Gye Baek Review

Title: Gye Baek

Genre: Period, Historical, Romance, Revenge, Melodrama

Episodes: 36

Broadcast period: 2011-Jul to 2011-Nov

Cast: Lee Seo Jin, Cho Jae Hyun, Oh Yeon Soo, Song Ji Hyo, Cha In Pyo, Hyo Min, Lee Hyun Woo and No Young Hak.

Due to the Queen being of Silla blood, an elite group of assassins try to kill her and the Crown Prince Ui Ja on a regular basis. This has prompted the King of Baekje to assign his most loyal and skilled swordsman Moo Jin (Cha In Pyo) to guard them.  But due to unforeseen events, the Queen dies to save her son, and Moo Jins wife dies while giving birth to a son, Gye Baek.

Several years later, Gye Baek (Lee Hyun Woo) now a youngster, works odd jobs, so he can take care of his drunk father. Here he meets merchant-in-training Eun Ko (Park Eun Bin), whom he immediately falls for. Moo Jin, who has lost his arm, has remarried, so the past is unknown, and Gye Baek believes his stepmother and stepbrother, are his real mother and brother. Though mourning, Moo Jin meets the Crown Prince Ui Ja (No Young Hak) again, now a regular Prince due to the new Queens (Oh Yeon Soo) son taking that title and sees right through his pretense, about not caring about the past.

While trying to uncover the truth, and helping Ui Ja, Moo Jin dies, while Gye Baek witnesses it. Filled with anger, Gye Baek blames Ui Ja for the murder of his father but ends up as a hostage of Silla. As years pass, Gye Baek (Lee Seo Jin) lives only for one sole purpose: to kill the man, who killed his father, unaware that there is more to the story than meets the eyes…

Yeah, I know this is very detailed, and yes, I did spoil a bit, but I tried to stay off the details, so if you decide to watch it, you will get several surprises and you will notice the details I left out.

Out of all the historical dramas out there, this one is the first one where I was in awe of the quality of the costumes - like the first 10 min seemed extremely well. I don’t now much about the uniforms of Baekje, but I know that the armor was iron, and it kind of looked like iron. In most dramas I can see that they are made of plastic (or whatever it is) but I didn’t in this one - at least not in the beginning. Also, it might be because I had the first episode in HD quality (I think 1080p), that might have something to do with it too. What I mean is, it was nice to see that there exist good costumes out there, like realistic ones anyways.

This is also one of my first dramas where the lead actors are over 30 years old, as they (directors, or whoever casts these actors) usually have young actors doing quality and popular dramas. And they were all ‘veteran’ actors, with skill, which was extremely nice to see. I have to admit, I was amazed by Song Ji Hyo. I never knew she could act mean or evil - she can officially do both. I liked her in this, and she is very good at acting. Though I noticed that she was tired (haha, blaming RM for that). The rest were good too.

The lacking thing in this one is both pace and extreme character development, which I couldn’t really comprehend. Though the fact that these developments are the reason the story end as it did.

But all in all, an alright drama that made me emotional, and confused at the same time.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Jumong Review

Title: Jumong
AKA: Prince of the Legend
Genre: Period, Historical, Romance, Melodrama
Episodes: 81
Broadcast period: 2006-May to 2008-Mar
Cast: Song Il Kook, Han Hye Jin, Kim Seung Soo, Jeon Kwang Leol, Oh Yeon Su and Song Ji Hyo.

This is the story about the creation of Kogoryeo, and the people who started it.
While trying to fight the corrupt noblemen, Hae Mo Soo (Heo Jun Ho) and the crown prince Kum Wa (Jeon Kwang Leol) get caught up in political turmoil. The king saves the crown prince, but Hae Mo Soo is caught and tortured. Yoo Hwa (Oh Yeon Su), the only survivor of her clan had always admired Hae Mo Soo, thus the two had become lovers, but after Hae Mo Soo gets caught, the crown prince saves Yoo Hwa, by making her his concubine, while carrying the child of Hae Mo Soo.
Several years later, the son of Hae Mo Soo and Yoo Hwa, Ju Mong (Song Il Gook), now all grown up, was raised as the concubine’s son. Earning the utter contempt from his two older brothers, who believe that the now king prefers Ju Mong, rather than the two older sons. Though a brat, and quite useless, Ju Mong tries his best to be seen at “a piece of trash” so that he won’t get attention, but the jealous brothers try to kill him numerous times. After being thrown out of the royal house, Ju Mong ends up on the streets and meets So Seo No (Han Hye Jin), daughter of a merchant, again, where the first time she had saved him, after his brothers had attempted to kill him.
He starts working for the So family and becomes familiar with the world. At the same time the two princes desperately want Ju Mong dead, though fate has other plans for him…

This drama has been one of those that I watched the beginning of, with interest, but accidently read about the evolvement of the story, so I had it put on hold. As time had passed, I’d forgotten about the evolvement, and I decided to watch it again, so when the “thing” I wasn’t interested in seeing appeared, I remembered it, but had an easier time sitting through it. After watching the entire thing, I had mixed emotions, mostly frustration due to the love story, but as many of the “older” dramas, the romance is usually the subplot, so it isn’t given the same amount of “care” as the main story. That said, I didn’t care for the romance aspect, as it made me annoyed, and I ended up going: whoever, just save the wife please.
The main story is very interesting, and one of the better Korean period pieces, as it is action packed most of the way through - though it has moments where I was bored. But it tries to keep you invested.
It was funny seeing Song Il Kook so young, but honestly, I didn’t see much of a difference. The rest was alright, though there is something annoying about the female lead, even if she was the most bad-ass female lead I’ve seen in a long while, but I can’t really put my finger on it.
To sum up: a great and interesting drama with a frustrating love-triangle, but still decent storyline.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

The Immortal Admiral Yi Soon Shin Review

Title: The Immortal Admiral Yi Soon Shin

AKA: Immortal Admiral Yi Sun Shin

Genre: Period, Historical

Episodes: 104

Broadcast period: 2004-Sept to 20044-Aug

Cast: Kim Myung Min, Choi Jae Sung, Lee Jae Ryung, Choi Chul Ho and many others..

