This review may contain spoilers
KDrama sure can do historical drama. Goryeo-Khitan War is another prime example of this
"Goryeo Khitan War" is a historical epic intended to honor not only the historically exceptional achievements during the Goryeo-Khitan War, but also half a century of KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). And it does. Perfectly done in all instances and scales. What's even more fascinating is how it succeeds to fill ca. 1,000 years long bygone history with life in a gripping way - close to the facts and colorfully embedded within the midst of the political milieu surrounding the royal court.If I hadn't accidentally stumbled into the filming set in the early summer of 2023, this thoroughly historical KDrama might have slipped a bit back on my list. But this personal connection eventually made me more curious. And now I'm full of praise.
32 hours long history lesson - history can be told so vividly… Complex personalities, an even more complex political context and a highly demanding challenge of war come very close to the audience. You don't have to be of Korean origin to be inspired - by its heart, intelligence, daring, perseverance and humanistic ethos. It is not about simply enumerating historic facts. It is colorful, complex, character driven – what happened about 1.000 years ago comes as close as it gets: Those years around the turn of the millennium at the beginning of the 11th century, when the 8th king of Goryeo - the then still quite young Hyeongjong of Goryeo - had to face the successive invasions of the numerically superior, Khitan of the Liao Dynasty.
What happened way back then obviously has happened a long time ago, but actually many policymakers today could be inspired and encouraged by the political attitude that is being exercised here. Even though facing the acute threat, this canny, courageous, responsible king isn´t willing to simply fly on sight, but rather acts cool-headed and with foresight. He is someone who does not shy away from complex, fundamental, unpopular, but far-reaching, forward-looking structural reforms... And then there is a government official, who not simply and opportunistically cares about himself, but about the cause - about the people, the country and the ´good´ (even if uncomfortable) decision.
The book "Sweet Rain in Winter" by Gil Seung-soo certainly contributed significantly to an excellent script. The historical greats, both large and small, impressively come to life. Romance is secondary, bromance is the theme here. By this I mean less the homosexuality of Mokjong, the 7th king of Goryeo. Rather, the intense struggle and relationship between King Hyeonjong and Gang Gam-chan, a scholar, government official, mentor of the king and crucial military commander during the third Goryeo invasion.
The KDrama offers a distinctively Korean (chapter of hi)story. One with a lot of pathos and even more ethos. One about people and their relationship dynamics, about their character strengths and weaknesses.
KDrama sure can do historical drama. Goryeo-Khitan War is another prime example of this.
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This review may contain spoilers
A captivating look into the intricacies of war, wrapped in the charm of old-school sageuk
Plot/Story:The Goryeo-Khitan War begins with the crucial Battle of Kwiju, a key conflict during the Third Goryeo-Khitan War in 1019. The narrative then rewinds a decade to provide context for the second war between the Khitan-led Liao dynasty and the Goryeo dynasty. Set against the backdrop of the Third Goryeo-Khitan War, the series meticulously explores the tensions throughout the Second and Third Khitan invasions. It also depicts the challenges Goryeo faced following the Second invasion and how the dynasty united to face the impending attacks from the Khitans.
The drama, despite containing some anachronisms, is still mindful of historical accuracy. These anachronisms enrich the narrative, emphasizing the importance of national unity and adding some edges to otherwise perfect characters. This approach can slow the pace, making it feel somewhat dragging. However, with patience, the payoff is quite satisfying. Even with these minor modifications, the series stays close to historical truth (based on my research on Wikipedia and Google) and kept me engrossed in a world of politics and impending conflicts, and even kept me at the edge of my seat despite knowing the outcome.
At its heart, the Goryeo Khitan War is about human strength during war. It deeply explores reactions to conflict and political plans linked to war. It shows power struggles, ambitions, alliances, and betrayals that affect the outcome of battles. It also focuses on how characters grow through these challenges and how this changes their perspectives on life and humanity.
Character and Relationship:
Just like in most traditional sageuks, politics, court intrigues, and epic battles take center stage in this drama. However, the true stars of the show for me were the characters and their very human stories. King Hyun Jong, who evolved from a naive figure into a powerful leader under the mentorship of Gang Gam-chan, is a character that I found endearing. Their bond forms the pulsing beat of the show, symbolizing the perfect dynamic between a king and his minister. It's all about loyalty, reciprocal appreciation, immense capability, and heaps of trust.
