There is the central theme of the Gil Dong legend running through out, a series long plot to restore a displaced king and lots of love triangles all around. (love quadrangles?) In the mix, there are several short plot stories and baddies for Gil Dong to fight as he gathers his "band of merry men", rights the wrongs he sees, tries to protect those he loves and begins to suss out the worthiness (or lack thereof) of a future king.
The fusion sauguk element is fun. I wish I was even a little adept at Korean language and culture so I could truly appreciate the popculture and slang built into the language of the characters.
It's swashbuckling, over the top and a lot of fun. The writing is clever with some twists you just don't see coming and game changers that keep you moving along with the 24 episode tale.
I recommend it very highly.
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Kang Ji Hwan was quite lovely as the main character and his acting stood above the rest of the cast.
The plot moves quite well, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. By the last third of the series, however, I started to feel that the plot was getting a bit repetitive and not as engaging. The ending was a bit predictable to me, but, it was still touching and hopeful.
But all in all, a quite satisfying and suprisingly meaningful drama.
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Infused with modern tools and music, it isn't just a typical Korean historical drama. Laden with humor, great costume, scenery and Korean culture - it's a drama that celebrates Korean life, history and culture - a feast for the senses - and heart! Romance, action, history, catchy music, lovable characters and characters you love to hate makes this drama for everyone!
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Summary: In normal Hong sisters style, the laughs really don't stop. This one had me laughing through most episodes, even while crying. Only one or two episodes seemed to drag a bit, but the story wouldn't have been the same without them. Quite a few twists in the story, some I saw coming, some had serious shock value. The music fit very well, but only one song really stuck with me. Acting was superb, but with cast you should expect nothing less. This was a VERY enjoyable 23 hours... the 24th hour was spent crying myself silly until I looked like a raccoon or something.
Details: I'll talk about the acting first because, in my opinion, it was the best part of the drama. Kang Ji-Hwan and Song Yu Ri were both amazing and so believable that I fell into their characters immediately. You couldn't help but laugh, cry, and struggle with them. I swear, Kang Ji-Hwan has a talent of being one of the most believable men I've ever seen cry, it just tears your heart out. Song Yu Ri pulled off her role till I had to watch an interview with her to see what her true character is really like LOL. Jang Geun Suk, not only gorgeous, but his acting had really improved alot at this point and I would have fallen for him if this was the first time I'd seen him act. The one that shocked me the most, however, is Ahn Suk-Hwan... I knew he was a great actor but he pulled off being the mad king SO much better than I anticipated! He actually looks nothing like himself in his really crazy moments and makes you think that this is, indeed, what insanity does to a person. The rest of the cast were amazing as well, I can't really complain about anyone at all.
The story was refreshing. A little Robin hood, a little Love Story, and all Hong sisters. The puns, the comedic timing, all of it were excellent. They have a great ability to take several different stories, merge them into one, throw in the laughs and make it all fresh and new. I love that about these ladies. As always, there is a moral to the story and it truly makes you think once you've finished the drama. If you don't stand back and look around afterwards, I'll eat my hat.
Overall, a really great drama. The only downside I suffered was the ending was not as I expected, but that didn't make it bad. I cried a hell of alot more than I knew I would but wow. It also contained probably one of the most beautiful scenes of the entire show, and likely one of the top 10 scenes I've ever seen as far as emotional beauty.
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Kang Ji Hwan as Hong gil dong was casting magic. I can't think of anyone who could have done a better acting job for that character. Jang Geun Seok as the "Young Master" was amazing. Sun yu Ri was also great and a perfect fit for the part. But those are only the lead characters. There was so much good acting in this drama, there is no way to mention everyone. You need to watch for yourself.
I only rated the music as an 8, because to be honest, I didn't pay much attention to most of it, I was so captivated by the story.
For rewatch value, I only gave this a 5, because emotionally I am not so sure I could watch this again.
I don't think anyone will be disappointed if they watch this..but beware...this story stays with you for days after watching it
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It begins as the most GOOFY K-drama I have ever seen, totally over the top with modern
vibe and music and awful, cheap wigs. You learn to appreciate it all. Some moments are so
ridiculous and funny, that you will laugh out loud.