This drama is the biopic of the great admiral Yi Soon Shin, from his childhood till his death.

Yi Soon Shin (Kim Myung Min) was born as a poor noble, due to his grandfather being convicted as a traitor, which leads to his family being labelled for generations. Being book-smart and intelligent, Soon Shin has together with his two best friends Won Kyun (Choi Jae Sung) and Yoo Sung Ryung (Lee Jae Ryung) made a promise to apply for scholar positions at Sunkyungkwan, but due to the lack wealth and reputation, he decides to change paths, and becomes a soldier.

In the army Soon Shin goes through ups and downs, and while noticing the increase of Japanese pirates, he investigates, and discovers that the “pirates” aren’t pirates but actual militia, the Japanese Navy. Terrified of the possibilities and man power of the Japanese Navy, Soon Shin tries to get help from the ‘higher ups’ but is dismissed. This doesn’t stop Yi Soon Shin, and he decides to get help in order to become the admiral of the Joseon Navy, so that he can prepare for possible invasions. This doesn’t lie good with the higher ups, the king and even his best friend, as they see him as a man trying to get power. Soon enough the Japanese attack, and while rooting for a Joseon win, the public start to see Soon Shin in a better light than their own king - which doesn’t lie well with the shallow king…

This is another one of the most popular heroes of Korean history, and probably one of the most liked one too. The best part for me was that it almost fit the ‘real’ story perfectly (almost), but another good part is that it was very exciting to watch - there were things happening quite often. There was storytelling, but not in the boring kind of way. That said, 104 episodes is a lot! Even if you love every character and love the story, it seriously is long. Even if you binge it, it takes a lot of time. I remember when I was at the last episode and they showed the entire storyline, it seriously felt like it was years ago. And I do think it took me a week or so… and I was binging… The casting was perfect: Kim Myung Min is great as Yi Soon Shin, and his voice just fits like a glove.

The bad part is though the makeup and wigs/fake beards… It really looked fake. Also the ‘wars’ looked very cheap - I don’t know if it because its from 2004, but you could see that some scenes were used more than once, and the “turtle ship” was also filmed from different angles, so you would think there were more than one. Besides that (actually not something I spend much time thinking about), it was a really good watch.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Joseon Gunman Review

Title: Joseon Gunman

AKA: Gunman in Joseon / The Chosun Shooter / The Joseon Gunman / The Joseon Shooter

Genre: Period, Revenge, Melodrama, Action, Romance, Suspense

Episodes: 22

Broadcast period: 2014-Jun to 2014-Sep

Cast: Lee Joon Ki, Nam Sang Mi, Jun Hye Bin, Han Joo Wan and Yoo Oh Sung.

“Third year of Emperor Gojong's reign. The Liberals and Conservatives were in fierce opposition in Joseon. The Confucian Scholars who advocated for Emperor Gojong's enlightenment policies and their doubts for gunmen holding a new type of gun were being brought down one by one...” (intro of drama)

Park Yoon Kang (Lee Joon Ki) is the son of the magistrate, but much to his fathers' dismay, he is quite the party boy. His father had taught him swordsmanship, but due to Yoon Kangs carefree life, he spends most his time entertaining gisaengs. The two don't see eye to eye, as Yoon Kang doesn't have any interest in his future, and his father spends most time away from home. All this changes, as notable people get shot in the middle of the streets, and the magistrate is unable to apprehend the gunman. Soon enough their family becomes a target, and the family goes into hiding with the Jung family. While there the daughter of the Jungs, Jung Soo In (Nam Sang Mi) and Yoon Kang, recognize each other, due to an earlier altercation, but soon they become close. As the situation with the gunman escalates and the magistrate dies, becomes labeled a traitor, and the rest of the family as well. Yoon Kang’s sister is sent into slavery, and while trying to run away with the help of Soo In, he is shot in the chest and falls into water - presumed dead.

Three years later, a Japanese business man called Hasegawa Hanjo, looking exactly like Yoon Kang emerges on the shores of Hanyang. Even though he is refuting everyone’s claim that he is Yoon Kang, Hanjo in the matter of the fact Yoon Kang - but has decided to pretend to be Hanjo; in order to clear his father’s name, save his sister from slavery, and exact revenge on his father’s death. But that is easier said, than done…

I started this drama because of Lee Joon Ki, since it was his first after military release, but it took me quite a while to finish. This drama reminds me of the typical Korean dramas that are too new to be ‘classics’ and too old to be ‘revolutionary’ - they are those ‘inbetweeners’ that bores both new and old crowd. While watching I expected it to be a “typical”, but they decided they wanted to make it different, and kind of ruined most of it. I felt that it dragged on for a very long while, and the ‘main story’ had a dumb ending. The second half was just unnecessary, and it ended, for me at least, as if the main cast were unlikeable antagonistic. I get what they were trying to do, but they were just unlikeable at the end, and I didn’t like any part of it - meaning I ended up not feeling bad for anyone at the end. They tried to make it reasonable and failed.

I didn’t enjoy Lee Joon Ki in this, and I felt that he was stuck in his bad old routine - I hope he snaps out of it soon. The female cast I forgot as soon as they left the screen - so I had situations where I forgot who the main actress it.

All in all, a drama bored people might enjoy, but not a drama to watch for excitement.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Botchan 2016 SP Review

Title: Botchan

Genre: Period, School

Broadcast date: January 3, 2016

Cast: Ninomiya Kazunari, Matsushita Nao, Furuta Arata, Yashima Norito, Mitsuhiro Oikawa and Yamamoto Koji.