Yang Kyu's character strikingly portrayed the harsh realities of war and the steep price of victory, which deeply resonated with me. His struggle against adversity and his spirit in the face of overwhelming odds painted a vivid picture of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made for victory. One thing to note is that since this is a war drama, female characters mostly occupy peripheral roles, yet thanks to the superb performances and concise writing, they still resonate as vivid and authentic. I particularly appreciate the portrayal of the enduring marriage between Gang Gam Chan and his wife, and how, despite decades of marriage and constant bickering, her unwavering loyalty shines through.
Acting/Cast:
The cast, packed with familiar faces and veteran actors, brought their A-game to this sageuk. Choi Soo Joon's portrayal of Gang Gam-chan is impeccable, as expected from the King of Sageuk. His performance captured Gam-chan's essence in a way that was both captivating and genuine. I was also impressed by Kim Dong Jun's portrayal of King Hyun Jong. His transition from uncertainty to authority was smooth and convincing, embodying the regal air of a king as his character evolved. But the real standout for me was Ji Seung Hyun. His portrayal of Yang Gyu tugged at my heartstrings. He encapsulated the harsh realities and raw emotions associated with this historical event, painting a vivid picture of not just the physical struggles, but also the emotional turmoil faced by the characters.
In summary, to me, "Goryeo-Khitan War" is more than just a historical drama. It's a captivating exploration of personal growth, power struggles, and the intricacies of war and politics, all wrapped in the charm of old-school sageuk. Unlike many modern sageuks targeting younger audiences, or those blending with fusion sageuk subgenres, this drama is a refreshing change of pace. It stays true to its style and prioritizes historical accounts over romance or fantasy. If you're a fan of classic sageuk, this is one for your watchlist.
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"Goryeo is more resilient than we thought"
I had been looking forward to watching the historical Korea-Khitan War as it wasn’t a fantasy or focused on the romantic involvements of the king or other characters. I ended up having mixed reactions to the varied approaches to history and the different levels of acting abilities.Goryeo was dealing with its larger and more aggressive neighbor, the Liao Empire run by the Khitans. There had already been one invasion by the Khitans which had been repelled but led to concessions on both sides. After a coup, Gang Jo has the teenager Hyun Jong coronated king. The Khitans use the coup as justification for another invasion and for the people of Goryeo and their new king it won’t be the last.
When the drama focused on the historical events of the invasions, I found it quite compelling. This small country stood its ground and used every trick and resource it could to repel the invaders. I became deeply invested in characters like Kang Kam Chan, Yang Kyu, Kim Sook Heung, Ji Chae Mun, and even the Khitan general Xiao Pai Ya. Goryeo not only dealt with the enemy across the border but the enemy within, as traitors opened their gates to the invaders or planned to cooperate with the Khitans. After the Khitans were successfully repelled the second time, the drama lapsed into internal conflicts for around 14 episodes that apparently were not based in historical evidence which I found disappointing. When they once again faced the Khitans, more prepared for their familiar enemy, the drama picked back up for me.
The battle scenes required an understanding that with a limited budget, armies of over 100,000 troops were going to be represented by two dozen people. Battle fields that should have been hip deep in bodies and blood were suddenly washed clean with no one there. For the most part when they showed the fighting up close and the stakes involved it was easier to buy in. The battle at Heunghwajin was done quite well. I was hoping to see the damming of the river battle in the third invasion, but that was likely beyond their budget.
Some of the acting was quite good. Choi Soo Jong as the rigid and canny Kang Kam Chan gave a brilliant performance. Ji Seung Hyun as Yang Kyu was quite believable as the determined warrior who could adapt and improvise on the battlefield. The deep voiced Kim Tae Han as Xiao Pai Ya provided the perfect foil for Kang Kam Chan. There were some limited performances by many other characters that often pulled me out of the moment. The drama focused much of its attention on the saintly, emotional king, but I found him to be one of the least interesting characters and performances. The amateurish camera pans of obvious reaction shots of people being wide-eyed, open-mouthed shocked in the court were overused. The villains, Emperor Shengzong of Liao and Park Jin of Chungju, were overacted and did everything but twirl their mustaches to let you know how evil they were.
