MattPeddlesden
Kent, UK
What an Epic Tale!
Short: An epic (in both senses of the word) tale, great characters realised by great actors. A story that moves at a strong pace throughout. A love story, an action story and a political story. This is not light and fluffy, but neither will the action overwhelm if that's not your thing, it's a great balance. Hooked from start to finish.
Detail:
I have not got the foggiest idea how I picked this one up. It wasn't on my plan-to-watch list.... but I am unbelievably glad I did!
Ha Ji Won, one of my favourite actresses is probably in one of the strongest roles i've seen her in so far (including many newer ones). Not just as a strong character, but a character and story that gives her room to shine as an actress.
Lee Seung Gi, another strong actor from the likes of Vagabond, in an earlier role (this drama is 2012) and he's consistent throughout. Starting out as the lazy playboy doing his best to avoid anything he doesn't want to do and then plausibly and through real challenge and hardship transforming into the man who would be King.
Jo Jung Suk, another strong actor, takes up a second lead role as friend and soldier with an interesting side story that he has with the Princess.
Yoon Je Moon is someone i've not seen before but his character and the way he brings it to life reminds me so much of the best classic James Bond villains. He's insane, but not so much that you'd immediately recognise it. He's battered in his mind by rage and jealousy, he feels insecure and insignificant, but is also extremely clever and manipulative, calculating and evil. There is no end to what he will do. It is so rare to see a character like this done well.
The story is set in a slightly altered version of reality where the monarchy still exists. It has a slightly different view of how North Korea is too compared to what you would have seen in the likes of Crash Landing on You, for example. At its heart this story is a love story between two people, but it's also at its core about the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and all of the challenges set before them. It opens with the current King watching a news broadcast as the Berlin wall falls and there are powerful and obvious relevancies to the pains going on in Korea and the King's desire to repeat that unification on their peninsula.
The story goes beyond Korea, travelling to China and also involving the US and other nations. It's as far reaching as a story involving North and South Korea needs to be, with lots going on throughout.
The initial setup of the World Officers Championship is great, starting with the uneasy relationship between the South and North Korean officers unifying into one team to take part. Later in the story when they re-unite for the actual event it's great to see them in action again working together and playing to each others strengths.
Really enjoyed this one from start to finish and definitely recommend it :)
Detail:
I have not got the foggiest idea how I picked this one up. It wasn't on my plan-to-watch list.... but I am unbelievably glad I did!
Ha Ji Won, one of my favourite actresses is probably in one of the strongest roles i've seen her in so far (including many newer ones). Not just as a strong character, but a character and story that gives her room to shine as an actress.
Lee Seung Gi, another strong actor from the likes of Vagabond, in an earlier role (this drama is 2012) and he's consistent throughout. Starting out as the lazy playboy doing his best to avoid anything he doesn't want to do and then plausibly and through real challenge and hardship transforming into the man who would be King.
Jo Jung Suk, another strong actor, takes up a second lead role as friend and soldier with an interesting side story that he has with the Princess.
Yoon Je Moon is someone i've not seen before but his character and the way he brings it to life reminds me so much of the best classic James Bond villains. He's insane, but not so much that you'd immediately recognise it. He's battered in his mind by rage and jealousy, he feels insecure and insignificant, but is also extremely clever and manipulative, calculating and evil. There is no end to what he will do. It is so rare to see a character like this done well.
The story is set in a slightly altered version of reality where the monarchy still exists. It has a slightly different view of how North Korea is too compared to what you would have seen in the likes of Crash Landing on You, for example. At its heart this story is a love story between two people, but it's also at its core about the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, and all of the challenges set before them. It opens with the current King watching a news broadcast as the Berlin wall falls and there are powerful and obvious relevancies to the pains going on in Korea and the King's desire to repeat that unification on their peninsula.
The story goes beyond Korea, travelling to China and also involving the US and other nations. It's as far reaching as a story involving North and South Korea needs to be, with lots going on throughout.
The initial setup of the World Officers Championship is great, starting with the uneasy relationship between the South and North Korean officers unifying into one team to take part. Later in the story when they re-unite for the actual event it's great to see them in action again working together and playing to each others strengths.
Really enjoyed this one from start to finish and definitely recommend it :)
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