The plot is a hot mess. Very hot on the eyes and the heart and very much a mess for the intellect. But, frankly, I was more than willing to overlook every plot-hole, every unrealistic twist, every narrative ingenuity while watching, because the emotions portrayed were so strong, so moving and beautiful, it was like swimming in self-inflicted, desired pain. This is a story of friendship, and this aspect is wonderful. I rejoiced in every scene which would bring the friends/rivals together on screen and not surprisingly those scenes are the best shot ones too, with some stunning choreography and mesmerizing music. I could have watched 29 hours of sword fights or friends silently sitting next to each other without complain. This is what the story is about and as I said it's incredibly beautiful.
On the other hand, the plot, or, if you prefer, the writing, goes everywhere and nowhere. Aliens could have landed in Joseon and killed them all with laser beams and it would have gone almost unnoticed in the circus. I'm not saying the politics didn't count, but I simply didn't care. What I cared about were the characters and their bond.
First, the kids: they enchanted me. Because this drama is totally devoid of mother figures – the only living one having refused to be such for 20 years – I suppose my very latent mother instinct came to the surface with a vengeance. The acting by both Yeo Jin Goo and Park Gun Tae was amazing and I'm kind of indignant they are listed as "guest roles" here. In less than 4 episodes they managed to make me love the characters and die to see how they'd connect to one another. The young Wun in particular must be the most harrowing character I've come across in a long while. My desire to kill that father of his with my own hands reached unexpected and disquieting heights.
Then, there's the older generation of friends/foes, mainly Chun the Sky Lord and Gwan Taek, who share a weird bond based on rivalry and grumpy respect shown with swords. I won't spend too many words on the two actors, they are simply brilliant and the director seemed to share my opinion since the best camera works are dedicated to them. I mostly appreciated Choi Min Soo's rendition of his character, which could have easily come out of a Sergio Leone's film.
This drama is based on a manwha and this is particularly obvious in all the main characters who are clear cut and distinctive like drawings.
Not so the adult Dong Soo And Yeo Wun, who mature and change, making this into a coming-of-age drama. As single individuals they are very different, one light the other dark, one goofy the other somber, one stubborn the other easy to manipulate, but together they shine. I loved the acting of both Ji Chang Wook and Yo Seung Ho; the first because he enters the character in a way that makes you instantly forget whatever role you may have seen him in before: here, he's Dong Soo. There's a lot of physicality in his acting, which makes his performance totally believable. Seung Ho has such expressive eyes he steals the screen by a single, all-telling glance. His character is all played on subtlety, which makes it extremely powerful. As I said, separately they do great, but together they are unforgettable. It helps that they are both so smouldering handsome; in a drama based so much upon visuals, this isn't a secondary aspect at all.
Also, I must be the only living creature who liked Shin Hyun Bin here. What everybody described as a wooden performance I found to be delicate and very fitting to her role. What that role was, is another story entirely: the romance is so secondary it's almost non-existent here. This in the most common sense of the word, since the drama is profoundly romantic in the classical definition of sentimental and tumultuous.
I invested a lot of feeling in this drama, this is why the very last minutes infuriated me. I can condone many faults of this script, but I will never, ever forgive the writer for not honouring a particular character the way he deserved, for cutting short on a farewell I had been kind of expecting (and dreading) since the beginning. Many tears welled in my eyes but never had the time to come out, leaving me frustrated and empty. I suppose I should thank the production for hastening my healing process this way, for reminding me life goes on, or I'd be still suffering now. I'm not sure it's fair to lower the overall score of a drama due to the last 10 minutes, but for a show that expects you to leave the brain aside and only watch with the heart it feels like cheating.
The music is a different story. To put it short, this is the best drama Ost I've heard so far. It contributes so much to the feeling I believe it is mainly responsible for my loving the drama and overlooking its faults. Honorable mention to BMK's powerful "Yanoy", to its harrowing acoustic version by Eun Tae Park and to the haunting "Stagnant" by Shin Sung Woo. If you have the chance, give a look at the lyrics too, as they are beautifully poetic.