When Korea-Khitan War focused on the war, it was engrossing to see how the Goryeo army was going to outfox and outfight the larger armies of the Khitans. When it lapsed into endless political jockeying and arguments, focusing on less compelling characters and actors, it lost some steam and historical integrity.
20 May 2024
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One of the best kings I’ve seen so far!
Wow! I am loving this king. I even love the court officials (well most of them- those that are closest and loyal to him anyways) and as everyone knows that’s not very common. These series usually have us all hating the backstabbing court officials, lol. The writers did great character building and story telling in this one too! This is such a great series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s a must see for every historical sageuk lover! I’ve been anxious every week to see the next episode.Was this review helpful to you?
First impressions - Only for hardcore period drama fans
I am a sucker for period drama and especially those that are based on historical figures or events. This show was sponsored by the Korean government cultural bodies so as you can imagine, would be quite realistic at least from a sets and costume point of view. They do state that it is somewhat historically accurate (as compared to a lot of other period dramas) but still to be taken with a grain of salt for dramatic purposes.I love the character development and plot development so far, but it's really early days. Comparing this to My Dearest which is broadcasting at the same time, this drama is really only for historical buffs or diehard period drama fans, especially of war dramas. It doesn't have the emotions, flair and sympathy that My Dearest evokes with the on-going love story set within the tragic backdrop (at least so far).
There are some nuances of unusual relationships (son - mother and gay vibes; being gay is still not openly accepted in S Korean society today). So if that's not your cup of tea, you might want to give this a miss. In those days, it was perfectly normal for full blood siblings to marry (to maintain the purity of royal blood) so it was a different time and societal norms were different.
Trivia: Ji Seung Hyun has a role in both My Dearest and this. I am starting to feel that he does a better job in period drama than modern drama.
Will update my review again at the end.
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One of the most brilliant features of the series is how it manages to bring to life the tense atmosphere and drama of the historical war between Goryeo and Khitan. The battle scenes are choreographed with remarkable precision, and the visual effects are impressive, transporting us right into the middle of the epicenters of the conflicts.
The careful direction and the deep performances of the actors give the characters an authenticity and complexity that grabs you. In each episode, I was captivated by the well-developed story and the evolution of the characters, who face not only their opponents in the war, but also their own inner demons.
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This review may contain spoilers
An Epic Historical drama that brought me to tears.
This drama was nothing fancy ...... I definitely got that the directors were proudly telling the story of the young Goryeo emperor of which they should be soooo proud. How many emperors do we see with empathy rather than dictatorship? Very few!! But the emp, Wang Sun cared about the people, cried real tears for the real folks............even though he was the illegitimate son of the emperor 95% of the time he won over even his toughest critics with his honesty and sincerity.It was a long drama for Korean standards and I admit to taking a break around the 22nd episode. It is not a relaxing drama but one that depicts the challenges of the court and constant invasions from the Khitans. I can't imagine living during those warring times.......there was never a moment to let ones guard down.
In the final episodes I was moved to tears at the determination, wisdom, and patriotism of the Goryeo soldiers. I was shocked to have cried as they won the major and final battle. I shared in their happiness and relief.
This young emperor was made whole with the wisdom and loyalty of Kang ........their belief and loyalty with each other was moving. This epic historical tale was really about how together they overcame the aggressive Khitans.
Romance is a minor part of the story ..........I can't beleive I am going to say this since I am a romance lover........but it was not necessary to enjoy this historical journey of a truly admirable young man. I wish we had more honest leaders like him today.
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Korea-Khitan War has what Royal family scandal as one of the bases of its storyline?
The drama series Korea-Khitan War could actually be called “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Next Generations Revisited”. All the royals you will encounter in Korea-Khitan War are literally the next generations from the Brothers Wang. The series involves the children, the grandchildren, and great grandchildren of these Brothers. Korea-Khitan War also is connected to one of the biggest royal scandals of the family line. I will give context to the connection to Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) with Korea-Khitan War 2023).
I love history. I love dramas. I am spaszing out. While the drama series is based off of real historical facts and events, some details may include imagined dramatizations or imagined story arcs which seek to explain certain facts in history. The Korean Drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) ranks #1 out of 300 Asian Dramas I have seen. It will always be #1. That is fixed.