Botchan (Ninomiya Kazunari) is a newly educated teacher who hates injustice and lies. After being offered a job far from his hometown, he is sent to a rural town. Here he meets several different characters, but is put in a pinch when he tells his honest opinion to the school’s vice-principle (Mitsuhiro Oikawa). Unlike every other teacher in the school, Botchan tells the truth, which leads to a fight of power versus honesty…

Sorry for the short summary, but this is one special that would ruin the entire thing if I spoiled too much.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Ninomiya in a drama – Yowakutemo Katemasu (2014) I think was the last, so having him do a TV SP is quite refreshing. But generally, any drama or movie he does is good, so I never hesitate to watch his dramas or movies.

This special is good as it doesn’t focus on disharmony of an institution but the chaos too much harmony can bring. I love that the setting is in the early 19’s, which gives it and form of discipline yet shows that children will always be children no matter the year. Nino does a great job, and so does the rest of the cast.

To sum up, the special is interesting and fun to watch, so I would recommend it to history and school drama fans.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Jang Yeong Sil Review

Title: Jang Yeong Sil

AKA: The Great Scientist Jang Yeong Sil

Genre: Historical, Period

Episodes: 24

Broadcast period: 2016-Jan to 2016-Mar

Cast: Song Il Gook, Kim Sang Kyung, Kim Young Chul, Park Sun Yeong and Kim Do Hyun.

Born Eun Bok, Jang Yeong Sil (Song Il Gook) was the son of a noble man and a giseng. Living as a low-class servant, Yeong Sil meets his father Jang Sung Hwi (Kim Myung Soo) as a youngster. His father notices his intellect and brightness, and decides to introduce him to the world of astronomy. Unfortunately, due to the change to Joseon from Goryeo, the government (and king) is very strict about the newly made rules. Sung Hwi realizes that his son will never be able to utilize his potential in the world of class difference and decides to leave him for Yeong Sils own good. This leaves a heartbroken Yeong Sil, but doesn’t ruin his love for astronomy.

While being hated, and envied by his former master Jang Hee Je (Lee Jee Hoon), Yeong Sil decides to work as a smith, only to be patronized by the magistrate.

Everything changes when Lee Hyun (Kim Do Hyun) one day notices Yeong Sils abilities and takes it to the king: at first King Taejong (Kim Young Chul) refuses the idea, but soon enough his son, Crown Prince Se Jong (Kim Sang Kyung), decides to work with him. This sparks hatred and jealousy from the noblemen, making life much harder for Yeong Sil…

One of my favorite stories from the Joseon period; the story of the genius slave dreaming of the stars. It is also the story of King Se Jong, but in this case his rise to power and all involved was pushed a bit back. Though I was annoyed at the invented character, the princess (Se Jongs sister), I was able to watch all of it with a smile.

The overall storyline was good, and quite close to the real story, of course there were a few dramatizations and a few things left out – but all in all close.

Casting Song Il Gook as the lead was good, but I still can’t imagine Jang Yeong Sil looking like him… But then again, he kind of felt right. I watched the King Se Jong drama a few years back, and I was a bit nervous to see who they would cast as Se Jong since the cast was superb last time, and to my amazement both Se Jong and Tae Jong were the exactly same actor! I don’t know how they did it, but thank God, they did! Made me enjoy it more.

So, to sum it up: a good story with a nice hint of historical correctness.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Kim Soo Ro Review

Title: Kim Soo Ro

AKA: Kim Su Ro / The Iron King

Genre: Period, Melodrama, Romance, Fantasy

Episodes: 32

Broadcast period: 2010-May to 2010-Sept

Cast: Ji Sung, Bae Chong Ok, Yu Oh Seong, Seo Ji Hye and Ko Joo Won.

As one of the kingdoms of the North is on the verge of destruction, the pregnant queen Jung Kyung Bi (Bae Chong Ok) flees in order to keep the royal line intact. While doing so she is hit by arrows and barely survives when she boards a ship sailing south. On the boat she gives birth to a boy, but due to her wound and being exhausted she passes out. The ship encounters harsh winds and crashes, leaving only ship wreckage on a shore. A maid from the Iron Masters house spots the wreckage and notices that the newborn baby is still alive, and decides to take him with her. Shortly after Kyung Bi wakes up, but unable to find her child she breaks down. At the same time the Iron Master wife gives birth to her third stillborn, and he is unable to tell his wife. The maid who found the child on shore tells the Master about the child, and in order to save is wife from depression, decides to make the child his son, calling him Soo Ro.

In the south the 12 tribes are having problems agreeing on trivial matters, so they go to the High Priest in order to get answers, this furies one of the richer tribe leaders Shin Gwi Gan (Yu Oh Seong) as the High Priest almost becomes the king, as he is liked by all but also deals with all the main issues. When a prophecy, which says that the future king will be a child born by a woman from north, is given to the High Priest, he meets Kyung Bi and finds out about her background. He decides to marry her, and makes sure that he will be in the same position.

Several years later Soo Ro (Ji Sung) now old enough to learn from his father’s iron crafts, is met with hostility from the High Priests son Lee Jin Ah Shi (Ko Joo Won) and Kyung Bi, since they fear of him being a 'potential' king. And the tribe leader Shin Gwi Gan refuses to let anyone take his throne. Will the real heir be able to become king?

I apologize for the long review; another period/historical story that starts late into the drama.

This is my second drama about the period before the Joseon era, my first being Faith. And comparing those two would not be all that fair, even though I liked this one better. This drama had the element of fantasy, as in magic – which Faith also had, just not the same kind – and prophecies, which apparently used to be quite normal then. I am really not familiar with the story of the pre-joseon era, but from what I know they are coming quite close to the actual story. Though I really don’t understand the use of the second lead – like she was quite unnecessary. I didn’t feel bad for her, and I honestly didn’t get her backstory – not that it was interesting. I get that they were trying to make it sad and heartbreaking, but I actually was waiting for her to leave already… I know: mean. But yeah, I guess people like these types… I just don’t.

