This Korean epic took four years of preparation, seven months of filming, and cost a reported US$16 million to make. The Herculean effort shows in terms of its lavish production designs, spectacular costumes and makeup, and epic-scale storytelling.

The story of the legendary courtesan Hwang Jin-Yi is a well-known one in Korea, having already spun many books and TV series. Yet the Korean public continues to be fascinated by the 16th-century gisaeng (the Korean version of geishas) who captured the hearts of many men with her great beauty and intellect.

In this silver screen version, the flawlessly beautiful actress Song Hye-Kyo plays Hwang Jin-Yi, a privileged woman born to an aristocratic family. She learns, however, that her real mother was one of her former servants who had been raped by her father. Disillusioned, she chooses to leave the family and become a gisaeng.

Her beauty, brains and talent in the arts saw her rise quickly to become the most sought-after poet and entertainer in her country. Yet despite the attentions of wealthy and influential men, her heart belongs to her childhood sweetheart (hunky Yoo Ji Tae of Oldboy fame).

With its sumptuous designs and labyrinthine plot, fans of Korean soap operas and costume dramas will enjoy this. Non-fans may find it a little tedious though.