Korea-Khitans War found it’s footing among Korean Drama viewers, ending up with a 13.8% nationwide viewership in Korea for the finale. A drama getting 10% nationwide is considered a hit. In the privately run KBS Awards, Korea-Khitan War was nominated in 15 categories and won in 7 categories. Of course this Korean History would resonate with Koreans and the series is done beautifully.
Korean Khitan War—The Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Connection
The first connection to the drama series Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is the actor Kim San Ho, who played Crown Prince Mu in MLSHR. He is also in Korea-Khitan War playing Jeong Seong [Yang Gyu's subordinate].
The Wang Family Scandal
(This scandal is hinted at but not fully covered in Korea-Khitan War, so the information is not a spoiler).
Korea-Khitan Wars has connections to the Brothers Wang from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
13th Prince Wang Baek Ah—Actor Nam Joo-hyuk
4th Prince Wang So—Actor Lee Joon Gi
8th Prince Wang Wook— Actor Kang Ha-neul
14th Prince Wang Jung—Actor JiSoo
As the series begins, we are introduced to Emperor Mokjong (Wang Song), 7th Emperor of Goryeo and his mother Grand Queen Dowager Heonae (Cheonchu). Queen Dowager Heonae is actually the daughter of 8th Prince Wang Wook. Queen Heonae and her sister (Queen Heonjeong) both married their first cousin, Emperor Gyeongjong of Goryeo, the son of Gwangjong of Goryeo (Wang So). Wang is the Chinese word for King.
These Wang family members who played this most significant part of this family scandal.
13th Prince Wang Baek Ah (Anjong of Goryeo)— Actor Nam Joo-hyuk
Future Queen Heonjeong or BokSo from MLSHR
The father of Bok So is 8th Prince Wang Wook—Actor Kang Ha-neul
In the closing scene of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Ryeo (MLSHR), the 13th Prince Wang Baek Ah meets his very young niece Heonjeong (daughter of 8th Prince Wang Wook) and has a quaint chat. She is known as Bok So in MLSHR. This is a historical cue for history buffs. Wang Baek Ah and his young niece (future Queen Heonjeong) would later become lovers. When Prince Wang Baek Ah’s nephew (Emperor Gyeongjong and son of Wang So) died, 13th Prince Baek Ah consoled Queen Heonjeong over a period of time. Later, she got pregnant. Perhaps since people feign ignorance to save their lives, Queen Heonjeong was able to pass the child off as the son of her long dead husband Emperor Gyeongjong, and people went with this. No questions asked. This child eventually becomes one of the most famous and significant Emperors in Goryeo. The Korean Drama series Korea-Khitan War is about the accomplishments of this illegitimate child, Emperor Hyeonjong of Goryeo (played by ZE:A’s K-pop Idol Kim Dong-jun, the actor from More Than Friends). Like the Habsburgs of Austria, the Wang family interbred, constantly marrying half sisters and cousins.
Viewers first find this future Emperor( Hyeonjong of Goryeo) as a young child tucked away and abandoned in a monastery. This is so typical for the Wangs. Some may remember the first bride of 4th Prince Wang So. She was the daughter of his oldest brother Crown Prince/Emperor Wang Mu (Hyejong of Goryeo). This child bride also was tucked away in a monastery and was never seen again.
Nothing beats history as a source of drama. Korea-Khitan War is an ole school Korean way of making a Period Piece drama. However, great action is constant and the storyline is sprinkled with actual historical events. Korea-Khitan War covers the reign of Emperor Hyeonjong of Goryeo and his quest to unify Goryeo (Korea), while being faced with the challenges of constant war. There are rich characters, and lots of court intrigue. Korea-Khitan War is a thrilling ride.
The backstory is so intriguing and complicated that you need a scorecard to keep up. Knowing the background information will not destroy the pleasure of viewing the drama. It should increase it. Also, knowing the connection to Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo should make you want to finally buy Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and view this Korean drama too. MLSHR is so popular, the only way right now to view it is to buy the drama series. There is sword fighting and war in this drama.