I don't think I'll watch the entire drama again. I will definitely re-watch single scenes though, just for the wonderful aesthetic of them. On the other hand though, I've watched a disgustingly high number of MVs and fan videos only for the sake of Dong Soo and Yeo Wun. Given how many are to be found, it seems I'm not the only one.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Epic and action are by a humorous ribbon tied together in a touching, gripping way. Go for it!
Set in a jaunty kaleidoscope of relationships, friendships, brothers in arms, blood ties, loyalty, heroism and heartbreak, the time of King Yeongjo, Crown Prince Sado and King Jeongjo is epicly (for a 2011 series production) portrayed."Warrior Baek Dong Soo" is full of fun, martial arts and of course: drama. There is politics, too, yes, butteh KDrama is definitely more on the drama and action side. I benevolently ignored some daring storytelling details and the selectively very optimistic choreographic freedom in the heroic staging. "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" balances between history and entertainment, between epic scope and personal tragedy, between deep, dramatic emotionality and airy, playful, humorous, good mood. The KDrama finds a rousing swell, in which the emotional waves are allowed to splash from all directions - with a story that sails between historically memorable facts, legendary heroes, steep (but by no means absurd) hypotheses, and colorful dramaturgical freedom. It offers great entertainment thanks to an exceptionally strong presence of all actors - whether young or old.
Baek Dong-soo himself is wonderfully portrayed by Yoo Jin-goo (young) and Ji Chang-wook (adult) in the sense of a largely impulsive jester who wears his heart on his sleeve. On the other hand, there is the introverted, somehow tragic, always serious and withdrawn Yeo Woon (Yoo Seung-ho as an adult and Park Gun-woo as a boy). The demanding life of the young warriors is sweetened by the unique charms of Hwang Jin-joo (cheeky, tomboyish: Yoon So-yi) and Yoo Ji-sun (stoic, reserved: Shin Hyun-bin). The by now veteran acting legend Choi Min-su as assassin lord in gothic style gives his very personal flavor throughout the 29-episodes long ride through time. And quite a few more there are.
In this KDrama it is rather the dramatic love story and love triangle of the older generation that pushes itself emotionally to the fore than that of the younger generation. This is probably due to the fact that Baek Dong-soo's generation is more dominated by humor and a cheeky mouth that wants to take on fate, while the older generation is dominated by the decades-long heavy burden of overwhelming life experience.
The historical hook of "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" is (as the title suggests) Baek Dong-soo, who went down in history as a heroic swordsman legend. He was one of three authors of the 'Muye Dobo Tongji' (= Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts), which is now officially classified World Heritage. This four-volume work summarizes the common weapon techniques of the Joseon period. (The book gained its extraordinary importance as a rare, valuable historical source on military affairs and Joseon martial arts, since older works fell victim to the destructive Qing invasions from the north.) However, swordsman Back Dong-soo first of all became legendary because he repeatedly saved King Jeongjo from being assassinated. And this juxtaposition of swordsmen serving the king versus assassins serving a however motivated client, originally inspired the 2010 KDrama comic entitled Honorable Back-Dong-soo.
The KDrama "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" thus also contrasts swordsmen and assassins - in terms of their ethics, their loyalty, their code, their mission, their training, their emotional world. This ambivalent and tragic dynamic makes the 29 episodes going and the time spent watching it worthwhile. They are so similar and yet they are worlds apart. One has to protect, the other has to kill. And yet, he who kills also protects. And yet, he who protects also kills. Both are henchmen. Both give everything. Risk everything. They're simply on different sides. Depending on the situation, the act of the swordsman is considered correct and honorable, while that of the assassin is considered a crime and vile. In my opinion, the KDrama reveals one of its strongest moments in the emotional explosiveness of the fatal bond between the first swordsman and the leading assassin lord (each of their own generation). They are so close emotionally and yet they live in different worlds: One in the light open, the other in secret. In tried and tested KDrama manner, the 'bad guys' (assassins) once again - despite the concentrated ambivalence of their characters - play their way taciturnly, but effectively into the hearts of the audience.
