This review may contain spoilers
'Iljimae' has left me sitting in a puddle of my own (hypothetical) tears. Although the first 6 episodes are a bit slow, the story soon picks up with a quick-fire, rapid pace that will leave your heart feeling as if it had been pulled out and stamped upon. It was truly a beautiful drama.The story is similar to Robin Hood, but it's more sophisticated, powerful, moving and gritty than the traditional English folk tale. It is, without giving anything way, a revenge story. However, unlike most revenge stories, it has a heart. Our hero isn't some morally conflicted guy who can't tell right from wrong - in fact, the drama does well by clearly defining the hero's morals and making sure that he never strays too far away from them. It is beautiful to watch the story unfold and see our hero grow.
The father/son relationship was also incredibly moving. You can tell that Seo Dol has this completely unconditional love for Yong (despite him not being his biological son), and their relationship is so special and beautiful. I haven't seen a father/son relationship, like that, in K-Drama - ever. The impact Seo Dol and Yong have on each other just pulls on my heartstrings, and I am usually a person who remains highly unmoved by fiction.
I also have a lot of admiration for Yong's adoptive mother Dan-ee. She appears to be cold and indifferent towards both Seo Dol and Yong (and even her own biological son, Ja Dol/Shi Hoo), but that's just way of trying to protect herself if anything bad happened to either of them. You can tell that she truly loves them.
Overall, the story was very good; however, the romantic aspect of the plot really did weigh it down. I saw no true purpose, asides from being a romantic tool, for Eun Chae; yes, she was caring, kind and seemingly selfless (well, at least that is what she liked to think) but her character lacked development, depth and heart. Every time she would pop up on screen, the story would end up slowing down. She was an unnecessary character, in my opinion, and her romance with Iljimae was highly unconvincing. The second main girl - who actually had a more significant impact, and had a purpose in the story - had much more convincing chemistry with Yong and I would have preferred her to be his primary love interest. She was a brilliant 3-dimensional character - like Yoong - and she had true depth.
I didn't have a problem with Ja Do/Shi Hoo, though. I thought it was kind of weird how he loved Eun Chae (not a spoiler, this is pretty much obvious from the outset of the drama) because he believed her to be his sister, although she wasn't (again, not a spoiler), so that incest-but-not-incest thing kind of grossed me off him for a while. However, his moral conflicts and his struggles with his identity were quite touching, and although he didn't have the same impact as Yoong, I did sympathise with him a lot.
The drama does not suffer from bad acting at all. The cast fully suited their roles, and although Lee Jun-ki is partial to some overacting, it wasn't anything that detracted away from the drama. The actor who played Seo Dol was amazing - that guy put me through emotional highs and lows, and he had amazing chemistry with Lee Jun-ki. I actually felt like I was watching a father/son team whenever those two were on screen with each other.
The best performances, in my opinion, came from Lee Moon Shik, Lee Yong Ah, Lee Jun Ki and Kim Sung Ryung, Lee Won Jong (who was perfect as the delightfully self-serving and wicked, Byun Shik) and Park Shi Hoo. There wasn't really anything that I could call a 'bad performance' in the drama, and though I didn't like Eun Chae, Han Hyo Joo did what she could with such a bland character.
The only reason why this drama doesn't get a perfect 10 from me is because I felt that the romance did actually weigh things down quite a bit and whilst the ending was good, the slight openness of it did irk me off because I prefer more defined endings. (Especially after watching a drama for 20 hours!) However, it was a beautiful story with beautiful characters (and great action scenes) and I recommend it to all. It has heart, humour and depth and it has really perked an interest in the saeguk genre, for me.
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Story:
The story is really good, and like they said it's a lot similar to the robin hood figure we know. It keeps the action going and there is really never a dull moment, you're either laughing, crying or on your toes wondering what's going to happen next.
The only problem I would have with it is that they either should of taken the romance out of it that they attempted to squeeze in, or they should of put more effort into it.