Ji Sung was cool as always. I remember him in The Great Seer, which I watched fondly, but here he was younger, which is nice to see. And he just fits those mischievous characters, I dunno why. Also the lead actress was okay, though I don’t know her, she was quite good, but yeah, still a typical lead in period…

But yeah, I found it pretty interesting to watch, so all in all fairly good watch.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Gu Am Heo Joon Review

Title: Gu Am Heo Joon

AKA: Hur Jun, the original story

Genre: Period, Historical, Romance

Episodes: 135

Broadcast period: 2013-Mar to 2013-Sept

Cast: Kim Joo Hyuk, Park Jin Hee, Park Eun Bin, Namgung Min and Baek Yoon Sik.

Raised by a loving father, Heo Joon (Kim Joo Hyuk) does not see himself different than other children around, but is soon come to realize that being the son of a concubine is not as being like his half-brother. His father, a magistrate, is famous for catching barbarians at the border, but one day the barbarians decide to retaliate, they kidnap Heo Joon, the magistrate is left with a horrible choice to make – wait till there is an agreement with other people. This sparks a hate in Heo Joon, who believes he has been abandoned by his father.

Years later, Heo Joon now a grown up, has become a thug, infamous for his illegal trading. When he one day is arrested, his father the magistrate, is left with no choice but to have him and Heo Joons mom flee the city. Ridden with guilt, Heo Joon decides to keep his head down and find a job where he can earn money, so him and his mother can buy a house. And as fate has it, he meets Yoo Ui Tae (Baek Yoon Sik) a local and rather renowed doctor, who sees a potential in Heo Joon, and soon Heo Joon learns the art of medicine…

I started watching this after I finished Horse Doctor, since I heard it was the same director and script writer. Also it had Kim Joo Hyuk in it, acting the same character his father did, so I had to watch it. This drama is one of those morning period dramas I think, since each episode is approx. 35 minutes and you can almost not watch 10 episodes and you would sort of still know what’s going on. Though I did not feel it was draggy, I was a bit annoyed at the ability to cure the patients. I don’t completely remember the year which is acted in this drama, but it’s at least 200-300 years before our time, and for some reason they are able to almost cure everything – which historically seems incorrect. Besides that, there were very few ‘bad’ scenes – meaning badly acted – but honestly I really didn’t mind. I liked the storyline, the love story and the screenplay, also the interacting between everyone is quite well made. Then again it could have been made better – I mean it’s from 2013…

Anyways, enjoyable and a good watch.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Horse Doctor Review

Title: Horse Doctor

AKA: The King’s Doctor

Genre: Period, Melodrama, Medical, Romance

Episodes: 50

Broadcast period:

Cast: Cho Seung Woo, Lee Yo Won, Son Chang Min, Yoo Sun and Lee Sang Woo.

Lee Myung Hwa (Son Chang Min) is the son of a known vet, who becomes an herbalist after a recommendation from a merchant. While studying to become a physician he meets and befriends Kang Do Jun (Jeon No Min) and a soon-to-be nurse Joo In Ok (Choi Soo Rin). The three become very close, but due to a plot by the royal queen, their lives take a drastic turn: she wants to kill the Crown Prince. In order to kill him she hires people to test a new way of killing: putting poison on needles and thereby killing the victim without leaving any evidence. This testing and the plot is noticed by a local, who in fear runs away and is saved by Kang Do Jun. Afraid something might happen, Do Jun leaves to meet the Crown Prince. At the same time the local man’s wife gives birth to a daughter. And shortly after, Myung Hwan is forced to point Do Jun out as a traitor in order to save himself.

As fate has it Do Jun’s wife is also pregnant, and due to the marking as a traitor, Do Jun’s child will be killed if he is a boy and put to slavery if it is a girl: unfortunately, it happens to become a boy. The local man then decides to switch the children and take care of the boy as his own.

Several years later, Do Jun’s son now Baek Kwang Hyun (Ahn Do Gyu) is a boy who dreams of big city, but the local man, now referred as father, tries to keep him safe and make him a doctor like Kwang Hyuns real father.

But fate again intervenes as Kwang Hyun (Cho Seung Woo) becomes a vet instead of doctor, though his interest for treating humans seems to lie in his blood…

I started this drama long time ago because I felt like watching a medical drama, and somehow this popped up. Not that I am a fan of period dramas, but I thought I’d give it a chance: and I really don’t regret it.

The drama is quite typical in the royal/political sense, but I enjoyed the main focus being on the medical part, as I always has the idea that they weren’t “up-to-speed” with the medical part, but I guess I was wrong. It really wasn’t that horrible to be a patient in the Joseon times apparently. Heck even animals had it okay – in the veterinary sense. Or this drama may be blowing it bit out of proportion – I will never know. BUT nonetheless, this drama has charms beyond expectations.

The lead actor is really a charmer, and I don’t really remember him in other dramas/movies, but till this date I remember his face and voice, and that itself is an accomplishment if you ask me. The female actresses are not horrible, but I have to be honest I am a bit bored with these type of female character portrayals – pretty and demure. They really do nothing except ruin the overall idea of woman in general.

As for the rest; story, screen-play and everything else, I really liked it.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Tenno no Ryoriban Review

Title: Tenno no Ryouriban

AKA: The Emperor’s Cook

Genre: Period, Romance, Comedy, Family, History

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2015-Apr to 2015-Jun

Cast: Sato Takeru, Kuroki Haru, Kiritani Kenta, Emoto Tasuku, Sugimoto Tetta and Suzuki Ryohei.