The framework for the plot is in beautiful continuity provided by sword fights and political intrigues. The flesh is made of fatal, ambivalent, intense relationship ties and feuds between the protagonists. History sets the direction. Epic and action are by a humorous ribbon tied together in a touching, gripping way. Go for it!
---------------------------------------------------------
Historical SIDE NOTE: --- Yangban of Joseon in the 18th century between conservative thinking and reformist, modern impulses. ---
The historical background of KDrama is shaped by three memorable decendants of the Joseon Dynasty. King Yeongjo, who holds the record-breaking 52-year reign on the throne, Crown Prince Sado, who went down in history as a tragic, possibly greatly misunderstood figure, and his son, who contributed to peace and prosperity as King Jeongjo. In addition to the serious efforts of the two kings for stability and progress, there are the divided camps among the nobles who fight by all means for their supremacy in political and social affairs.
Between 1674 and 1689 the Namin (Easterners) steered the administration of the country in their interests, followed by the Seoin (Westerners), who then entangled their position of power in disputes: the Noron representing the old, strict, conservative neo-Confucian doctrine and the Soron fighting for a new, modern, reformist, practice-oriented doctrine (Sirhak). It was probably King Yeongju's merit that despite the massive differences, the balance of power between the camps was well balanced for a long time. However, the price he had to pay for reasonably stable living conditions in the empire was his son, Crown Prince Sado, who favoured modern teaching and thus provoked the Noron. At least that is how one historical theory interprets the dramatic events surrounding Sado, who is said to have died locked in a box. The KDrama follows this theory (and not the annals, that present Sado as falling into insanity that could no longer be curbed, or a third theory that suspects a massive father-son conflict as the cause).
So, in line with the theory, which sees Sado as a progressive, reformist spirit, who wants to liberate his country from the supremacy of the Qing, "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" tells the story of the loyal followers of the ruling family, who are skilled in martial arts, and how King Jeongjo wants to live up to his father's modern visions. In doing so, with an open attitude the young king, too, always chose a balance and thus continued the proven political strategy of his grandfather, who in doing was able to stay alive more than half a century. In this way, King Jeongjo succeeded in the 24 years of his reign between 1776 and 1800 in building the Hwaseong Fortress as the center of his reign, in advancing education and science, in optimizing national defense and in creating the Royal National Library of Gyujanggak. However, he could never be sure of his life... at least seven assassination attempts alone during his first year in power are historically recorded. ... A striking reflection of the massive resistance against the attempted modernization of thinking in Yangban circles.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Well... I am writing this review completely depressed because I finished yet another amazing drama, and now it's going to be hard for me to find a new one... Ok, I'll start with the small things first, but if you really want my actual opinion, just skip to the story part. Music. I thought it was pretty good, but then again, music is one of the small things I pay attention to... But, seeing how it didn't disturb the scenes in any way, but rather added more emotion into them, I give music a ten.
Acting/Cast. Oh gosh. What can I say? For me, I think all the actors were absolutely amazing. If I were to recast this, I couldn't imagine the story with any other actors. In fact, I'm sure the entire cast were all unfamiliar faces to me, but I thought they portrayed their characters wonderfully.
Rewatch Value. Hm... I usually give amazing dramas like this one (which have a huge impact on me) a rewatch value of 8. I really do want to watch it again, but I don't want to go through all the depressing moments again... I can't really give an accurate review for this one, so I'll just give it a 7...