I was also a little unsure about the ending as well as it seems to just leave you to imagine what happened, but I still left this drama feeling satisfied either way!
Acting/Cast:
LOVED the cast, absolutely loved it! I started this drama strictly because of my love for Park Shi Hoo as well as historical dramas, and found myself a whole new cast of people that I would love to see in other dramas.
Music:
The music was good, nothing was too overplayed or obnoxious and it seemed to fit the drama as well as the moments just fine.
Overall:
Overall I would definitely add this to your Plan to Watch list because it's way worth it! You'll find yourself getting attached to the characters and cheering for them in the end. Watch it for the amazing cast and the great story!
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Ok, here goes. Hm... I never did remember why I started watching this particular drama... I think it was because of recommendations or something, but I have NEVER, NOT EVEN FOR ONE MOMENT, regretted it. In fact, this was the drama that got me obsessed with Lee Jun Ki~ XD
The story. The plot line was absolutely fantastic, even though I'm afraid to say I was a little hesitant at first. When I read "Historical Drama", I'm just not that interested, to be honest. And for those of you who are like me, let me just tell you this. Historical will be the last thing on your mind as this drama is filled with intense action, blooming romances, heartbreaking tragedies, and absolutely amazing acting. Especially Lee Jun Ki's acting. I cried when he cried, and laughed when he did~ TTuTT Once you watch this drama, and his other dramas, you'd be amazed at the kind of actor he is.
The music was pretty good, to say the least. The producers did a great job in matching the music with the mood. There was one OST that actually brought tears to my eyes because together with the amazing acting, I just couldn't hold them back...
Rewatch value. Because I gave this a 7, many people may not agree with me. However, let me first explain my reasons. A 7 is actually quite amazing for someone who hardly ever rewatches any dramas/movies, no matter how good they were. Why? The first time you're watching a drama, you are kept on your toes, and when something unexpected happens, you'll react the way you're supposed to. If you watch it again, you'll be expecting the unexpected, and it just won't feel the same. Once I finish a drama, I have a feeling that stays with me. The last few episodes of each drama are extremely memorable, especially if its a drama as good as Iljimae. And after I wrote all of this, I feel as though I am a hypocrite, because I have indeed rewatched this drama a couple of times over~ ^^ I couldn't resist. In fact, when I was rewatching it, I still couldn't hold tears back. That's how good of a drama this is.
Overall? Definitely a ten. If you ask me ten years later, after I rewatched it hundreds of times over, I would still give it a ten.
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Probably because the plot isn't well developed. There are gaps in story telling that are never fixed.
The story itself took about 4 episodes to warm up. From then on, it was definitely entertaining to watch. Once Iljimae appears, things become exciting and fun. Everything about the character of Iljimae is very interesting- his adventures as Iljimae, his life as Gyeom and Yong, and the people in his life.
And it would have been great, if only for the blunt and inconclusive ending. Perhaps it is due to lack of time? but the last episode ends like a recap of the first episode, without adding any explanation on what happened or why the characters are the way they are now. It just feels incomplete.
Lee Jun Ki is great in the lead role. He gives the character an undeniable charm and exuberance.
Shi Hoo is a character who is built up almost parallel to that of Gyeom, but his character felt inconsistent at times, as he shifts from one side to the other. More than a sense of being conflicted, he gave a feeling of being closed. I can only wonder what was going in that head.
The music was fine, the stealing and fight sequences are very good. Then again, don't look for logic in the many fight scenes, where he miraculously fights and escapes. It's a wonder he isn't praised as much for his martial arts skills in the drama, considering that he manages to conquer everyone he spars with. (Every time he gets hit is because of his often-proven-wrong-yet-unshaken belief in the opponent's righteousness)
The romance bit starts off very well, and sustains till almost the last quarter, only to peter out to nothing by the end. If the romance bit had been handled better, it would have added to the charm surely, but as it is- When Iljimae himself has no time for romance, why would we care?