In 1904, on the countryside Akiyama Tokuzo (Sato Takeru) was raised as a the third son of the Akiyama family. Completely different than his brothers, Tokuzo is a failure who is unable to keep his interest in anything for more than 3 months. After being kicked out of the monastery, after he had decided to become a monk, his father decides to marry him into a merchant family.

After falling in love with his wife, Tokuzo decides to stay in order to make her happy, but soon his heart begins to waver as he does not enjoy what he is doing, and becomes depressed. That is until he one day while delivering foods, he arrives at an Army Infantry where he meets a Sergeant that cooks for the army. While conversing the Sergant offers Tokuzo a cutlet, which makes Tokuzo completely astonished.

Soon Tokuzo ignores his chors and goes to the Infantry every day - which is eventually noticed by his father-in-law. So, in the middle of the night, Tokuz decides to leave for Tokyo, in order to become a fully fledged chef...

Okay so this is probably my first period Japanese drama, like real period, as in before the world wars, so I was a bit hesitant about watching it. Though I am very unused to this types of genre, I found myself quite enjoying the entire thing. I loved the 'realness' of it, the honesty, the cast, the screenplay and of course the storyline. The only thing I really didn't like as much was the storyline in Paris, which was sort of one of the main stories, but yeah everything else was quite good. I loved Sato Takeru's diversity in the drama: from a spoilt 16 year old kid, to a mature 57 year old father. But to be fair, they ALL were quite awesome, so that is just me being biased. So I actually would recommend this drama, but as an serious watch - not just something for laughs.

☆☆☆☆/ 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Rurouni Kenshi 3 Movie Review

Title: Rurouni Kenshin - The Legend Ends

AKA: Rurouni Kenshin  3

Genre: Samurai, Period, Action

Origin: Japan

Release date: September 13, 2014

Cast: Sato Takeru, Takao Emi, Fujiwara Tatsuya and Kamiki Ryunosuke.

After surviving the fall from the ship, Kenshin (Sato Takeru) wakes up at his old masters. Remembering what had happened he wants to set out and find Kaoru (Takao Emi) but is told that she couldn’t have survived 2 days in the water. Furious at that fact and at Shishio (Fujiwara Tatsuya) for being responsible, Kenshin begs his master to teach him the final technique so he can kill Shishio. Knowing Shishio can’t fight more than 15 minutes due to his wounds, Kenshin wants to bet everything on that final fight.

Shishio on the other hand wants to repeat history by bombarding Tokyo and thanks to his intel finds out that Kenshin is alive. So he gives the government a demand: if they label Kenshin as a fugitive for the murders he did during the war and to get him executed for them, he’ll stop the bombarding...

This movie is the same quality as the previous one: awesome and well-acted. The only difference is that this one has focus on the actual fighting. Yes the previous one had it too, but the second one has more of an action vibe, rather than storyline. This is probably the only negative part of the movie. But don't get me wrong this does not make the movie bad: it's really good for a second part of one story, and also it has one epic final battle. I just don't understand the final fight, even if they did explain it - but that is just me. The cast is really great; I really like how each character is portrayed - again quite honest to the manga, which I appreciate.

To sum up: a really great third movie of the trilogy.

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Rurouni Kenshi 2 Kyoto Inferno Movie Review

Title: Rurouni Kenshin - Kyoto inferno

AKA: Rurouni Kenshin  2

Genre: Samurai, Period, Action

Origin: Japan

Release date: August 1, 2014

Cast: Sato Takeru, Takao Emi, Fujiwara Tatsuya and Kamiki Ryunosuke.

In the year Hyogo 1878 (Meiji Era 11), the Japanese law enforcement are trying to catch the ‘new battousai’. Due to Kenshi (Sato Takeru) leaving his samurai ways and lives his life in peace with his friends, the new battousai, Shishio Makoto (Fujiwara Tatsuya) has been creating havoc around Japan. Because of that the home minister, now currently one of the tops of the government, asks for a meeting with Kenshin. When he arrives Kenshin is asked to kill Shishio, as Shishios main goal is to get revenge and destroyed the new government.

At first Kenshin refuses since he enjoys life as it is, but when he is shown what Shishio is doing to the country, he partly feels responsible as Shishio took over his past position. So, by leaving his new life, Kenshin sets out to find Shishio, but finds out that he is much less powerful than Shishio, as he isn’t even able to beat Shishios underling… Will the old Battousai show his past colors?

The more I read my summary the less I like it. Oh well, I hope I don’t ruin it for the ones that want to watch it.

Anyways, an awesome movie, like so amazing: from the acting to the scenography. Like everything is so well-made! And it is amazingly well created! I don’t know if you’ve read the manga, but they are very honest to the story of the manga - I think I mentioned that before? Oh and Sato is sooo cool! And Fujiwara I almost didn’t recognize! Omg, and Kamiki!.... Sorry! Fangirl mode!

This movie has all my favorite things, though I am not a fan of fighting, I was kind of amazed by the fight scenes. SO much that I noticed EVERYTHING, and that is rare for me. You can actually watch the first movie without watching the second and the third, but you’ll miss out! I am telling you!

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

The Great King Sejong Review

Title: The Great King Sejong

AKA: King Sejong The Great

Genre: Period, Family

Episodes: 86

Broadcast period: 2008-Jan to 2008-Nov

Cast: Kim Sang Kyung, Lee Yoon Ji, Kim Kap Soo, Lee Chun Hee, Lee Won Jong, Cho Sung Ha, Lee Hyun Woo and Park Sang Min.

This story revolves around the entire life of the 4th king of Joseon, one of the two with the title ‘great’, King Sejong.