Yay! Finally. The story. Just... wow. I really couldn't have expected anything better. I liked how the producers spaced the drama out. 29 episodes may seem like a lot for a drama, as most South Korean dramas usually have 16, 18, or 20 episodes. So, you're probably thinking that with lots of long dramas, there are going to be slow periods at the middle. However, that is not the case with this one. WBDS is almost like two series' combined into one. There are small climaxes in the story at around episode 5, and episode 23, and one huge climax at episode 14-16. In fact, After that climax, many new characters were introduced, and it seemed to me as though a new series was starting. Another thing about this drama that impressed me a lot were the bonds between friends and family. I was absolutely amazed with how much strength was shown in those bonds... Argh. I don't think I can give any more explanations without it resorting to spoilers... Also, I loved how the story not only told a story of a generation, but the story of many. The drama contained small parts which focused on each of the main characters, and with those tidbits, I realized that I could relate with them, and understand each character a little more. Throughout the drama, the main characters matured considerably (and a small thing I realized was that the producers changed the hairstyles of the main characters throughout the drama to reflect their personality). Ok, now for the negatives, and why I didn't give the story a ten. Well, there is really only one reason for this drama not to receive a ten. I actually thought the story was very well thought out and executed, but in truth, it was much too depressing. Too many great characters died (hope that's not a spoiler...) and while this happens with 98% of everything I watch, I still have not grown desensitized to my favourite characters dying. Also, Yeo Woon is one of the most pitiful characters I've ever seen, and I really don't like it when a character is too pitiful, especially when he looks like THAT. You know what I mean.
All in all, I loved everything about it except for the utterly depressing death scenes.
Was this review helpful to you?
WBDS it's a story that worth to be live, because that is what you'll have. I think that it's impossible to only 'watch' the serie, but it needs to be felt, to be lived. Every characters needs to be understood, good or evil it doesn't matter, because it doesn't really exist, that is what make this drama so beautiful.
Of course if you like the simple love story, it's not the drama for you.
Hope it could be useful somehow...
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Remarkable drama! One of the rarest and best for me. Drama which deeply touched my heart and I know it'll stay with me forever. Everything, absolutely everything was just perfect. Honestly, I personally can't believe how much I cried and cried, smiled and smiled for this drama. I was invested in its story and characters I believe more than 100%. So I had to write a review, first for me and my emotions and then for you my beloved friends.Story is one of the bests in a history of sageuks dramas. A hero kind drama with a beautiful bromance between Dong Soo and Woon, unforgettable friendship between all characters, mesmerizing sceneries, full action. In the beginning I didn't believe I will enjoy this much, but once I get into it, which didn't take me long, believe me I just couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to see more and more. Amazing twists, best villains, fighting, all that was perfectly combined leaving me no time to even think about something else. Every scene and every second was precious to me. Why it needed to move me so deep, just why?
Oh how many awesome, amazing characters are in this drama. In fact, that is the essence of this drama. Characters, their interactions with each other, characters developments, choosing their own paths of life, forgivness, regrets, sadness, repentance, happiness. And that's what moved me to the bones. I became very attached to characters, that I asked myself if I am okay, that it's just a drama, but something more in me was telling me that this is not some ordinary sagaeuk drama I used to watch most of the time. It is something different, very different.
Dong Soo is a hero, a protagonist of this drama. In fact, the are two. Dong Soo and Woon, since their lifes are followed from the younger days to the adult ones. Dong Soo choose to became a kind and persistent man towards his dream to become the best Swordman of Joseon, while Woon who wanted to end his unfortunate life, choose an easy way and became an assassin (I called it easy because it was the easiest way, he just wanted to escape the unhappiness he had no matter where and what). And from that moment on their lives became one cruel fate which they couldn't avoid.
Jin Joo was an amazing character! I loved her so much. Brave, strong and independent. Her sad life was indeed sad. I became so attached to her that I could feel what she felt, like her character was alive and was standing beside me telling me about her shitty life. Her fate really played with her, but she couldn't escape it.
That monk girl or Ji Sun - no comment. Seriously. I felt like she was there just like that.
