Excellency.

He's a persistent fellow.

It blocked the bullets, but
I'm still not satisfied.

There's still a lot
of work to be done.

Grant that man's wish.

It's dangerous.

Moo-myeong, you're here.

They want to get married that bad?

I don't get it.

I do.

If you get married at a tavern,
you can drink for free.

And if you're lucky, you can spend
your first night in the back room.

Those poor kids have fun today,
but what about tomorrow?

Hey.

Why worry about the future today?

As long as they're in love.

What?

How great it must be.

What do you know?

I envy them.

Where are you going?

To the palace.

Crazy bastard.

When will he snap out of it?

He hasn't seen her for months
after going to the palace.

How frustrated he must be.

Why are you complaining so much?

All the bride and groom need to
do is bow and you all just drink.

Oh yeah.

Does it go over there?

Yes, once around the room.

Seeing Westerners in Korea now is
not a strange matter any more.

The country has
changed a great deal.

What is the status
like in the palace?

The Queen held a banquet

with the wives of
foreign ambassadors.

It was just a ceremony, so you...

Since when has the country
been dictated by the Queen?

Indeed, your orchid painting
is matchless, father.

Is it really matchless?

So, I see you have an interest
in orchids, my Queen.

I heard that orchids represent

the proud spirit of a
gentry and scholar.

That is correct.

Orchids are quite special.

They require a high
level of attention

to bloom such beautiful flowers.

Any neglect or haste will
not make the flower bloom.

My King.

Yes, Father.

I heard that you
have showed interest

in exchanges with
Westerners lately.

It is to be forbidden.

I know, father.

I'm glad that you know.

Please forgive me, Father.

But how can you obtain the wisdom

of blooming a flower if you
haven't bloomed one yet?

Have you forgotten how Westerners
forced Catholicism and opium

on the powerful Qing Dynasty
after it opened its doors?

The important part was the fact
that the country had no choice.

If there is no exchange
with the West,

then we will not know how
to handle foreigners.

Queen.

Are you trying to do politics?

Have you forgotten
how this country

was ruined by the
bride's families?

If you do the same as them,

then I won't stand still.

I don't want to swallow it.

I don't want to swallow it
because it tastes so sweet.

But it melts in my
mouth if I don't.

It's a shame that I
can't taste it well.

Chocolate?

Is this how you say it in France?

That's much smoother.

Let me introduce you.

She is an artist and
doctor from France.

She will help treat the royal

family together with Mr Underwood.

Your Highness, the King has gone
into Lady Lee Gwi-in's chambers.

You don't need to report
that to me any more.

Please forgive me.

Your Highness.

That's alright.

I know that you told
me on my account.

Lady Choi.

Yes, Your Highness.

Are you good at sex?

Your Highness?

Why are you so surprised?

If I am to be loved by
the King, I must learn.

What do you think?

Will you teach me tonight?

Your Highness...

It was a joke.

You may go now.

Yes, Your Highness.

You don't need to be
by my side any longer.

What are you doing?

Ja-yeong.

Ja-yeong.

Ja-yeong.

What happened? How did
you come in here?

Actually, I've been in the
palace for quite a long time.

But since I am such a
low-ranking soldier,

I didn't have the chance
to be seen by you.

- Moo-myeong.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Why did you come in here?

I know you don't want to
be in a place like this.

It's because my sword has chosen
a purpose, Your Highness.

What is it?

To protect you, Your Highness.

This is an agreement signed by
Nicholas the second himself.

It contains initial support
of his military area

with his full attention.

Your majesty. How did
you ever come to

such an exceptional
diplomatic agreement.

This is excellent work.

You have made all our concern
completely disappear.

So is the agreement settled?

Yes, it is. We will
begin the final

measures as soon as possible.

Your majesty.

We have received information
that Korea and Russia

have signed an MOU to
build an ice-free port.

We have received orders from Japan

to discover the
secret transactions

between Russia and Korea
and plan a countermeasure.