But THEN.... the mood of the drama shifts and it becomes something totally different, very
serious and political and tragic. I would have so muched wished for the good vibe to stay
or return at least in the end.
Although I did not appreciate the seriousness and tragedy of the last episodes, I still have
to say it is a very good drama, that will make you laugh and maybe cry.
The main character Gil Dong changes exactly at the same rate as the mood shifts, from a funny
dochebag he becomes this street-hero that fights for his dreams, and it is a transition that was
very radical and yet belivable.
The main female role has a bit too much "I am dumb" going on for my liking, but she was portrayed
very well and remains loveable...
Aaaiiishh... still cannot get over the ending, though... If you want something funny and uplifting, watch
the first 10-15 episodes and then leave it at that, be warned.
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This drama had some great humor in it, but also was very serious and heavy at times. You really felt the highs and lows of the characters. Convincing acting by both lead and supporting actors and actresses.
I also love that this drama had a definite plot and story line to it, other than just romance. The politics and action, all pulled you into the characters and story really well. I hesitate in watching some of the period dramas, but this one was very entertaining in how they infused modern-day humor into it.
Highly recommend if you like action, love interesting characters, and enjoy more than just a point A to B love story.
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This review may contain spoilers
Sorry, this review is 100% biased because it was the kdrama that kicked off my addiction in 2008. Turned up on episode 1 by accident and ended up laughing my but off. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and a spot on my all time favorites. I just hate Kang Ji Hwan for leaving a bitter taste in my mouth when I see him as Hong Gil Dong because he’s such an amazing character. The storyline and directing is definitely outdated for today’s standard. But when I was watching it back then, the your father killed my father, noble idiocy, death fake out, years later reunion, and everything else was so juicy.
The ending had mixed reactions but I wouldn’t change anything about it. It was so bittersweet and I thought it was sooo ballsy to kill off the majority of the cast including the 2 leads. Their goodbye to each other was perfect, everything about this drama was perfect including Jang Geun Suk’s emotionless and wooden acting. I fricken loved it to pieces.
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Poor!
From the story to the characters behavior and their relationships were all made from pure revolting cringe. This drama's female lead had the perfect embodiment of the childish naive mentally handicapped female lead despicable trope. I truly dream of the day when Korean writers wake up to the realization that this behavior is NOT cute! Disguising this behavior under the umbrella of youth and innocence is borderline pedophilic. The leads' interactions and romance had to be the most painful part of the drama. But the pain didn't end there, the drama's length was utterly fatal. Excruciatingly long for all the bad reasons. As if they didn't edit the drama at all and just threw in all the footage they had filmed.Was this review helpful to you?
The show isn't flat out bad, just elements were. For every one thing this show had going for it, two things were dragging it down. For one, 24 episodes was far too long for this show. The last 8 episodes or so were so tedious for me. Two, the show seemed to lack direction. It felt like it didn't know where it was going or what it wanted to be. And when this show was going places none of the places where particularly good. That's not to say none of the episodes were good because there was definitely a few that actually made me want to continue to the next episode, but they were sporadic and few.
The worst part about this show was Jang Geun Suk. I'm sorry, I realize that he is a well liked actor on here and in general, but his performance was wooden and bland. Besides glaring me to death I didn't get much of anything from him. Counting sheep would've been more compelling. Truthfully though the only ones really bringing anything in terms of acting were Kang Ji Hwan (who I found to be incredibly adorable and actually makes me want to pick back up Capital Scandal), Jo Hee Bong (fantastic as the insane king who truly blessed my screen) and Kim Ri Na (I can't help it, good acting can make me like characters that I'm not necessarily supposed to like or root for). Having said that no one (outside of JGS) was particuarally bad, just not memorable or worth mentioning.
The show had some fairly likeable secondary characters in Gomi, Su Jeon (what can I say, I fell for his explosions of love) and Mal Nyeo. I had no complaints when they were on my screen.
Music wise there were only two songs that I even remember hearing and they were both nice (one by a man and the other by a woman). No idea who sings the songs or the titles, but they were nice and helped to set the mood.
Definitely would not watch it again seeing as I struggled the first time around. Can't say I'd recommend, but hey I could be the lone wolf when it comes to not liking this show. Much too campy for my personal taste, but if that's up your alley then this show might be for you.
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