Besides main leads, there are many stellar actors and characters. Whom I loved the most are definitely Cheon Soo (Sky Lord), Ji and Swordmaster. Cheon was a BEST villain ever, although I never felt like that, since his story was very moving and sad, that I just couldn't hate him. His love towards Ji was a painful, unrequited one which was just sad and I cried and cried. She loved Swordmaster, but never had a courage to actually go to him, because she knew what her fate is. Their story was really painful and it touched me to the core. I'll NEVER EVER forget them, their longing, regrets and sadness. I swear, I've never in my life cried this much for a drama, never. I guess this drama stroke me right in the heart!!!
************* SPOILERS******************* ABOUT: Jin Joo; Woon
Okay, I personally believe Jin Joo's ending was some kind of a ridicilous one. It seemed like writers forced a painter on her, just to pair her up with someone. Even now I can't understand how Dong Soo forgot when she kissed him and asked him to marry her when they were younger. And the beginning of their story was leading that they'll end up together, but when they got older he fell in love with that monk girl. It does not make a friggin' sense to me, seriously. She was a brave, strong and kind character and I just adore when a girl knows how to fight. She is not hiding behind someone, waiting to someone protect her and that's what I respected the most about her character. Also, I somehow, without knowing became very attached to her character, that when first she lost her mother I cried a river, then when she lost her father I cried a river again. She just ruined me emotionally. I loved how she, the only one didn't hate Cheon, she considered him a friend, and he liked her too. I loved her when he called her "child", but when he died my heart broke. When she cried for him I cried with her together. Hehehe you can imagine how 'beautiful' sight it was. :P
Oh and how much I have to say for Woon-a. I FRIGGIN' LOVE HIM! He was the most unselfish person I've ever seen in my life. His endless love for a Dong Soo and Cho Rip really never ended. But that animal Cho Rip betrayed him. Ufff I hated him at the end I wish he was dead instead of my beloved Woon. He choose his life path and became an assassin, but he never felt like he belongs in Hok Sa Cho Rong. His body was there, but his heart and mind was with Dong Soo, Captain and Swordmaster. His character was the strongest. I actually felt his pain, longing and love that he missed. Plus, his performance was phenomenal, even though he was 18 years old back then. JUST BRAVO!
In the last episode, I knew that something will happen to him and I was praying that everything goes well, but that curse that followed him right from the time he was born did really take his life. Oh how much I cried when he said to Dong Soo: "You were my safe place, you've always been Dong Soo-ya. Now you don' t suffer anymore because of me." With those painful, tearful, sad words and the moment when he throw those swords and let Dong Soo kill him, I just couldn't take it anymore and bursted in tears, and cried who knows how long after that. One more precious moment is after that when Dong Soo is drinking and trying to forget about him, but in every new glass he sees him, more vividly than the previous one. Those moments are the ones I'll never forget in my life.
**************SPOILERS END***************
Although this drama had a million sad moments, moments that simply brake your heart, I didn't regret one thing. I simply lived with this drama.
Also OSTs are amazing. For every scene they put the right ones. Epic for epic, sad for sad, happy for happy ones. Oh and I think that each song is connected to some characters. Just by looking at its lyrics you can connect and say " Oh that song is meant for this and that character." I'm still listening the whole album and keep rememebering how precious moments are in this drama.
I'd gladly rewatch it, even I know I'll go through the same pain again, but nothing will stop me to rewatch this masterpiece. All in all, this drama showed me how strong and powerful friendship can be, and that the one who loves more is the weaker one. Unwritten rule, but totally true. This drama will always, I mean always have a special place in my heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
It is certainly a great historical drama. It gives you a brief idea how the politics are working, along the daily life during the Joseon period, with very good costumes, make-up and setting.
I think most of the audience would probably agree with me that the story was good but definitely could be better...Not only the main male ones but all the characters are simply charming and it is also a fact the actors have very good chemistry but there was something that bothered me. First, the female characters/actors appeared to be a little weak or even dull. Second, Yoo Seung Hoo/ Yeo Won is simply too perfect. Like most of the audience I fell in love with the character and the actor. I wonder if this is a minus...