Structure a new cabinet

and station new
troops in the palace?

This is a sincere
request made by Japan?

Your Majesty, the
Japanese government

is very worried about Korea

disregarding its Japanese partner
and becoming close to Russia.

Your Majesty.

Please find an effective way
to appease Japan's worries.

A corset. I'd like to wear it.

A corset?

Your Highness, you mustn't.

The Queen of Joseon must not...

Why not?

You must first experience things,

before you deny them
due to prejudices.

I will wear it no matter what.

Since it shows my back, I feel
that it reveals everything.

A Korean garb is much
more comfortable.

It hides many secrets, you see.

Shouldn't we bring
honour to Daewongun?

But isn't the method too harsh?

Of course, it is.

But... There's no other way.

Give this to your master.

So did you get approval
from Daewongun?

Watch your mouth.

What do mean by 'approval?

Are you trying to ruin Daewongun?

If this fails, we must be ready
to take full responsibility.

Lady Choi, bear this in mind.

I didn't hear that from you

until the ceremony
today has ended.

You did not deliver that
message to me, understand?

Yes, Your Highness.

I still do not believe this news.

Because of me...

Because of this
terrible daughter...

if you're going to the ceremony,

you must not cry any
more, Your Highness.

Mother...

Mother...

Your Highness, if you are
to go to the ceremony,

you mustn't cry any more.

You think I wouldn't
know that it was you?

Your blood will make up
for the Queen's tears.

Then I must slice your neck first.

You don't want to accept the fact
that you failed to protect her?

You rotten bastard.

How does it feel?

The torment of not
being able to neither

embrace, approach,
nor protect her.

I'll relieve that pain for you.

Shut up.

The Queen has arrived.

Why are you so late?

They've all been
waiting for the Queen.

Korea

I'm really curious about
that electricity thing.

It's strange.

How could Korea discover
this faster than Japan?

The electricity lighting
ceremony will now begin.

It's bright.

- Fantastic.
- How extraordinary.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Korea's finest warriors.

They will put on a special
sword-fighting show for you all.

Fantastic.

That's enough.

Do you also think that
I should take action?

What do I know about
politics, Your Excellency?

Seeing that you don't oppose,
you must think the same.

But not taking action as an
excuse will be another sin,

if those who have sold out the
country cannot be punished.

What's wrong?

What's wrong with you?

It's urgent.

Where are you going?

To find Moo-myeong.

The Insurrection of 1882.

Where is the Queen?

What is the meaning of this?
Do you know where you are?

Lady Choi, don't you know
that the Queen is in danger?

Block the four main
gates of the city,

and do a thorough search.

Catch the Queen no matter what.

Yes, sir.

Your Highness.

How could this have happened?

I am this country's Queen.

As if killing my
mother was not enough,

they leave us as prey to
those crazy mobsters.

No.

I'm a dead person now.

This uprising is the
people's frustration

with the Queen who
has brought Japan

and Westerners to make
this country suffer.

Quickly proclaim
the Queen's death,

and ease the mind of the people.

- Yes, Your Excellency.
- Yes, Your Excellency.

Your Highness...

The sound of the rain

sounds like the sea in fury.

You also must be very angry.

Because of me.

Don't return to the palace.

Forget about everything until
now and live in peace.

I will be by your side.

Until forever.

If you want me to be your
side, then call me Johannes.

I'm so cold.

It's dangerous if
your body gets cold.

Moo-myeong.

Moo-myeong.

Moo-myeong.

Moo-myeong, over here.

Dae-Du, please be careful.

Don't worry and just give
me the Queen's letter.

Keep in mind that
if you get caught,

the Queen could die.

Min Ja-yeong.

Look here. Is anyone out there?

Look at this crazy idiot.

What's going on?

We caught him because he
was acting suspicious.

Buddha, sorry to do
this in front of you.

But these poor people need to eat.

Trail him and find where
the Queen is hiding.

Yes, sir.

Where is the Queen?

You fools, did you think that
the Queen was hiding here?