Scorecard—The backstory
1. Prince Wang Wook (played by Actor Kang Ha-neul)—Daejong of Goryeo died 969 CE. He was the 8th Prince in the Wang family and father of Queen half-sisters Heonae and Heonjeong (Bok So). Bok So was the little girl who met 13th Prince Wang Baek Ah (Actor Nam Joo-hyuk) at the end of the series. In the future, they become lovers.
The interim reigns of Kings not covered in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo and before or during Korea-Khitan War.
2. The second son of Prince Wang Wook became Emperor Seongjong of Goryeo (r. 981-997). His daughters married Emperor Hyeonjong of Goryeo.
Queen Wonjeong of the Seonsan Kim clan is the daughter of Emperor Seongjong, and she married the Emperor Hyeonjong of Goryeo (son of Wang Baek Ah and Queen Heonjeong).
Queen Wonhwa of the Gyeongju Choe clan is a daughter (from another mother) of Emperor Seongjong, and she also married Hyeonjong of Goryeo (son of Wang Baek Ah and Queen Heonjeong).
These half-sisters are the Queen sisters in Korea—Khitan War.
This means that 8th Prince Wang Wook’s daughters were Queen Half-Sisters to Emperor Gyeongjong of Goryeo (son of Wang So). The 8th Prince Wang Wook’s granddaughters also were Queen Half-Sisters. They married the illegitimate son of 13th Wang Baek Ah and Queen Heonjeong. He was Hyeonjong of Goryeo. (Mother-Heonjeong vs son Hyeonjong. The difference in spelling is the second “e” in Heonjeong)
3. Emperor Mokjong of Goryeo (r. 997-1009) was the son of King Gyeongjong, who is the son of 4th Prince and future King Wang So. His mother was the middle child of 8th Prince Wang Wook and younger sister of King Seongjong. Her name was Queen Heonae of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan or formally called Grand Queen Mother Heonae. She was the sister of Emperor Seongjong.
4. Queen Heonjeong—She was Bok So, the young niece of 13th Prince Wang Baek Ah and fourth Queen consort of King Gyeongjong (son of King Wang So). This daughter of 8th Prince Wang Wook and later became Queen Dowager Heonjeong of the Hwangju Hwangbo clan after her marriage to the son of 4th Prince/King Wang So. He was Gyeongjong of Goryeo. Gyeongjong of Goryeo was the 8th King of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea and the grandson of King Taejo. The affair of Queen Heonjeong took place after his death.
5. Emperor Gyeongjong, son of 4th Prince/King Wang So. He married two half-sisters. Both were the daughters of 8th Prince Wang Wook. They were Queen Heonae and Queen Heonjeong (Called Bok So in Moon Lover: Scarlet Heart Ryeo).
6. The 14th Prince Wang Jung (played by JiSoo) raised the daughter of Hae Soo in MLSHR. Hae Soo and her daughter were fictitious characters.
7. Great King Munwon (born Wang Jeong or Jung and played by Jisoo)—This historical person Wang Jung actually became a great Emperor in Goryeo, reigning after Wang So (Gwangjong of Goryeo). The specific dates of his reign, however, are not known. His daughter Queen Heonui of the Chungju Yu clan was the second wife of Wang So’s son, Emperor Gyeongjong of Goryeo. She was a rival Queen to the two daughters of 8th Prince Wang Wook. She is not covered in Korea-Khitan War.
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Excellent series!
This kept me engaged through all 32 episodes. The acting was superb, especially with the juxtaposition of Kam Chang and Xiao Paiyo, the enemy commander.Kam Chang’s wife was also an excellent character and so well played. Their relationship was touching and felt authentic.
The court and other military commanders were all so well acted. The story was tight and engaging. It motivated me to learn about the historical facts behind the story.
I very strong recommend this and send my thanks to everyone involved in this series! So good!
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Another historic masterpiece?
wonderful ending and an amazing conclusionFor the most wonderful, strongest, most luxurious, and most enjoyable drama so far in 2024
No wonder, as it is the first K-Drama to rely on the latest Hollywood special effects (Virtual Production VP). It is the second work through which the production aims to restore the glories and style of ancient historical series, thus becoming the 34th epic drama of KBS, which was developed to celebrate the half-century anniversary of the channel’s broadcast system.
