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Definitely worth my time! The whole drama is an epitome of hardwork (which came from all the people behind the great drama) the cast did well. I couldn't ask for other actors or actresses to portray/play their parts. The visuals... ohmygod. The visuals are really great. It seems very real and authentic (to the point that you would dream of blood everywhere around you during your sleep haha jk). The OST and even the background music gives you the hype (especially during those confrontation scenes before the fight scenes, that eye to eye contact between the male leads haha).What caught my attention the most and instant realizations:
1. The romance or love story between Hwi and Hui-Jae was found at the beginning and ending (ONLY) so if you're expecting kilig or romance between these two, better stop or else you'll feel disappointed. Not the lovey-dovey thing.
2. Instead, look for the BROMANCE. damn. Both Hwi and Seon Ho nailed it. You'd never find a friendship like theirs in real life I guess. Imagine being stabbed by a friend and still choose to cherish him/her. Imagine being misunderstood, hated by them yet you know deep inside that what you did was really for them. Imagine having the same fate or ending with your friend. (Ooops ?? sorry)
3. The actor portraying Bang-won is the best! ??
4. Fast pacing especially from Episodes 12-16.
5. I'll never get tired of Yang Se-Jong ??
6. A lot happened in those 16 episodes!
7. I CANNOT BELIEVE WHY THIS IS UNDERRATED! I CANNOT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE RATINGS ARE LOW. I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT WHY WAS THIS QUIET? WHY IS EVERYONE NOT MAKING NOISE ABOUT HWI'S AND SEON HEO'S BROMANCE! HAHAHA
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Bromance in 14 century
The greed of the powerful is insatiable. Amidst the political treachery and historical legends, the plot revolves around fictional characters who try to break their unbreakable bonds resulting in more bloodshed and mess. Each one is searching for recognition or revenge and all succumb in the end to emotion and loyalty. A wonderful drama which had me shipping all the male leads. When they look into each others eyes you can sense their bromance and camaraderie, but I just want them to hug and kiss and say saranhaeyo! This is the 1st time I am watching Yang Se Jong drama and I can’t wait to see more of his other works. He used his real long hair too and he looks so fine in this historical drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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Acting
ALRIGHT LIKE WTF!!! This acting is JUST GREATT! the story is so beautiful its not my favorite all time drama but its my favorite for best acting. Not at least one person was bad at acting even the guest roles were good. the acting look so real and ill tell you this they are PROOSS!!! LIKE WOOWWWWWWWWWW! the story is amazing to! I highly recommend you watch Six Flying dragons first and then this drama, Since i watch SIx flying dragons before i watched this i know everything thats going around. SIx flying dragon is about finding the joseon dysnasty with some of the same charectors, while this drama is the warrior life. Really great drama!Was this review helpful to you?
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Could be better
A lot of good acting and costumes in this drama, The fight scenes were well done (although they never seemed to die no matter how many times stabbed or cut or cut with a sword. Good scenes of romance between the lead, the actress is ever so beautiful.Spoiler:
Poorly written script, two friends fighting each other ok fine. But if your sister is held hostage instead of illogically putting yourself in danger rescue here and run away or at least hie her. would have made the story more believable.
Next it takes 8 1/2 episodes to explain the relationship between the inn owner and the beautiful lead actress. What's the purpose of the secrecy. How does lead actress end up with the future queen? When the sister gets killed, she runs into the path of the killers, most people would run away, Then the bodyguard stands and watches her getting attacks and does nothing while here brother struggles to save her. Could have been more realistic in most scenes and in the plot of the show and it would have been a better watch.
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Dramas of this quality are not common. The story balances exceptionally well the personal struggles of each character and the politics at play. The pacing is perfect. Although it deals with heavy content, My Country is a character driven drama that is full of raw emotion. It’s because behind the dark politics, it tells a simple story, the story of the absolute and heartbreaking friendship of two young men. And it does it in such a meaningful way. The series also displays some of the greatest action scenes ever seen on the small screen - the one-take action battle scene of episode 3 is legendary, to name just one of them.
My Country is a masterpiece.
Among those great characters, Seo Hwi shines brightly as a fascinating hero. He is an introvert person, but a flamboyant warrior. He's sad, but warm. He's a kind and sweet man, but he can kill without hesitation to protect his loved ones. Because his best friend Nam Seon Ho betrays him in the beginning of the story, he loses everything. Then, his journey becomes more and more painful, so painful that he almost loses himself along the way. Despite that, Hwi stays loyal to his friends. Always.
At the same time, Hwi's way of capturing the ambiguous prince Lee Bang Won’s attention is also riveting throughout the drama. In fact, the more we know Hwi, the more we understand why Nam Seon Ho and Lee Bang Won are so passionate about him.