No one's here. We've been tricked.

So-hee...

My Queen.

My Queen, you have
suffered so much.

- My King.
- Yes.

She has returned from
death. Yes, she has.

I'm sorry, Your Excellency.

What do you mean you are sorry?
This is a happy occasion.

Now come inside.

Everyone thinks that Daewongun
was behind the uprising.

The family feud will
end when either

the father or
daughter-in-Law dies.

Don't worry.

We have a secret card
in our possession.

I remember when I first
came to the palace.

All I could see was
what was in here.

That was all.

But...

From now on, protect
both the King and me.

The King has arrived.

Were you here, soldier?

Yes, Your Excellency.

Indeed, you have great
devotion to the Queen.

I will see how great it is.

You may go and rest now.

No.

Like you have always done, go
outside and protect this room.

I plan to spend the night here.

Yes?

Why are you so surprised?
Aren't we married?

As your husband, I
neglected you too much.

Now I've realised how
precious you are

after I had almost lost you.

My Queen.

You look so beautiful tonight.

Do you know how much I missed...

my Queen?

Why did you come in here?

I know you didn't want
to live like this.

It's because my sword has chosen
a purpose, Your Highness.

What is it?

To protect you, Your Highness.

What's the meaning of this?

You wench.

What are you doing?

Somebody help us.

I'm not trying to kill
you, Your Excellency.

This incident was

no doubt an attempt to
assassinate the King.

I don't perceive it to be
politically-motivated whatsoever.

During the riot,

the Queen had disappeared

and was with one
person for a few days.

That is enough.

Even though it was an act
to protect the Queen,

if he was alone with the
Queen for a few days...

You are out of line, Daewongun.

Out of line?

Shall I tell the innocent
King of the rumour spreading

in the streets?

That Moo-myeong
started the uprising

because of his lust for the Queen?

And that he kidnapped the
Queen to satisfy his needs?

That's enough.

Daewongun said that
during the uprising.

Your Highness and Moo-myeong

abandoned the palace guards,

and spent a few days
alone together.

He spoke profanely of
it as if it was true.

How could Daewongun speak
of such atrocious things?

Anyway, the King stripped
Daewongun of his title,

and removed him from
his government post.

Also, since Moo-myeong

was charged for letting
the King get hurt,

he was removed from his post.

And exiled from the palace.

You're hurt.

You're hurt right there.

Seeing the exact date,
time and forces,

it is quite a large protest.

If Your Majesty compromises,

then things will be
easily resolved.

Compromise?

Give Daewongun his title back, and
restore everything to normal.

If I don't?

You will have to win
in a match of honour.

Daewongun used the
rumours of the Queen

and Moo-myeong to his advantage.

If you prove publicly

that this rumour is
completely false,

then Daewongun's image
will be shamed.

So there needs to be an
offering made to the people.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I shouldn't be upset over
your rumour with Moo-myeong.

But I didn't know that my feelings
for Your Highness was so deep.

Make him fight my father for me.

The King is waiting
for your answer.

Daewongun's protest...

Only four days left,
Your Highness.

You have no chances of
surviving that fight.

If you don't fight,

I will not despise you.

Forever...

I will make sure that you
will never be found.

I will fight.

If you can never find me,

what reason is there
for me to live?

I will fight.

And I will survive.

We're able to meet like this
again because I'm still alive.

Your Highness.

Since a 500-year old dynasty
is on the verge of collapse,

I will stand up and protect Korea.

Stop.

Move out of the way.

Daewongun.

You've been forbidden
to enter the palace.

You cannot go any farther
unless you pass me first.

Forward.

Attack.

The fight has begun.

Moo-myeong is fighting
the soldiers by himself.

Father does it after all...

Don't move.

I will slice the neck of anyone
who tries to hurt the Queen.

The Queen is suffering
because of you all.

Because of you all.

The Queen is in torment.

I will slice the neck of
anyone who moves, understand?

Daewongun.

Your son.

Your daughter-in-law.