As the third son of the third king of Joseon, Prince Choon Nyung (Lee Hyun Woo) has been raised not to be too involved in politics, but due to his natural curiosity and good heart, Prince Choon Nyung believes to find that the books on Confucius are the ones that are correct: that the citizens of Joseon are pure and righteous. His teacher on the other hand decides to give the prince a lesson and tells him to walk down to the city, instead of keeping his nose in the books. Accepting the challenge Prince Choon Nyung walks down the city and for the first time ever realizes how, not only poor, but grotesque all the people of Joseon are. And with the Ming dynasty in the city, the rebels are trying to destroy the treaty that the king made. In utter shock the prince returns home and tells his father about the situation in the empire, only to have the king use that knowledge and punish the citizens – as they are ‘complaining’ against the king. Once again Prince Choon Nyung decides for his own and rings the bell of complaint, this furies the king and he decides to punish Prince Choon Nyung by executing one of his closes friends.

This makes Prince Choon Nyung retreat completely from politics, but due to kind heart and jealous family, he is pulled into a whirlwind of betrayal and lies…

Out of all the Korean period dramas this one makes most sense – might be because I knew the history behind it – but it still was good in the sense that made a person like me (one that is not so much period drama fan) like it. The story of the great King Sejong is one of the most curious ones, as I never really understood their love for him, and I know that they do exaggerate in period dramas, but I sort of understand this one and it fits the history part of the king’s life. I mean I am kind of history biased, but they really are almost at point – though with a bit of creativity in the spots that have a kind of unclear story.

As far as acting, besides being a Lee Yoon Ji fan I haven't really seen works of any of the actors (of course Lee Chun Hee but that’s it), so it was kind of being thrown into a drama with "unknown" actors and a lot of “back-actors”: the actors that have supporting characters in almost every drama. The drama was okay acted, but not really that amazing though. And kind of weird yet beautiful love stories.. I guess that is those day time period drama, a lot of episodes with kind of mediocre acting, though that didn’t make it less good, just made it kind of regular.

So sum it up: an interesting drama with an honest approach to the actual historical events, but on the other hand mediocre acting.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

The Pirates Movie Review

Title: The Pirates
Genre: Action, Period,
Origin: Korea
Release Date: 6 August 2014
Cast:  Kim Nam Gil, Son Ye Jin, Yu Hae Jin, Sulli, Lee Kyoung Young, Kim Tae Woo, Park Chul Min, Kim Won Hae,

On the eve of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, a whale swallows the Emperor's Seal of State being brought to Joseon by envoys from China. With a big reward on whoever brings back the royal seal, mountain bandits led by Jang Sa-jung go (Kim Nam Gil) out to sea to hunt down the whale. However, he soon clashes with Yeo-wol (Son Y Jin), a female captain of pirates, soon after an unexpected adventure unfolds.


Hmm, I don’t really know what to think about this one, it wasn’t exciting or anything, but then again, it didn’t bother me. I guess I just sat there 2 hours straight and just watched without thinking. You know those movies where you really don’t mind anything, lol, that was a crappy explanation. BUT the scenes involving that humongous whale are done with jaw-dropping skill, as we see Yeo-wol communing with the gigantic beast underwater. The whale manages to give the most moving performance in the film, sadly enough it wasn’t the actors. I can’t believe they won awards for this presentation, I mean.. I saw better performances than this, Kim Nam Gil was the best of them all, but he wasn’t even nominated. One more unfair decision to add to the list for 2014. Let the ratings speak for themselves.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥½ / 2½ out of 5 hearts

Night Watchman’s Journal Review

Title: Night Watchman’s Journal

AKA: The Night Watchman / Records of a Night Watchman / Diary of a Night Watchman

Genre: Period, Romance, Fantasy, Action

Episodes: 24

Broadcast period: 2014-Aug to 2014-Oct

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Go Sung Hee, Jung Yoon Ho (U-Know) and Seo Ye Ji.

In a world where ghosts and dark magic are present, the ones that protect the country are the ones that hide in the shadows: The Night Watchmen.

Lee Rin (Jung Il Woo) is a prince who lost his throne at the age of 10, when one tragic night he loses both his parents. Ever since that night he has been able to see ghosts, but due to the outcast treatment from his older brother (now the king) Rin pretends not to see them, even if they talk to him. In order not to be ‘a burden’ to his king brother, Rin lives life as a playboy and pretends not to have a care in the world. But this all changes when he one day he is given the task to find the kings new shaman. This is where he meets Do Ha (Go Sung Hee) who is looking for her sister who had gone missing 12 years ago, and a mysterious man Sadam (Kim Sung Oh). After seeing the ghost of the woman who had taken care of him when he was the crown prince, Rin goes to the castle, and finds a book – The Night Watchman’s Journal.

The king being jealous of his younger brother makes his most loyal servant and best swordsman Kang Moo Suk (Jung Yoon Ho) tale and spy on Rin, however as fate has it the two and Do Ha become involved in not only the horrible politics of the human world,  but also the fights of the spirit world…

Okay, so the review is written so that I won’t spoil anything, but I ended up having it being kind of lame. The beginning is scary as I am not used to the entire ‘Dark Magic’ world. It’s a drama about curses, possessions and evil spirits, and to be honest, it freaked me out a lot. They can see ghosts, so I was expecting a bit of’ Arang and the Magistrate’, but comparing those two is like comparing Pororo and Hunger Games. Not that this drama is barbaric, it just brought tragic to an entire new level. Well the beginning of it. After the typical backstory, the rest is kind of a fight against evil, and the end cuts everything a bit lamely.

The cast was okay, however I was disappointed. They kind of were below average, and the female actresses were just bad, though the supporting actress freaked me out a bit. I am a Jung Il Woo fan, and I see why he is the prince character, however the screenplay and dialogues were so bad that I didn’t like most of it. The chemistry between the main couple was forced, and the bromance was overrated, like there were scenes where they were supposed to have ‘serious/deep’ conversations, but the dialogues were just written badly so it all became shallow. I was quite disappointed.

