Saved from a group of drifters by Kim Byung-moon (Ahn Sung-ki), uncouth and self-taught painter Jang Seung-up (Choi Min-sik) offers a drawing as a means of thanks. Examining the picture, Kim realises Jang extraordinary potential and becomes his mentor, encouraging Jang to pursue the life of an artist.

Jang leaves his home and wanders in pursuit of 'true art', finding love with the daughter of the social elite class only to experience heartbreak when they are forced apart through persecution of the Catholic faith. From this Jang realises that his greatest work is born of the greatest pleasures of women and drink, plunging himself into a life of love affairs and addiction. Continuing to search for artistic transcendence, Jang stretches the limits of traditional Korean art, rapidly becoming renowned worldwide and one of Korea's national legends.

This delightful depiction of the life of artist Jang Seung-up, exploring his natural talent amidst the repressive world around him in a time of political and social unrest in 19th century Korea, won Im Kwon-taek the Best Director award at the 2002 Cannes film festival.