And the music...That is another story...I basically fell in love with the music. It fit the period, charackters, story, everything.
To sum up, Musa Baek Dong Soo is a very good historical drama that would not waste your time. The pace may sometimes get a little slower but don't lose hope, it is definitely worth to watch till the end, because of its competetive story, epic music, and suprising acting.
Was this review helpful to you?
The beginning of this drama really hooked me. I have a weakness for stories of two friends torn apart by fate or circumstances or whatever. Epic bromance? Sign me up. So this should be right up my alley, right?
The acting is quite good from all the main cast members, with the exception of the adult version of Ji Sun, which just about everyone who reviewed this drama already mentioned. It didn't help that her character had nothing to do for most of the drama, but even when she did, she just didn't draw me in. Choi Min Soo is the opposite end of the spectrum. During certain episodes, I'm pretty sure I was watching for him only. Ji Chang Wook and Yoo Seung Ho are both good as the main characters, but I had serious problems with how just about every character was written, including their characters.
Which brings me to the writing. There was a long stretch of episodes in the middle where it really felt like nothing was happening. I mean, things happened, sure, but as far as advancing the main story, nothing much was accomplished in those episodes (ginseng, anyone?). The story lost its way somewhere, and without rewatching (which is not happening), I can't be sure where exactly. Around the end of the older generation's arc, I was actually willing it to end faster. Which I knew was a very bad sign, since I really loved those characters in the beginning of the drama. How did they end up so unimportant to the story?
And from there, it got even worse for a while. For a story centered on the conflict between the two lead men, they definitely didn't do much with that conflict. Also, Dong Soo is a bit of an idiot at times, and the writers obviously thought we were too if we weren't supposed to know which "side" Yeo Woon was playing for. (Were we supposed to be as surprised as Dong Soo was by that revelation? I really can't tell.)
The personality transplant of a previously likeable side character that set the final act into motion was completely out of nowhere. After all this time to set up the final confrontation, this is all the writers could come up with? I give the resolution of Dong Soo and Yeo Woon's story a little credit for being genuinely affecting and well-acted, but it's equally infuriating. To be clear, I'm not upset about the fact that it's sad; I'm upset about how we got there, and how much better it could have been.
And that last episode really was nearly unwatchable. Do we really need to pair off everyone? Is that what constitutes "closure"? Ugh.
Ultimately, I would give the first half (approximately) of this drama a 7. Solid, good, watchable, with potential for better things to come (I only give scores 8 and up to things I really like a lot--I'm picky that way). The latter half gets...something much lower than that. But I did finish it, which doesn't always happen, so I settled on a 4.5 for the overall rating. There are good parts and strong performances here, but the writing really did fall apart somewhere for me. I know a lot of people love this drama, and I can understand that, because the things this drama did well, it did really well. Cinematography, acting, epic, multi-generational, ill-fated friendships, and so on. But I think precisely because it does some things well, the things it didn't do so well (pacing and writing issues, chiefly) are glaringly obvious.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story in short is supposed to be about the friendship and rivalry between BDS and Woon, however, there is so much more to the story than that. There is of course the political intrigue that's prevalent in most if not all historical drama's, but even as that plays almost a front and center role in this drama, it doesn't take away from the character's or their development. From start to finish this story is about a person's life, and their trials and tribulations. The cinematography was beautiful, the action scenes are very well thought out and shot. All in all the story is great.
I don't know what it is but lately, drama's have become this "I don't care, I want flower boys, I don't care if they can act, or if the story is good, just have to have the flower boys" industry. At first glance it would seem that this drama is in that same category, because when you look at the picture, or even the cast the men just look so pretty. That is not the case with this drama. Even tho the two main actors are "pretty", they can act, and the story has substance. My favorite character wasn't either of them, I loved the Sky Lord, played by Choi Min Soo, he had depth, and from the first episode until the last he was someone who captivated me. If I had a complaint about the actors it would be the female lead, she was just so expressionless, that I could never really like her.