Yang Se Jong created such a beautiful hero. No other young actor could have brought such depth to Seo Hwi. He expresses in such a detailed way the multiple layers of his character. He can act extremely soft as well as incredibly intense, and all the nuances between those extremes. His fierce and desperate acting is extraordinary in the two episodes when he rushes for his sister and confronts his enemy Nam Jeon! On top of that, he is also majestic in action scenes.
During the drama, Yang Se Jong is the actor who manages the best to make us feel the weight of the years, hence the weight of the suffering. Hwi at the end looks so much older compared to the beginning. He still looks strong, but so vulnerable at the same time. It's very rare to encounter a young actor capable of showing this kind of deep transformation.
As Hwi, Yang Se Jong captivated me with his every breath and move. He delivered an extremely touching and powerful performance.
Yang Se Jong also has great chemistry Woo Do Hwan, Jang Hyuk and Ahn Nae Sang, who are all good. I like Seon Ho, even if he is a more cliched character - his whining scenes in the last part of the drama felt a bit unnecessary, but Seon Ho has his moments. From the leads to the supporting cast, everyone acts very well. Im Gyo Jin and Ji Seung Hyun especially are really compelling as Hwi’s close friends. Director Kim Jin Won is of course to thank for this overall perfection.
Well, I can't wait to watch My Country again. In the meantime, I will keep listening to the gorgeous OST over and over.
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If you can get past the first 30 minutes...
Wow. What a journey.This won't be a proper review per say, but more just a quick recollection of thoughts.
My Country is probably the best sageuk historical Korean drama in recent memory.
The story mainly revolves around the disparity in between the lower class and the royals and upper class which makes for intriguing story about power, status, and revenge, and how past relationships, friendship and love affect each individual character's goal throughout the story.
It is also, in essence, a slight fantasy, with characters able to accurately shoot arrows from hundreds of yards away, and being so strong they can easily defeat multiple enemies i.e. plot armour. But it's not over the top, (like for instance in "The Great Battle").
That said, I have to say that I was extremely skeptical for the first half of episode 1, about not just the story but the characters as well. But I can say with extreme certainty that it gets a lot better if you can persevere a little.
Shout out to Seolhyun, who I thought didn't suit her character and wouldn't have the acting skill required to digest such a role, but she did a stellar job, with, from what I could remember, not a single awkward acting scene (at least past episode 1).
The bromance which I thought was also a little weird at the start grew on me quick, and is absolutely a focal point throughout the drama.
Watch this drama - you will not regret it.
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Somehow I feel a fleeting nostalgia when I see the ending credits in the last episode, the behind the scene pictures of the staff with the actors, and the group photo in the end. A lot of hard work went into this drama, and it shows, but I wish that it had not disappointed me with the unsatisfactory plot. In my opinion, the drama went a bit downhill after Episode 11 i.e. after the first strife. I felt like the rest of the story was just an add-on or filler. There was a lot of angst, a lot of swords running straight through people and then failing to kill, a lot of unnecessary sub-plots like that of Hui Jae and Bang Gan. While the acting of the main leads, and almost all the secondary actors was amazing, I felt Se Jong's portrayal of Hwi was lacking; Hwi didn't look broken when he heard from Seon Ho that his sister was dead, he continued to fight in the army while knowing he didn't have a sister to go back to. Hwi's tactical brilliance and his insight in predicting the moves of his opponents didn't sit well with me, considering we've never seen Hwi as a tactical genius in the past, we've only seen his brilliance with weapons like the bow and the sword. Hwi continued to have this innocent look in his eye, despite the mountain of sorrow he's buried under. He didn't lose his humanity, he didn't become cruel or hopeless, and for some reason I couldn't understand that. I also felt like there was no chemistry between Hui Jae and Hwi, and I skipped almost all of their scenes together. However there are moments I enjoyed the show, especially the scenes with Jang Hyuk. The fault is not in the actors, but how the characters and story is written. The actors did a superb job with what they were given. Hats off to Woo Do Hwan for really shining forth with his facial expressions and dialogue delivery. Was this review helpful to you?
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At the start of this drama I really liked it the casting was great the story was not bad but towards the end it felt not as enjoyable to watch maybe because of some of the decisions the charscters made or something but the main issue of this drama is the ending when yang se jong's character died and the his and seolhyuns character did not get together finally in the end, it was disapointing but hey im not the one that wrote it. And if i would make some changes it would be that yang sejong's character lives and him and seolhyun get married and just live a quiet life, maybe that would have made the drama have a more peaceful ending and putting everybody's emotions to rest. Was this review helpful to you?
The cinematography was on point and I felt like I was inside the drama, I enjoy the fights scenes (They were amazing), Now talking about the story, I can describe it as something strangely beautiful and tough, The scrip give us powerful lines and conversations that I keep thinking about.