Your people.

Are you trying to kill them all?

Please stop.

Why is Daewongun doing this?

He should stop this.

I've made you into a hero.

The heavens are not on my side.

Your Excellency. We
cannot retreat like this.

Your Excellency.

Your Highness, he has done it.
General Moo-myeong has won.

Is it true?

He has pushed back Daewongun
and the soldiers.

Unbelievable. He is amazing.

So what has happened
to Moo-myeong?

Is he still alive?

Your Highness.

He is safe.

Good.

Have you rewarded him well?

It should be delivered
to him by now.

In case he was to succeed,

I prepared a reward for
him in the Queen's name.

Although he is an
admirable soldier,

he shall not return to the palace.

Insult me if you want.

But, if there is a day Moo-myeong
and the Queen are together again,

I will kill him.

This is a reward
granted by the Queen.

Is it true?

Is it really money
sent by the Queen?

- Yes.
- Is it true?

Is it really money
sent by the Queen?

Tell me the truth.

Tell me the truth.

Is it really money
sent by the Queen?

Feelings are so difficult.

I cannot talk to
anyone about anything.

My heart aches...

You will help me?

Okay, then tell me what he wants.

He wants to fix the mistakes
of the Korean government.

If I had extended
my hand this much,

then you should grab it.

You are drowning,

so who will offer a
hand besides us?

The end of my brush is
overflowing with strength today.

You.

Do you think this country
will move on your will?

Think it over carefully, about
whether you'll help us,

or whether things
will end Like this.

Who is that person?

Your shadow. It has
never left your side.

Shadow?

You should know well.

Korea's King dismissed
Japanese forces

and reshuffled the cabinet
with pro-Russians.

Summon all the men.

When the night is through,
I will carve it here.

'Kill the fox with one stroke.

We will follow the
orders of our Empire

and assassinate
Korea's Queen today.

The Queen's cruel death
will set an example.

And our actions must
never be known outside.

Drink all that you want tonight.

Cheers to the Emperor.

Cheers to the Emperor.

They've finally revealed
their savage selves.

Go.

Go save my daughter-in-law.

Your Majesty. Please
try to understand.

Let go.

You must be safe in order for
this country to stand again.

Surrender.

Your Highness, you must escape.

Your Highness.

They are coming for you.

You have to escape from here.

How could an expellee
enter the palace again?

Your Highness.

Lady Choi, why aren't you
sending that man away.

If you will not go with
me, then I will die here.

You are such a fool.

You are hopeless.

Why have you come here?

Your Highness.

Do you know how much
you are tormenting me?

My heart is having doubts.

Because I want to escape with you.

Then I will be in
debt to you again.

Yes, we could escape them.

But now it is different
from before.

I can avoid the angered citizens
for a moment until they are calm.

But what citizen will trust and
follow me if I flee the enemy?

None of that matters. You
must live no matter what.

If there is no Queen, then
what use is this country?

General.

Please forgive me.

I can feel your fear from here.

Yes.

I am afraid.

So afraid that I
cannot look at you.

Do not be afraid.

Nothing will happen to you.

Please trust me.

The Queen has made this for
you with her own hands.

He is mine.

Fire.

Noe-jeon. Noe-jeon.

Help me up.

Go.

Go protect the Queen.

Your sword was fun, my friend.

This way.

Kill them.

Kill her.

You bastard.

The minister of a
meaningless country

crawl in here at
night like a mouse.

- Your Highness...
- Don't come any closer.

For greater prosperity
of the Far East,

I bid you farewell.

What is this?

Stand back.

While I'm still alive,

none of you shall make a
step toward the Queen.

You cut your nerves and lose
your leg to feel less pain.

But your country
cannot overcome Japan.

Attack.

Why isn't he falling?

Ja-yeong.

I am sorry.

I am not afraid of you.

Never forget me and this day.

I am the Queen of
Korea, Min Ja-yeong.

Johannes.

Johannes.

Johannes.

Please give me your hair ribbon.