This review may contain spoilers
I had zero expectation post those terrible poster. But much to my surprise I really like the first two epi. The concept was unique and interesting. Well the story is completely fictional and fantasy based so don't go with much logic about time period or costumes. Though the plot and character are completely different and original. One thing that won't disappoint in this drama is character and their acting. All the characters in this drama have their own agenda and arc which all comes together in epi 4 when finally you will see the characters in action for power. Overall I find technical aspects of this show on weaker side but if overlooked those issues you might end up loving this drama. Because this show has potential to do better then it can. I am looking forward to see how season 2 will played out. Since the third and most important child of propency is finally in the picture. I recommend this drama if you are fond of fantasy genre, even if you aren't this drama is worth a shot in amidst of all the lawyer doctor, chaebol dramas. Its refreshing and unique. Was this review helpful to you?
Unique mix of fantasy and politics
What I really liked about Arthdal Chronicles is the world that the drama is set in. It feels like something out of fantasy book, yet so real at times. The bronze age setting in unique and not something I've ever seen before. What I really appreaciated were the explanations of the terms in Saram language and how sometimes even the characters had a short subtitle with their name appear on screen when they were present. Thanks to this, it was quite easy to learn their names and not to get lost.The visuals of this drama are absolutely breathtaking! From the outdoor shots to the costumes and decorations, everything is amazing and detailed.
The politics reminded me a bit of Game of Thrones, every single character played it so well, tricking others and getting closer to their goal, there were also some plot twists on the political scene as well. I enjoyed this aspect of the drama very much, I wasn't aware beforehand that it would focus on political schemes but I'm so glad that it did.
Part 1 of Arthdal Chronicles certainly didn't disappoint me, so I give it a well deserved 9/10 rating! Starting part 2 as soon as possible!
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is totally different from other Kdramas. I'm usually a lover of fantasy dramas but the first episode was a dragged for me but the following episodes made up for it. What I hate so far of this drama is the way they cut the scenes and music from one scene to another.
Over all I am at this point eager to watch the second part.
SPOILERS next up:
I must say since I saw that Ta Gon is a Igutu as well, I thought he might be one of the heavenly objects or something, forgetting they came down only 20 years (since birth of Eun Som, Tan Ya and remember the child taken by Ta Gon in the beginning) long after he was born already. Those three born at the same time makes them the bell, the sword, and the mirror, which is revealed at the end. I DID NOT see that one coming, Tan Ya being one of them.
If Eum Som and Saya shared 'dreams'of each others life, I'll assume that this will become a battle between Eum Som and Saya for Tan Ya's love and Ta Gon being Saya's 'father'will manipulate Saya to become evil in order to cased Eum Som out of the picture. I really hope I am wrong about this, because then the plot is quite predictable.
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World Building Fun - A Unique Must-Watch
Looking for a new historical fantasy drama with amazing setting and intriguing storyline? Then look no further. This part and it's following parts will definitely keep you hooked with its political plot lines, and the journey of its characters.I love this storyline. For one, I've never really watched any stories going this far back historically in kdrama/Asian fantasy land (maybe I'm missing out). But the way the lore unveils is enjoyable, and the setting is just phenomenal.
I agree with past reviews on why on earth is it in 3 parts, but I appreciate that they've built up everything to end where it does. It pushes you to see the next part, but you're also excited to now see what will unveil.
The names were very confusing initially but like all dramas with world building, you get used to it, and there's enough repetition of terms and names for you to eventually get it.
Can't wait to watch this further :)
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We found it a little difficult to follow the story at first - I believe mostly because of the amount of characters and the fact that we have a hard time learning everyone's names. But once we understood what was going on and why, we became pretty addicted. She's been going to bed later than usual every night so that we can watch at least a full episode.
The acting in this is phenomenal - it's my 3rd drama with Song Joong Ki and my 4th with Kim Ji Won, and they continue to impress me. And the supporting cast is just as good, too!
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Unforgettable Korean drama
I'll write about the story, cast, music, rewatch and overall value.Story:
This story is not for everyone because some people dont like mythical show so this not for you but give it a shot. Trust me i never regretted the decision of watching this. It hooked me from episode one. Definitely needs to release season 2.
Cast: Song Joong ki never fails to deliver i mean look at Descendants of the sun or Vincenzo. He acted both his roles great. He had two completely different personalities for both his characters and id actually think it was another person acting the role because he was that good. Who cant get enough of him though???Plus i cant forget my girl Kim Ji Won, i loved her in Descendants of the sun and am happy to see her be a lead role with Song Joong ki. She has talent and potential to be even better (not saying see hasnt reached her potential but that she has higher potential to unlock)
Music: not alot of music but it was great nonetheless.
Rewatch: i have already rewatched this over ten times and i am not exaggerating. It is literally my cup of coffee (tea)
Overall: this is a must watch, dont stash it in your watch list for years, WATCH IT NOW!!!
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The actors were INSANE and portrayed their characters so well. Song Joong Ki's acting for both Eunseom and Saya was amazing, the personalities of the two are completely different but he did THAT. The female characters were so powerful and have such a huge role in this drama.
This drama really exceeded my expectations. I became so emotionally attached, I rewatched it right after finishing it the first time... The stylists also did such a good job with the outfits and hairstyles, especially for Tanya and Taealha! God I fell in love with this drama and can't stop thinking about it. Hopefully a season 2 comes out soon..
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My Head Explodes
Cons:1. Too many names and terms to remember. You gotta take a note.
2. Too many faces to distinguish. The villains look similar at the beginning :(
3. Complicated political moves that I forgot who betrayed who. Which one is on one's side.
4. The subtitles can't cover all the captions' translation. So, you gotta hang on it. Eventually, the terms will get their translation later.
Pros:
1. The visual graphic is so woowww.
2. Top-tier moral story.
3. The adventure vibe is so strong that you can feel it in front of your device.
4. This series creates its own language. It adds the vibe mentioned above.
5. The most beautiful Kim Ji Won you can watch in this series.
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PERFECTION
If you are skeptical about how it will be, let me tell you, its one of the best kdramas ever created. Just go ahead you will not regret it. The character development as the story progresses is done beautifully cause its hardly seen in kdramas. The cast, the acting, the set, the story everything is just amazing. It truly deserves more appreciation and even that wont be enough. Plus the amazing cast. If you loved shows like vikings, game of thrones n all then this drama is clearly for you. It has its small faults (hardly noticeable) but overall its a good show. Cant wait for the next season?Was this review helpful to you?
WHY YOU MUST WATCH ARTHDAL CHRONICLES!!
I cannot express in words the level at which I absolutely ADORE this show, but I will try regardless, because I have been evangelizing for this show all over every single kdrama related social media platform and have compiled a lot of good reasons to watch it so here they are.1) WORLDBUILDING: The plot and worldbuilding are absolutely incredible. As an avid reader, I rarely see worldbuilding in shows or movies that compare to a good fantasy novel, but this show has worldbuilding comparable to a Brandon Sanderson book (and that is saying something). It is most definitely a plot driven story and the plot NEVER drags. Some have said it's slow, but frankly it is quite the opposite, the tensions that arise from all the complexity going on is intense.
2) PREMISE AND PLOT: AC is is a historical/ fantasy drama set in the bronze age in an ancient kingdom called Arthdal. It begins by discussing a world where there are 2 dominant species, humans and neanthals who are in all senses more beautiful and stronger than humans are. This is such a unique premise for a kdrama because I've never seen a drama set in this time period nor have I seen a true high-fantasy kdrama yet and here swoops in Arthdal Chronicles into a realm never explored and does it soooo beautifully.
3) THE PILOT EPISODE IS GOOOOLDEN: Arthdal Chronicles probably has THE BEST pilot episode i have ever seen! I loved it so much that I legitimately thought the show could not possibly get any better after so I dropped it for 6 months and that is the BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE, because it GET's ALOT BETTER!!! If you like the premise I definitely recommend you watch the first episode and decide based on that if you want to continue the show. But I've also heard some people say that they didn't like the first episode since there is so much worldbuilding in it, and I'd just say don't worry about memorizing all the tribes and stuff and hang in there for a couple more episodes and you should see everything pick up.
4) CAST: This should probably be higher up in the list, but whatever. THE CAST IS INCREDIBLE! Song Joong Ki was brilliant in this for sooo many reasons that I can't say cause it would be a major spoiler but I legitimately think this is probably his best work (next to a Werewolf Boy cause that was a masterpiece). Kim Ji Won played her role perfectly and I adored how strong and intelligent she was. I was introduced to Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin through this drama, but they seriously stole the spotlight. Tagon (played by Jang Dong Gun) was so charismatic that it was almost impossible for me to hate him despite how many terrible things he did, and Tae Al-ha (played by Ok Bin) was the most bada*s women I have encountered in a drama, I hated her guts and adored her all at once and caught myself saying "Slay Queen" a little too much (especially after she actually slays some people). The rest of the cast was also so incredible but I really don't have the time to go over all of them so I'll leave it at that.
5) VINCENZO: If you're trying to get over your post-Vincenzo depression (and right into a new one lol) this IS PERFECT FOR YOU. I watched around the time that episode 3 of Vincenzo was out and I loved Song Joong Ki in it so I checked out his other dramas. A good friend of mine had recommended it a while back but I never finished it so I came back and OMG SONG JOONG KI WHY DO I KEEP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU!!! I really don't want to say it, but AC might....just might...be better than Vincenzo??
6) DEEPER MEANING: It addresses such relevant and deep issues in humanity and civilization like human greed, the root of corrupt political institutions and tribalism, and the inevitability of capitalist institutions as a stage of the development of civilization (which is just a really complicated way for me to say that the show can be really deep if you pay enough attention to the details, it's still good if you don't though).
Overall, The cast is top notch, the setting is beautiful and the OST (Poem of Destiny by Ailee) is literally the most beautifully intense and unique drama OST out there and everything about this drama is perfect sooo ya... go watch it cause I 1000000/10 RECCOMEND!!
Also...WHERE IS MY SEASON 2!!!!!!!! The emotional trauma I am enduring waiting for this is not acceptable!!
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Refreshing
This drama was a new step for korea and that is much of the reason why it received such criticism within the country. That and the fact that many thought it resembled GOT closely. First, I understand this perspective because the overall feeling and look did seem to be very inspired. If you enjoyed GOT, I would think you would like this one, too. Overall, the plot was very refreshing and unique for a korean drama. It was exciting and suspenseful and I loved to see the incorporation of fantasy and mythology, including fantasy culture and people somewhat based on Korean history. There is a small amount of romance and possibly love triangle (not really developed), but it is mostly out of focus and the show focuses on the loyalty and belonging of people instead. There were some historical type inaccuracies that bothered some, but considering it is fictional and fantasy, I didn't think it mattered personally. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable show!Was this review helpful to you?
