This drama was epic! The timeline, characters, locations, sets, costumes, special effects, everything. Myth, legend and history rolled up into one awesome package. Clearly, this drama had a huge budget. The main thread of the story is to get the prehistoric mythology of the origins of Korea to line up in the end with the historical figure of Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo. To do this requires much help from supernatural forces, most especially from the Four Gods from Heaven said to reanimate for the true Joo Shin King. Fine, just go along for the ride. If you want a big romantic payoff in the end and that’s the reason you’re watching, then you’ll most likely be disappointed. There will be no sullying the purity of historical figures, thank you very much. You’ll recognize many veteran actors, as well as newer faces (in 2007), so the performances were, of course, superb. The story had enough characters of all types to allow for lighter moments and comedy as well. The leader of the Hwacheon Clan was very entertaining to watch, nearly stealing every scene he was in. I believe this compelling drama is a must-see.