Now you wonder why the rating is so high. To be honest, when a period drama of 24 episodes is able to keep my interest for all episodes that is really an achievement. I think the theme was what made me addicted – even made me dream about it.  So I think that 4 stars, is very decent to give.

To sum up: a drama with thrill and somewhat acting.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

The Great Seer Review

Title: The Great Seer

Genre: Historical, Period, Politics, Action, Romance

Episodes: 35

Broadcast period: 2012-Oct to 2013-Feb

Cast: Ji Sung, Song Chang Ui, Ji Jin Hee and Yoon Ji.

When the head priestess of the royal court sees the eternal land Ja Mi Won, the prophet with the holy eyes Mok Dong Yoon (Choi Jae Woong) is sent out to find it. When he finds it though, the prophecy says that the true heir of the land, the future king, is the only one that’ll be able to have it.. in 50 years’ time. Pressured by rebels and the Ming Dynasty, the king orders the prophet to be tortured for the location, and that goes on in 10 years, but all in vain. With a chance to flee Dong Yoon does so, but is followed by the princess and the love of his life Young Ji (Lee Sung Yun) follows him and demands the map of the land so her brother can get the power he is entitled. As the two spend time together and the enemies are closing in, the princess buys Dong Yoon time by following the guards back, but as it turns out she is pregnant with the prophet’s child. In order to save herself and the child she marries the man Lee In Im (Jo Min Ki) who has wanted her almost all his life, but has had an affair with the priestess underling. She also becomes pregnant, and as time pass the two give birth to sons, but In Im is determined to kill the son of the man his wife loves, though is a split second Dong Yoon manages to survive, and the princess takes the priestess son in as her own.

11 years pass and the king believing he has the eternal land has announced independence from the Ming Dynasty, and as time passes he becomes more and more paranoid with his underlings. When the priestess murders the head priestess in order to become it herself, she and Lee In Im decide to plot a coup d’état against the king, and when they hear that Dong Yoon is in the town they try to find him and his son in order to kill them both. At the same time a general Lee Sung Gye (Ji Jin Hee) famous for his military abilities surfaces and enters the palace, leaving much havoc wherever he goes. Will 50 years manage to pass in order for the Ja Mi Won to surface? And what are the roles of the two children born in the strife of their parents in this?

Sorry about the major summary, but you know with these period dramas, they really start at the episode 10 marks. Okay, so this is one heck of a drama, besides it being made extremely well, the storyline and the characters are very well written. Though I really didn’t like the choice for many of the actors (hint: lead actress) the general story is not only interesting, but it’s very close to the historical part - which I did not expect since the ‘good’ guys aren’t as good in real life. But they did add the bad part, which makes the story amazing but the character less likable.

Another thing that made me intrigued is that the secrets that usually take forever to be revealed are revealed in matter of episodes, and some are never told. So it depends on who watches it to distinguish what you would think of it. I liked it, because it made it more real.

All in all a fine drama might be one of the only period dramas I actually genuinely like.

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Hong Gil Dong Review

Title: Hong Gil Dong
AKA: The Hero
Genre: Period, Action, Romance
Episodes: 24
Broadcast period: 2008-Jan to 2008-Mar
Cast: Kang Ji Hwan, Sung Yu Ri, Jang Geun Suk and Kim Ri Na.

Hong Gil Dong (Kang Ji Hwan) is the bastard son of a high positioned minister, and is infamous for causing trouble at markets and in brothels. This is due to his father telling him that he is worth nothing and that he will never be able to do anything with his life. Heo Yi Nuk (Sung Yu Ri) is medicine merchant from China arriving with her grandfather, in order to make it big. Whilst on the boat she meets Lee Chang Hwi (Jang Geun Suk) who acts mysterious, even threatens her if she bothers him, and with her luck she unwillingly bumps into him every now and then. As soon as Gil Dong finds out about Yi Nuk, he asks her to teach him Chinese to he can take the net ship to China, and get away from Joseon. At first they bump heads, but eventually become very close.
When Gil Dong is accused for theft, which was set up by someone close to him, he tries to find out the real culprit, and ends up being accused for murder. To make things worse when he tried to clear his name, he ends up being accused for treason.  Eventually he finds out that everyone he thought were his friends betray him, so he decides to change his ways by helping the poor against the vicious king and his noblemen…

I don’t know why I suddenly felt like watching a period drama, but I just went with it, and it was okay. I am a fan of the original Hong Gil Dong story, so I was pretty satisfied with the drama, even though they weren’t completely identical. It was a bit sadder than I thought it would be and the love story sort of lost its flavor somewhere along the line. This is also the first time that I watched a coup where the new king was pretty annoying - they usually are better.
I really like Kang Ji Hwan, I don’t know why actually, I think it might be his dedication to the part? And how happy was I when I say Yu Ri in this - me happy! (Little bit of Fin.K.L fan :P)
All in all an okay drama to watch especially if you like the tale.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Rurouni Kenshin Movie Review

Title: Rurouni Kenshin

AKA: Rurouni Kenshin; Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

Genre: Samurai, Period

Origin: Japan

Release date: August 25, 2012

Cast: Sato Takeru and Takei Emi

“About 140 years ago in the turbulent Bakumatsu era... There was an assassin called Hitokiri Battousai.

Following orders of the people of the anti-shogunate movement he was acting behind the scenes in Kyoto...” (Taken from intro of movie)

10 years after the new era had begun the famous assassin Hitokirir Battousai (Sato Takeru), now calling himself Himura Kenshi has retired and lives life as a ronin - a wandering master-less samurai. He walks around with a swapped blade: meaning that the blade can’t cut anyone but him. One day he meets Kamiya Kaoru (Takei Emi) who sees his sword and is sure he is Battousai, the one going around killing people and misusing her father’s name. The two soon find a common understanding when Kenshin saves her dojo and starts living with them.

