Based on the book of the same title by Jeong Yak-jeon, a scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, The Book of Fish is about his imaginary life in exile. This black-and-white film is filled with director Lee Joon-ik’s peculiar humane directing. In the film, the political circumstances of the time and the context relating to Catholic persecution are well reflected, and some aspects of unconventional period films, such as King and the Clown (2005) and The Throne (2014) are also apparent. This is because the film portrays Jeong Yak-jeon as a kind person and a scholar who pays attention to the lives of ordinary people. In 1801, Jeong Yak-jeon (Seol Kyung Gu) is exiled to Heuksan island because of his Catholic faith. While curious Yak-jeon is writing The Book of Fish with the help of young fisherman, Chang-dae (Byun Yohan), he leaves Yak-jeon in search of success. Seol Kyung Gu plays the role of Jeong Yak-jeon perfectly, despite this being his first period film experience. The romance between Yak-jeon and Mrs. Gageo (Lee Jungeun) is a gem. (KIM Hye-seon)