The Treacherous (2015) Ending Explained

tl;dr
The Treacherous (2015) is a South Korean historical drama that delves into the brutal power struggles of the Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the tyrannical reign of King Yeonsan. The ending depicts the king's ultimate downfall as his paranoia and cruelty lead to a rebellion. After executing countless innocent people, including his own mother, Yeonsan is overthrown by his ministers and exiled. The film concludes with a haunting reflection on the cyclical nature of power and violence, leaving viewers to ponder the cost of absolute authority and the fragility of human morality.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Treacherous sees King Yeonsan (played by Kim Kang-woo) descending into utter madness, consumed by his obsession with vengeance and control. His reign, marked by extreme brutality-including the infamous "literati purge" where scholars and officials were massacred-reaches a point of no return when he orders the execution of his own mother, Lady Yun, believing her to have betrayed him. This act of matricide symbolizes the complete erosion of his humanity, cementing his legacy as one of history's most notorious tyrants. The film's final act is a visceral depiction of his court's rebellion, as ministers and soldiers, horrified by his actions, conspire to depose him.

As the rebellion unfolds, Yeonsan's once-loyal subjects turn against him, culminating in a tense confrontation where he is stripped of his throne. The cinematography here is stark and symbolic: the king, now a broken man, is dragged away in chains, his elaborate robes replaced with rags. The imagery underscores the fleeting nature of power and how quickly a ruler can fall when their cruelty outweighs their authority. The final scene lingers on Yeonsan's face, a mix of rage and resignation, as he is exiled to Ganghwa Island-a historical footnote rather than the godlike figure he imagined himself to be.

Themes and Symbolism
The ending of The Treacherous serves as a meditation on the corrupting influence of absolute power. Yeonsan's downfall is not just a historical event but a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority. The film suggests that his tyranny was inevitable given the system that placed him on the throne-a system that rewarded ruthlessness and paranoia. The rebellion, while justified, is also portrayed as part of a never-ending cycle; the ministers who overthrow him are no strangers to violence themselves, hinting that the next ruler may be just as despotic. The film's bleak tone implies that power, by its very nature, corrupts, and that history repeats itself endlessly.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. Did Yeonsan ever have a chance to be a good king?
- Possible Answer: His early trauma-his mother's forced poisoning and his own marginalization-suggests he was doomed from the start. The court's machinations shaped him into a monster.
2. What happened to the rebels after Yeonsan's exile?
- Possible Answer: Historically, the Joseon Dynasty continued its turbulent politics, implying the rebels either became the new oppressors or were purged themselves.
3. Was there any redeeming quality in Yeonsan?
- Possible Answer: The film hints at moments of vulnerability, but his actions overwhelmingly paint him as irredeemable.

Personal Opinion
The Treacherous is a gripping, if harrowing, exploration of power's dark allure. Kim Kang-woo's performance as Yeonsan is electrifying, capturing both the king's monstrousness and his pathetic fragility. The ending is satisfying in its historical inevitability but leaves a bitter aftertaste-this isn't a story of justice triumphing so much as violence begetting violence. The film's unflinching brutality may alienate some, but its thematic depth and stunning visuals make it a standout in the historical drama genre. It's a reminder that the past is rarely heroic, often just a series of tragedies repeating themselves.

Final Thoughts
The conclusion of The Treacherous doesn't offer catharsis so much as a grim acknowledgment of history's patterns. Yeonsan's fate is sealed not by divine retribution but by the very system that created him. The film's power lies in its refusal to sanitize the past, presenting a world where morality is collateral damage in the pursuit of power. It's a challenging watch, but one that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.