When the country is led by law, the criminals have found ways to use that very law to make sure their dirty work isn’t noticed. This leads houses being bought by the rich - without or with force, which is used for making opium in the center of the city.

Both Kenshin and Kaoru reluctantly get involved when a woman called Megumi (Aoi Yu) seeks refuge in the dojo..

Having watched the anime as a kid, and read the manga as an adult, I have to admit I am pretty satisfied with the live action. Of course having in mind that there are two more movies coming, this one is a fairly good start and it is very well executed. The cast chosen for this movie are actors I have seen before, in either an idol dorama or a short drama, but yet they are acting really well here and somehow they make me relive my childhood, when I first started watching the anime.

Of course it being a Japanese movie and based on a manga it becomes very typical, but it does not ruin the overall movie.

I would recommend it actually even if you haven’t read the manga or watched the anime, because it is good.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Fugitive of Joseon Review

Title: The Fugitive of Joseon

AKA: Heaven’s Order / Mandate of Heaven / Heaven’s Will

Genre: Historical, Thriller, Medical, Political, Period

Episodes: 20

Broadcast period: 2013-Apr to 2013-Jun

Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Kim Yoo Bin, Song Ji Hyo, Im Seul Ong and Park Ji Young.

When the ill king decides to abdicate from his position, the crown prince (Im Seul Ong) is left in a dilemma: if he takes the throne he’ll be seen as a bad son by not waiting for his actual time to reign, and if he denies he’ll be seen at a traitor for not accepting the king’s order. All his life the crown prince had been fighting every minister, and ill-fated people who were trying to kill him, leaving only a handful of people he can trust. One of the people he trusts is Choi Won (Lee Dong Wook), the grandson of the crown princes’ doctor who was executed after making a mistake. This has left Choi Won with resentment and disappointment in the crown prince, also not being able to forgive him for not helping him then. Working as a doctor in the royal clinic, Choi Won has been known to be a ‘quack’ for not wanting to do his job, as he is too busy taking care of his sick daughter at home.

When the king passes out, the royal clinic sends out their best acupuncturist, but the crown prince refuses him, asking for Choi Won, whom he knows is a talented doctor. But knowing the consequences if he makes a mistake, Choi Won declines, leaving a bad impression on everyone, especially Hong Dain (Song Ji Hyo) a royal nurse who is more talented than many of the male doctors in the palace. She became a nurse due to her being saved by a doctor she doesn’t remember well, but dreams of meeting.

After the crown princes’ royal doctor is murdered, evidence are starting to pile up against Choi Won, and for some reason he is not able to prove his innocence, in order to save his daughter he makes a the decision of becoming a fugitive…

Besides the fact of having an amazing cast, this drama is an incredible piece of work. I have to say I was sad that it finished, made me feel a bit empty at the end. The characters and the storyline grow on you, and you cannot take your eyes of the amazing screenplay. I know I’ve said this before, but I really am not a fan of historical dramas, because honestly I don’t understand any of it, especially everything about the king and his royal court. But I think I didn't mind this because it was very clear, also most of the story was outside the court (though the things happening inside I really didn’t understand, I didn’t really care). On the other hand, it really ends up being all political and confusing in the end, making the rating drop - they REALLY drag it out at the end.

All in all, a recommended drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Chuno Review

Title: Chuno 

AKA: The Slave Hunters

Genre:  Action, Drama, Period

Episodes: 24

Broadcast period: 2010 Jan to 2010 Mar

Cast:  Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji Ho, Lee Da Hae, Lee Jong Hyuk, Gong Hyung Jin and Han Jung Soo.

“Crown Prince Sohyeon, who was held as a hostage in Qing after the second Manchu Invasion, came back after 8 years and died a month later from a mysterious illness. Afterwards, Crown Prince Kang was put to death for treason. Two of his three sons who were exiled in Jejudo died from an illness. Only Seokgyeon, the youngest son, had lived.  Crown Prince Sohyeon’s mysterious death, possibly by poisoning, led to a bloody political strife. Half of the people became slaves. The slaves ran away from abuse, and many hunted slaves for a reward. They were called the slave hunters” (Taken from the introduction from first episode)

After his family gets killed by slaves, Lee Dae Gil (Jang Hyuk) becomes a ‘Chuno’: a slave hunter. Together with General Choi (Han Jung Soo) and Wang Sun (Kim Ju Suk) they hunt down slaves and return them to their ‘owners’. Dae Gil blames Un Nyun (Lee Dae Hae) a slave girl whom he had loved, but betrayed him when they were found out by Dae Gil’s father, a Noble Man, she was tortured and about to be sold. She is saved by her slave brother, who, while running away, burns down the Lee Household and the family inside, though Dae Gil believes it is Un Nyuns doing.

Song Tae Ha (Oh Ji Ho) a marked and crippled slave, runs away from his owner, and actually manages to overpower Dae Gil, which has never happened to Dae Gil before, so he sets out to solely find him and bring him back…

I really don’t like period dramas, and this one reminded me of why, but besides that, I can honestly say that this is probably one of Koreas best dramas ever made. The love triangle is really stuffy, and the ending was very ‘Korean drama, but other than that: the storyline was superb, the acting was amazing, the fight scenes and the action were brilliant. The three way bromance was splendid, lol, who doesn’t love bromance? :P hehe..

This drama is a MUST if you love Jang Hyuk, his acting is great, but Oh Ji Ho is nothingtheless marvelous.  I don’t really like Lee Dan Hae, but her acting is also good. I loved the side stories, though there was one that just was annoying to watch (the tavern), but else okay.

All in all, good period drama, but almost too Korean.. (just think of all drama clichés)

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts