BEAUTIFUL AND LOVELY DRAMA OF NOKDU
Well-done actors and others who worked on this drama. I have watched this drama already 3 times. Beautiful actors, fabulous acting, lovely music, fantastic scenography and excellent story. I can watch this drama in the future again and again. With 32 episodes, maybe you can think that you must watch long time, but this is ''full'' drama, full of positive scenes, interesting moments and enjoying relations. Recommendation all people who want to watch about courage, love, laughs, action, mystery and everything about beautiful life.Was this review helpful to you?
Way better than expected
First of all, the poster of this drama is totally misleading in my eyes (it was one reason why I hadn't started this already earlier). The Tale of Nokdu is not as happy as you might think.I admit that I was pretty much turned off after watching the first episode. A lot of scenes felt a bit overdone, they tried too hard in building up tension, the comedy was not to my liking either and they didn't succeed in stirring my curiosity at all. I wondered why the drama had such a high rating. Jang Dong Joon's well done cross dressing and an MDL's friend's advise to be a bit more patient made me continue. Well, I'm glad I did.
The first half of the drama was kinda spinning in circles and the story didn't move forward. But the comedy got alot better, while the story gained ground and became steadier, so they didn't have to try so hard anymore in convincing me. And then after the first half it felt like a tornado went through and turned everything upside down. Everything suddenly became 100 per cent more serious. By that time I already developed a certain attachment for one or two people other than Nokdu.
As the story went further I got seriously invested in the side characters and their circumstances. Whether it was the king, who was intimidated by his own status while being overwhelmed by the fear of losing it, or the Muwoldan group, who had an honorable reason to fight but got tangled up by the higher-ups power struggle. Or Cha Yoel Moo with his unrequited love, always helpful, always patient and almost becoming a fool for playing the second fiddle at some point. There's more to him than one might expect though.
I started to care for all of them, whether they were good or bad. The story managed to show more than one side and therefore made their decisions somewhat more reasonable. Sides shifted, re-groupings took place and made me utterly eager and anxious at the same time, for I couldn't foresee the next steps.
I think Nokdu was the most pitiable person among them all. His sole existence put everyone around him in uncomfortable positions. He had no say in who he was, yet people started to assume things and used him for their own selfish desires. But he never gave up, he never let himself get down. I was extremely satisfied with how well he managed to pull through all those obstacles and always stood true to himself.
Nokdu's sword fighting skills were a pleasure to the eye, it was beautiful and deadly at the same time. He was exceedingly well trained. He never sought the battles out himself, so I was glad that he could defend himself like that. Confrontations like that were unavoidable on his path. But he never looked invincible either. When he was hurt, he wasn't able to fight that well three days later. When a group outnumbered him, he was bound to get hurt badly.
Though the romance was nothing special to me, it still managed to stir my emotions at the end. Dong Ju is the girl who wanted to take revenge and who's rock solid decision got shaken up by Nokdu. Well, I've seen more captivating ill-fated couples than this one, but I was not bothered either. I was fine with it because they didn't add baseless tearjerkers. And they had some really nice moments as well.
Nokdu's brother was the weakest piece in my opinion. They tried to explain his motivation but it never touched me enough to actually care for him.
Certain details of the finale were... unexpected but I still liked it. If I had one regret though, it would be a certain realization of the king and with that maybe a different outcome. I had anticipated it so much, that I felt a somewhat unpleasant letdown regarding that. But maybe that's just my selfishness.
So, if you feel the same as me before about starting this, I advise you to try it out. It's better than what it might look like ;)
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Story of love and betrayal filled with twists
The drama starts very light and entertaining to watch, full of humorous scenes. However, it soon turns into a drama filled with betrayals and twists that will keep the viewer entertained throughout the episodes. The cast does a fantastic job portraying their characters.Jung Joon Ho as the king makes you unsure whether to love him or hate him due to the few sympathetic moments he has on screen. Kang Tae Oh as Yul Mu does a great job portraying a man fueled by hatred and greed who is still partly under control by a woman he is in love with. Kim So Hyun as Dong Joo and Jang Dong Yoon as Nokdu both do phenomenal jobs portraying the FL and ML. Their chemistry is undoubtedly one of a kind and they will have the viewer rooting for them from start to finish.
The story itself is filled with multiple moments that will have you laugh, smile and cry. Usually, dramas start strong and slowly decline but it's not the case with this one. The plot is not that slow-paced nor fast-paced, somewhere in between. There were moments where the drama was kind of dragging, some scenes felt too prolonged (mostly characters staring at each other; moments of silence) but overall, the drama was really good. The gender-bending aspect of both FL and ML was watchable. Especially Jang Dong Yoon as both man (Nokdu) and woman (Lady Kim) looked and sounded believable as a woman.
It's a must-watch among Joseon/historical k-dramas.
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The world building itself is fascinating as there's a village of widows coexisting beside a gisaeng house, who are composed of all female assassins involved in a mysterious plot? Yes, count me in!
Jang Dong Yoon impresses as he transitions seamlessly from boyish Nokdu to widow Lady Kim. He has good comedic timing and has kind of baby Kim Soo Hyun vibe (from Producers) about him, I'm curious to see his continued growth as an actor. The OTP pairing might not have reached magical squee levels for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed their easygoing chemistry and relationship that slowly developed through solid friendship.
My breakout star of the drama is undoubtedly Kang Tae Oh, with his fascinating turn as Lord Yul Mu. From his head turns, to his smirk and strut, he wholly embraced the complicated facets of his character. I won't be surprised if I see him in a lead role soon.
This is a drama where the characters are well drawn out and multi faceted. Even those guys we love to despise, the drama took time to show their perspective and make us understand their human flaws. Not to mention all those beloved side characters, esp. the women, who are badass.
The first half of Nokdu about crossdressing and light moments, differed a lot from the second half which was more court politics and heartbreak as Nokdu searched for his identity. On the surface, the crossdressing might seem a gimmick for laughs, but through this, the show uplifts women with its portrayal of female empowerment, and uplifts the soul through its message of freeing oneself with thoughts of hatred and revenge, as it can consume and destroy you.
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The Tale of Nokdu starts as a typical drama: lots of misunderstandings, slapstick humour and cliffhangers at the end of every episode. But then, the plot moves FAST, sub plots that usually take a whole drama to resolve wrap up in two episodes. You are also kept in suspense on how the drama will end - making for an addictive, binge-watching series.
Despite the repeated romantic plot points (multiple rescues, multiple we should break up scenes), I never got tired of the romantic plots and found this couple very endearing.
The couple in this may be one of my all time faves - they have a young, Romeo+ Juliet (with a bit of silliness) type romance. They make such good use of their screen-time (lots of interaction and ease) that you feel like you lived with them for awhile. Their romance is naturalistic and explained by the trauma they both have experienced.
Most of the side characters are shallow. I did find the villains compelling as narcissists with flashes of charisma. A mark of a good show - I was sad to leave them all behind as the show ended.
The music soundtrack with the piano was great (reminded me a bit of Amelie crossed with Sia's Breathe Me). But the lyrical songs I don't want to revisit.
It has plenty of cute/tense/romantic moments that lend itself to watching parts of again.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes: 7.5
More than one would expect! Family is who cares for you and wants the best for you, not simply your blood relations. Power corrupts. Once down an exploitative path - it can be difficult to turn around.
Character growth: 7.5
Both main characters have experienced a lot of trauma. Their 'growth' turns on and off - but there are moments in the last 5 episodes or so, where they are startling mature, grave, or complex to where they started at the beginning of the series.
Complex female characters: 6.0
Unfortunately not so much. While there are lots of powerful female characters, and a lot of female screen time, the female characters (even our main heroine!) have their narrow roles and stick to them.
Cinematography/Production Values: 8.0
High for this type of drama. No attempts at artistic/edgy shots, but lots of outdoor scenes not on a sound stage, a decent amount of variation in sets and costumes, a variety of close-ups and wide-angles. Sword/fight action scenes are decently well choreographed.
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This review may contain spoilers
THIS HAS A LOT OF SPOILERS, PLEASE DON'T READ IF U HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS. JUST COMEBACK IF U ALREADY FINISHED SO WE CAN WEEP TOGETHER -----------------------------------
Prior to starting the Final Episode, I was trying to think of all the holes that should/could be resolved by the end of the story but I seem to not find anything anymore except the conflict with the king and Nokdu himself plus the Grand Prince's revolt. To say I'm disappointed with the ending is an understatement??? I was anxious when I'm nearing the end and was left with 20 mins left yet Nokdu hasn't faced the King yet to atleast settle their differences all at once.
I'm also frustrated because there wasn't an explanation/resolution about the "truth" the Queen Dowager said in the previous episode. WHAT THE HECK IS THE TRUTH THAT THEY WILL NEVER FIND OUT? Are we also supposed to not find out about it?? LOL I hope they at least made a resolution for that part because I think it's where everything started in the first place??? or is the "truth" the one Grand Prince told His Highness during their last encounter during the revolt? Can someone please enlighten me? I wanna sleep peacefully T___T
Also, how am I supposed to believe they are capable of living happily ever after if the Grand Prince... who has his eye set on Dong Joo since time immemorial and pent-up anger on (and could also have a fear of having the throne taken by) Nokdu took the throne??? Is that island a bubble devoid of the Prince's powers??? Nope. Unless he literally gave up on DJ already, then.........
I really think the King deserved better. They could've ended it with him finally knowing the truth and reconciling with Nokdu. After all, he has been just living in fear and what he is at present was just because of what his Father made him feel growing up... also could've been because of the lie beneath the truth the Queen Dowager hid. He looked like a good man who is just as conflicted as me JK I actually even thought him and the Queen would show up during the wedding because of the wind and all that. But I still like how he surrendered and owned his mistakes... he even made sure the Queen would be saved.
Over-all the drama is good, I can't even complain (except the ending). The romance is just a bit of everything... even childishness was added into the mix HAHAHAHA but it's cute. I will miss them so much! A lot has happened and it made me sad thinking about all of it... from the village, to Lady Kim, to him and DJ going to Hanyang and so forth...
PS: I like the reconciliation between Soo Yang and So Hyun hahahaha #School2015 feels
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Just wow!
This drama gives me such positive vibes. The story, acting, overall it makes me smile. You can feel the chemistry between main character and other actors as well. It’s an easy tv show to watch. It kinda stucks in your mind for good. A cute love store with so many funny scenes that will brighten up your face.If you want to have fun and stay hoked up on a drama, this is for you! A soft love story that will touch your heart.
Hope you enjoy as much as i did. I am planning on rewatching very soon.
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This was actually really good there some moments that I really enjoyed. I liked how the story plot
unfolded and how the characters showed their emotions . I also liked the chemistry between
Dong Dong Joo and Jeon Nok Du Basically I like the entire show and wish there is a second season to this amazing drama. Oh and there were some moments that were really fun to watch and I think you would enjoy them as well as I did. Overall a great show to watch 10/10
recommendation.
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Great 1st half
The 1st and 2nd parts are not just different but not even the same genre.I enjoyed the 1st half it was warm and light with serious and intense scenes in between to keep things interesting, it was really well balanced with really funny moments.
The 2nd part was a melodrama with the whole generic fights about the trône and hidden identity, it heavily relied on troops with some light scenes here and there. I found the constant angst overkill and ended up fast forwarding most scenes.
The chemistry and build up was still good and the only thing that kept me watching
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the most hilariously/serious drama that is in the Joseon Era!!!
You need to give it a shot, even if you don't know the actor or actress. The FL is a rising star and she probably will be one of the main female lead star in more dramas to come in a year or 2. ML is good, I really like his acting in this as he cross-dress as a female which rarely makes me laugh out loud as heck. The serious tone of the show is also on point, the plot is kinda cliche but still refreshing in a way. Don't give up on watching this just because you either hate one of the cast or don't know them. If you are like me, you will grow to love them. I like the female lead, watch almost all her dramas that shes in even if she is secondary characters. I am currently rewatching it after a few months. And it has a Happy ending which is kinda rare for a joseon drama!!!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I started watching this drama because the plot piqued my interest – the crossdressing seemed interesting and what more it was a man crossdressing as a woman which is pretty uncommon for dramas. The plot with crossdressing lasted only for the first ten episode but I didn't mind since then it became even more interesting. The plot twist with the cook being the prince was totally epic and the intrigue in the place kept me at the edge of my seat for the rest of the drama. I love how the tags here on MDL are showing the same attributes for the the ml and the fl as they were both really smart and strong.
Highly recommended!
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