On the other hand, the Goryeo-Khitan War is a historical epic that aims to create pride and make known the origin of Korea by honoring the exceptional historical achievements during the war of the Goryeo-Khitan kingdoms, whose historical background goes back from the years 1009 to 1020. It is not necessary to be of Korean origin in order to live Their events or be inspired and feel their feelings of pride.
It is the story of many heroes, including the young Emperor Hyeonjong who unified his kingdom under the tolerant leadership of his political mentor, Gang Gam-chan, who led a 26-year war against the Liao dynasty. They succeeded in bringing victory and prosperity to the Goryeo Kingdom and peace in the East Asian region.
⚔️ All this in the plot of a series that tells stories rich in events and close to historical facts throughout 32 episodes, driven by the characters that the writer built, drawn, distributed and developed in a wonderful way. It sometimes reminds us of the series The King of Legend 2010, commonly known as (Clash of Kings).
In addition, it is characterized by deep dialogues with intelligent responses through which the characters’ points of view are explored, whether in their conflict or discussion. With good ossets and perfect music, it worked to enhance the atmosphere
The cast, full of familiar faces from older productions, also brought value to this show especially with the performances of young actor Kim Dong-jun and veteran Choi Soo-jong.
Summary of the statement...
This series captivated me for 4 months of showing since November 2023, so it will leave a big void in my routine on Saturdays and Sundays, especially since it gave me a distinct cinematic experience.
For me, the series “The Goryeo-Khitan War” is more than just a historical drama, it is a ticket back to that time, and it will certainly succeed, even if only slightly, in bringing you back to the days and years in which the K-drama was characterized by epic historical works in the old school style.
On the other hand, it contains all the basic elements that make sageuk wonderful in a modern way, taking advantage of the latest technologies.
It is an inspiring story driven by characters and balanced with constructive dialogues in the plot of a series rich in exciting and poignant events, with music that helps convey feelings and immerse oneself in the atmosphere.
True, it may be intended for history buffs or fans of serious historical drama, but I think even if you are not one of them, this is definitely a drama worth watching.
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So much praise, so little reality
It was a good series. Management was very good. In terms of production, it was very good. Apart from the praise for Korea and if you don't worry about whether the historical facts are true or false, I can say that it is a series that is beyond extraordinary. I am one of those who do not think that it corresponds exactly with historical events. It already warns you when the series starts. Because it is not the same as historical facts. This broke my heart. The second is clothes. I don't think Korea wore those warrior clothes at that time. It is likened to Roman or Greek warriors. Where are the clothes, armor, vehicles, this and that? A poor country, a tribute-paying country. It is a dependent country. A country where most of its people were sent as slaves to other countries. It's a bit ridiculous to show these things in this reality, but I thought like this. It was a study on how to glorify Goryeo if we refer to that period by producing a 20th century perspective and strategy, and it was very successful. Whether it's war tactics, clothes, or perspective on events, they don't reflect that era. It reflects the view from here, today. I see it as a study of what it would be like if we did it that way then.In this series, an illegitimate child is expelled from royalty, confined to a monastery, and becomes king after being pushed by someone after the sudden death of his brother, and the events that occur as a result. On the one hand, he may be a judge in a village, or he may be an administrator equivalent to a village or town administrator or a district governor. It is about his rise to the Commander-in-Chief of Goryeon with the new emperor as a result of the events that took place while he was the person responsible for everything in the village and town. In short, it is about what such a duo did for Goryeo and their victory in the last war with the Khitan.
However, considering the angle of presentation, there is too much praise for Goryeo. It shows that this is a bit imaginary. Even though it is imaginary, it is a well-constructed production and beautifully reflected to the audience. I like it a lot.
Won in the last war. The Khitans were portrayed so badly. Out of 100 thousand people, there seem to be only three or five lame people left. In other words, it is one of his efforts to belittle the enemy out of spite. Of course, they suffered so much. By reflecting this in this way, the scriptwriter and director touched the hearts of Koreans and took another kind of revenge. On top of that, they recognized Goryeo, recognized the king, and signed a non-aggression agreement. Their benefits were also cut. Thereupon, neighboring principalities, tribes, and especially the Jurchens, everyone rushed to celebrate Goryeo. They became friends and started giving benefits. So Goryeo moved from giving to receiving benefits. Beautiful snaps.