To finish the review I really want to give an applause for the actors woo do hwan and jang hyuk ( Also for all the cast), They portray their characters as if they were them, It was magnificent.
Everyone should give a try to this wonderful drama!!
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Friendship last forever
My country is not your typical Historical love story. It’s not focused on love but it is full of twist and turns, greed, lust for power, betrayal, and of course the main focus of this series a strong long-lasting friendship. Their friendship was tested in every way from family feud, to jealousy and betrayal but in the end their friendship prevails. it's a good series, full of excitement, action and thrill but I did not expect how it ends it really breaks my heart. On top of that I really loved the OST of this series. I had a last song syndrome on this.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Tale of Epic Proportions
My Country: The New Age is a Korean drama that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey set during the turbulent transition period of the late Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty. As a history enthusiast and avid K-drama lover, I was immediately drawn to the series, hoping for a captivating narrative, well-developed characters, impressive production quality, and an enchanting soundtrack. While the drama excels in many aspects, it does suffer from a few shortcomings.One of the standout elements of My Country: The New Age is undoubtedly its intricate and engrossing storyline. The drama skillfully weaves together historical events with fictional narratives, creating a captivating tapestry that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the plot to develop organically while maintaining a sense of intrigue and suspense. The intricate political machinations, power struggles, and deep-rooted friendships add depth and complexity to the story, keeping the audience invested throughout the drama's run.
The characters in My Country: The New Age are multi-dimensional and undergo significant growth and transformation. Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se-jong) and Nam Sun-ho (played by Woo Do-hwan) deliver stellar performances, effortlessly portraying the complexities of their respective characters. The evolution of their friendship amidst betrayal, heartbreak, and loyalty is a standout aspect of the drama, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers. The supporting cast also shines, with notable performances by Jang Hyuk as Yi Bang-won, the enigmatic and ambitious prince, and Kim Seol-hyun as Han Hee-jae, a resilient and determined young woman. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their emotional portrayals truly immerse the audience in the story.
The production values of My Country: The New Age are commendable, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in recreating the historical backdrop. The costumes, set designs, and cinematography transport viewers to the era, making every scene visually captivating. Additionally, the visual effects employed throughout the drama are seamless, seamlessly blending with the narrative without overpowering it. From intense battle sequences to quiet moments of reflection, the production team has done an exceptional job in creating a visually stunning world.
The OST of My Country: The New Age is a beautiful companion to the drama, effectively capturing the emotional essence of each scene. The music enhances the storytelling and adds depth to the characters' emotions. Memorable tracks like "Someday, The Boy" by Kim Feel and "Drunk on Love" by BTOB leave a lasting impression and perfectly complement the narrative.
While My Country: The New Age boasts many strengths, it does have a few shortcomings. At times, the pacing can feel slow, particularly during certain political subplots, causing the story to lose some momentum. Additionally, some viewers may find the complex web of relationships and political intrigue overwhelming, making it challenging to fully grasp the nuances of the narrative.
Overall, I would give My Country: The New Age a solid 8.5 out of 10. The story is captivating, the actors deliver exceptional performances, the production quality is impressive, and the OST is emotionally resonant. The chemistry between the characters, particularly Seo Hwi and Nam Sun-ho, is palpable, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. While the drama may not be without its flaws, it remains an engrossing historical tale that deserves recognition. With its rich storytelling, exceptional performances, and rewatch value, My Country: The New Age is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those seeking a riveting and emotional journey through the annals of Korean history.
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This must have cost a fortune in fake blood!
The main characters were sliced and diced a dozen times each but survived and recovered every seemingly mortal wound until they were finally able to kill them in the last episode (spoiler).One can easily understand, since the very beginning, that this historical drama (set during the years of transition between the Goryeo and Joseon dynasty) is founded on fighting scenes. In fact, they had some legitimately cool shots of angry, pirouetting men with big swords and fancy headbands. Also, there is a strong undercurrent of honorable machismo throughout.
Fighting scenes enthusiasts will surely like this drama.
The first and the second strife of princes are true historical events here narrated with liberties and a very soft political commentary on absolute monarchy and power established on the bloody sacrifice of common people.
All of it is topped with a sprinkle of bromance here and there, a spray of father-son relationship (either problematic or prematurely truncated) and the required damsel in distress (available in a triad of queen, sister and kisaeng madame who once cross-dressed while rebelling against the king).
I hardly cared for any of the characters, so I can say the writing was not my cup of tea, although I greatly appreciated the fanservice in the first episode with the two hunks smiling and bathing together.
I also loved that my boo, Woo Do-hwan (We met for The king: eternal monarch and he really became my sole reason to keep watching that) smiled a lot and had beautiful, shiny, very manly long hair.
The last, but definitely not the least, honorable mention goes to Jang Hyuk who always slays. I love him!
His last scene is the coolest.
Female Empowerment Score 1/5
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