Music & Re-watch are an 8 because while the music is great, at times it didn't seem to fit. And I did re-watch this, and probably will again when my hubby gets done with Running Man. All in all if you are looking for a drama that is well rounded, about the ties of friendship and family, and the hopes and dreams of one generation falling to the next, watch this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I love how the story developed from their childhood to their teenage years and then their adulthood. The time lapse were shown really well especially with the different hairstyles it actually felt like it's been years that past. This drama really has everything in from action to romance to friendship to a bit of suspense and mystery. This is truly one drama everyone should watch. One thing it did lack though was the romance, even though there was some hints and elements there it wasn't much, then again this was mainly focused on the corruption of the powerful ones so i guess it is alright! Thought the couples i wanted didn't end up together i was still happy with the outcome.
All the cast members were amazing. It felt like they were actually their characters. I don't think anyone's acting was bad or not well portrayed. Everyone did a great job portraying their characters to their best. I also loved how the child actors of Dong Soo and Yeo Woon looked sooo much like their older versions, really the detail and similarity of it was tremendous, it looked real.
I love Ji Chang Wook as Baek Dong Soo, he showed how Dong Soo matured throughout the years, the changes he went through were really clear cut. Yoo Seung Ho as Yeo Woon was just perfect! Seung Ho portrayed his character so well, it was amazing, maintaining that sad/mysterious look throughout the drama was just wow, hats off, also that hairstyle totally suited him. Yoon So Yi as Jin Joo was really great, i loved her strong independent women and tomboy personality! Shin Hyun Bin as Ji Seon was also really good, I really loved her look, she looked soo pretty! And also her character developed too in terms of strength and confidence.
The music, what can i say about it, i love the OST's. I think this is one drama where i loved EVERY single song, there is not a single song that i did not love! I think every song suited the drama till the end, whenever there was a scene where the songs were playing at the background, it fitted in real well, especially during the fighting scenes and the more dramatic scenes! Just perfect!
I would really rewatch this drama as i don't think i would get tired of seeing them, though i think i would only watch till episode 28 because i don't think i would be able to handle the last episode again, because of all the feels i went through lol
Overall this drama is just perfect! Not a single detail was lacking, and it wasn't a rushed drama! You can tell that the writers and director took time and care for when they were making this drama. It's just too flawless!! 10/10
Was this review helpful to you?
The beginning is strong. I loved the story of Dong Soo and Woon. Another reviewer said "epic bromance" and I could not agree more. Even the young actors who played both of them were pretty amazing. I had a few issues primarily with Dong Soo's- deformity and the stupid suit of bamboo that didn't look like it could possibly do anything but those concerns were minimal.
Towards the middle of the drama however everything just comes to a stupid halt. Nothing happens that progressed the story. Ji Sun's character who they act like is integral really becomes a useless figure and I was not a fan of her acting. I think that if she had died I would have been happier with the story line. In the middle all I learned was useless things about ginseng that in no way really helped build the story. Kanzo could have been a really cool character but he too seemed to be so poorly written that even his parts were in no way beneficial.
Towards the end it became really hard to even drag my self to the end. At the end there is a few things that of course are integral and all I can say is that even though I knew he would have to die, I was still balling during his death scene. That said I also had wanted to slap him for his continued "misunderstandings" I mean WHY DID HE NOT TELL THEM THE TRUTH!!! On that note WHAT THE HELL CHO RIP???
Then at the end the "pairing" everyone up was a little unnecessary and didn't really make me feel like anything had been resolved. I was overall just disappointed in the way things started to play out after episode 14. For once it might have actually been better if it had ended somewhere around episode 22.
Overall the acting was good and I liked the characters, but they were poorly written and the writing just got worse as the show dragged on which is why I give it a 7.5
Was this review helpful to you?