After winning the war, two olive branches are now golden. I don't know if they are made of tin, it was very funny that the king put these on Gam Chan. It's obvious he's a Roman wannabe. In fact, my clothing was like a quote from ROMAN movies.
The actors were fine. We need to start with Choi Soo Jong. He was the gripping character and best actor of the series. His experience is enough. I've also watched Kim Dong Jun. in a few dramas before. It was more noticeable here. He played very well. I like it a lot. Well done. He also acted as a bald head. It's not for everyone. Ji Seun Hyun left the drama early. His image was the best player. It was very successful. Likewise, Lee Won Jon only had a few episodes but that was enough. A good actor reveals himself everywhere, even in two minutes. Kim Tae Han also destroyed the drama with his image. Khita's Commander-in-Chief portrayed an extremely good image and played very well. It suits her. I like it a lot. Our Aunt Yoo Bok In. So Gam. Chan's wife. It was remarkable. It's one of those that looks good, even if it looks small. The husband and wife bickering was one of my favorite episodes. Congratulations to all the players. I was able to write down the most prominent ones. I'm sorry.
In other words, our series was an extraordinary good series, with its pros and cons. Congratulations to the director. I congratulate the screenwriter twice for making his dreams seem real. Do not get it wrong. I don't know the exact truth of the events. Because I'm not a historian. As far as we follow, I am commenting on the small research we have done on our own, based on our own knowledge. I'm giving my guesses. In my opinion, the events are far from being authentic, but it is a well-reflected production to the audience, except for the praise. I recommend everyone to watch it.
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I feel like this show was successful in making this enormous and complicated story epic and successfully cramming in lots of history within these 32 episodes without making it too dense. It was rather thrilling thing to watch from start to finish. There seems been put quite a bit of detail within the narrative, although there are, of course, some deviations from history - and especially in the second half, or so I have read.
The focus of the narrative is largely on the war strategy of Goryeo and other things that came with the waging a war, the toll it took on the people and soldiers who fought bravely on the frontlines, the pressure it put on society or the elites who found ways to take advantage of the turbulent times that followed. And the story certainly captures the tension and depressing mood that came with it all – you're able to immerse yourself in the action and put yourself in positions in a way that you can feel every sword slash, every conspiracy, every deceit with the characters. But also every victory.
The first half of the drama focused very much on the action and the story holds no punches and gives you time to adjust before descending into chaos. And the story doesn't really take a break until about halfway through. There is constantly something happening, every little thing within the story affects something else, and each episode reaches a cliffhanger of sorts that makes it so you can't stop watching.
The second half of the story focuses a lot on exploring the aftermath of the war and the story shifts the pace of the narrative ever so slightly, although the story never really stops to a halt, but more so gives itself some time to catch a breath. It certainly gives us plenty of time with the characters and gets to know them all over again after the war and everything they've been through. But it becomes a bit of a repetition and there is a lot of 'men sitting at a table or standing together in a room and talking and arguing about things' sort of things happening. But the political intrigue was strong enough and the characters likeable that you just went along with it.
And although I think it's a very engaging narrative in many ways because the story successfully makes us feel for, and root for the main players of the story and their idealistic views – and the characters are all very interesting and flawed in their own ways. I did appreciate the angle to the story, that it would be difficult to get the country back on its feet after so much conflict, because I feel like that part is not often shown in shows like this, in such detail.
It can be said, however, that the plot seems to rule over the characters at times and not the other way around, but especially in the first part, in which case there's also an awful lot of plot and things like that happening and they want to make sure that the historical narrative is delivered properly.
I did enjoy the female characters here, even though they are few and their roles in the narrative was maybe a bit too the side, yet they were complex, and all served the story in some way. They may be in secondary roles and it's a super male-centric story, but they still felt genuine and real for this time the story takes place in.
This drama is gripping and epic in scope. It’s a thrilling history lesson about perseverance, loyalty and love of one’s homeland, the complexities of wars, and all that with some old school kdrama charm, which in a way makes the story a little fresh. It's not for everyone, but as a fan of the heavier kind historical kdramas, I really enjoyed the journey of political intrigue that Goryeo-Khitan War took me on. And I also just enjoyed getting a period drama from Korea that doesn’t happen during the Joseon era, because we don't get to see those every day.
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