Overall, Iljimae is entertaining and has charming actors, but left me unsatisfied.
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The main thing that kept running through my head as I watched it was the believability. I felt like in a lot of the fighting scenes and the sneaking into palaces scenes had a lot of holes in them, but all of the plans just miraculously succeeded. I couldn't get it out of my head and it ruined a lot of the drama for me :( I wish I didn't think about it so much... I would have completely enjoyed the drama so much more!
BUT the fighting scenes were still amazing, and the story sooooo good and the cast was brilliant. Watch it!!
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Iljimae is well written, acted, and directed. I wasn’t bored for one minute. Now, I have to admit that it takes some concentration to keep up with who is related to who. The story totally drew me in from the 1st episode. I have read that a lot of people weren’t satisfied with the ending, but I was more than happy with it. It answered all the questions that I had and that is what works for me.
The love that these people show for each other is inspirational. Even the bad guy does what he does for the love of the king…not saying it is justified. BTW…there is no epic romance. If that is what you are looking for in a drama, then this is not the one for you.
The acting in this is well done even by the supporting cast. Lee Jun Ki as Iljimae and Park Shi Hoo as Shi Hoo do exceptionally well in their roles. The only other drama I have seen Jun Ki in was My Girl, this shows just how versatile he is as an actor. I was totally taken in by him and the way he could go back and forth from Yong to Iljimae. It makes me want to watch Arang and the Magistrate now. I have not seen any of Shi Hoo’s dramas. If this is an indication of his acting ability, then I will look into it.
The man that deserves a lot of credit for making this show worth watching is Lee Mun Shik as Soe Dol. He gave a great performance and his character was the best.
The music is good
I probably won’t rewatch it, but it is definitely a must see on anyone’s drama list. Enjoy!!!
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Iljimae (2008) is an old classic to put on your list
Before Lee Joon Gi became iconic in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), he starred in the little gem Iljimae (2008). This Korean Drama is a Joseon version of Robin Hood with touches of Hwarang. Lead actor Lee Joon Gi plays Gyeom/Yong-i/Iljimae, the Nobleman’s son who was orphaned as a child and forced to live as a poor commoner, due to political and ambitious wranglings. He takes up the banner of the disenfranchised, while trying to find the murderers of his father. The stars aligned perfectly for this classic Korean drama from 2008, Iljimae Season 1 rated PG 13. Nevertheless, even though Iljimae is an engaging story, at times it does drift off into silly comedy. This may bother some. There is word fighting in Iljimae.Stars Lee Young-ah, Park Si-hoo, Lee Joon-gi, Han Hyo-joo
Because this is an old gem, many film concepts and techniques are “ole school”, like Cinematography and sound effects. Iljimae was produced back in the day when the action actors were hooked up to wires, which were often visible to some paying attention. This was during the time when action actors also did their own stunts. Lee Joon Gi is often seen doing his own stunts in this drama. Watch out for the original blindfold ‘Healer’ Kiss.
The “eyes” have it for this Korean Drama. A very young Lee Joon Gi could not look more handsome, playing the role of the action hero. His eyes are the most gorgeous feature of his moon pie face.
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About the music backgrounds, it heightened the scenes and the acting as well but I haven't had any particular song that I sticks to my mind.
I definitely would watch this again in the future because of its compelling story and great actors. Overall, I recommend that you see this drama. You'll love the different historical point of view it showed and especially the main lead actor which never fails to amaze me throughout the story.
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Everbody acted their role perfectly. I must say, I'm really impressed with Lee Jun Ki, the way he transformed from goofy and loveable Yong to serious with awesome fightingskills -Iljimae was impressive! That guy can act!
I didn't really understand the romance in this drama, thats why I gave it a 9 in stead of 10. If I say more, I'll spoil. So watch it and you'll understand.
Even Though the some of the scenes are unrealistic, I still enjoyed the show because of the awesome cast and story. The music was like the icing on the cake. Perfect!
You should watch this drama now!! :)
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