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The love story is not as important here as in other historical dramas, but I think it was enough, I didn't feel more romance was needed to create an interesting story.
The last episode was a little disappointing, but not enough to make me lower the global score.
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Ok before going to the cons let me talk about the pros.
Even though it is a historical drama, it's not just focused on the king/palace/important ppl. It opens up a window to the daily lives of normal citizens which makes this unique on its own.
Also it is blessed with a great cast! The lead actors and actresses are very talented and make watching every episode worthwhile!
However, one needs great story behind great acting to complement each other, which obviously was not the case here!
It had so many plot holes that it is impossible for anyone not to notice them. I don't mean the usual one small plot hole that gives u a bitter aftertaste in an otherwise perfect drama. What I mean is a constant appearance of plot holes! There were so many of them that I lost count of! Not to mention the occasional sudden urge of some characters to do the most stupid and out of character acts ever!!
This kind of killed the drama for me. There were times that we were supposed to be crying/touched but all I could think about was "REALLY!!! R U KIDDING ME!!" Oh and the last episode was such an epic fail, almost everything that there was in it was a plot hole !
Moreover, the story - where it was empty of plot holes- was too slow and kind of boring. Considering the great potential that this drama had with its great cast, it is kind of sad how bad it turned out to be!
So if you're so bored and cannot find anything to watch & if you want to enjoy some good acting + action while giving a rest to the logical part of your brain then this would be the great choice for you!
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UNDERRATED
This drama is by far one of my favourite dramas ever!!Admittedly I am a sucker for historical dramas but I thought this had such a good mix of comedy, suspense, romance, and action.
This was one of the first dramas I had ever watched so I thought maybe my opinion of it was exaggerated since I couldn't really compare it to anything. But I recently went back to watch just in case and was pleasantly surprised that it was just as amazing the second time as the first time!
The first few episodes are quite slow and the chemistry between the ML and FL isn't the best but the overall storyline is so impressive I can overlook all of that. There were times when I laughed and times I would cry and honestly it created a roller coaster of emotions!
It is relatively old so the quality of it isn't amazing but the soundtrack and acting is excellent so I would 100% recommend!!!
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The blend of revenge and working for people was presented awesomely. I believe it would have been lame if it was only one of them. Family, friendship and love are what the drama is all about. It’s not only the biological family that matters. Human relationships and sympathy go beyond what they might seem like. When a person is required to sacrifice for the people they care about, people would surprise you in how differently they’d react.
The drama shows how dangerous it is to believe wholly and unconditionally in an idea or a person. The moment you give your all to what you believe in, you don’t exist anymore.
What’s a king? Who has the right to be a king? Is everyone sitting on a throne a king?
How far would people go for their ambitions? How much would they stake for what they want? The drama presents scary examples.
The acting is superb by everyone. There’s absolutely no one who didn’t give their all. After Lee Jun Ki of course, I was impressed by the supporting cast more than the other leads. Park Si Hoo has evidently improved so much after that.
I actually liked Lee Jun Ki at the beginning of my Korean journey simply because he looked like Park Si Hoo –not the other way around- so when they played brothers here I was so glad. I applaud whoever cast them; they really look alike.
Lee Jun Ki, as always, outperformed everyone else. How he’d change from the shallow, playful and careless Young to the shrewd, skilful and charismatic Iljimae was splendid. I loved his moments with his father and cried my heart out because of them.
The main love story was the least touching of all stories for me. I loved everything else avidly.
The production and music were complete. No complaints. A round of applause to the stylist. Iljimae’s outfit was the best.
I don’t usually like extreme fighting scenes but here every scene of them impressed me. Perfectly done.
I will definitely re-watch it one day. I might as well write an article on Iljimae whenever I have time.
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One of Lee Joon Gi's best
Iljimae could've been standard, it could've followed the same formula, it could've had a cliche outcome with general and easy-to-read characters.. but it didn't.
Starting the show I knew a few things; Lee Joon Gi is the leading man, it's somewhat of a Robin Hood tale, and it has a slow start. I started the show for Lee Joon Ji, expecting to watch in my free time and only to keep full attention whenever he'd be on screen. After about 6 episodes the story really kicked off. The longer you watch this show the more interested you get and the more I realized just how captivated I was by the show in its entirety.
STORY
To summarize the story; it's about Yong/Iljimae (Lee Joon Gi) who's lost his memory as of the beginning of the story, with his father being murdered in front of his eyes he remembers years later just what happened and the promise for revenge he's made. First, he starts the Iljimae ordeal to find his father's sword and get some answers as to why his father was murdered, a few nights into this Iljimae is being recognized as a 'hero' for the donations, kind acts, etc. that he does for the common people. The King/Guards try to catch Iljimae, Iljimae keeps looking through higher ups houses, repeat repeat etc.
The first six or seven episodes go fast, but you have to pay attention to not get confused. I can't say I was too optomstic after watching some vulgar scenes (if you watched you know..). Scenes were funny, childish humor, stuff like that. But that's all surface value. The show really thrives when Yong puts on his Iljimae character, and it's exciting to watch.
The fight scenes were well done. Closer to the end I was left in awe by a few seeing the practical stunts and absense of what would typically happen in this day in age (CGI). The fights are clean and smooth and not afraid to show blood (even if at times it's really fake looking).
ACTING/CHARACTERS
Lee Joon Ji is by far my favorite actor. He is versatile and unafraid to put everything he has into his character. I didn't doubt for one second the validity of the character he portryayed because he did it so well. Lee Joon Ji cried A LOT during this drama, and I also cried a lot considering his skills to provoke emotion. He is talented, so so so good looking, charming, the best.
Yong/Iljimae was the best character. That's a good thing considering he is the title character of the show, but you'd be surprised the number of shows that are out there where you dislike the main character or feel they are lacking. So what does it take for a character to be good? Consistancy is a big one, the character is consistent with their actions, how they feel matches up to what they do.. vice versa. At the beginning I wondered a bit if Yong was just that out there and care free, and he might've been if not for his past. The thing is, the character to his core has always been the same. As a kid he was carefree and loving, and even growing up he was the same. There are drastic differences he has when Yong is Iljimae because he is so driven, his motives match up percectly to what happened and it makes sense. I like how the audience sees Yong's past and makes the connections themselves as to why Yong acts the way he does. At times he gets silent, reflecting on his actions and all the time he's felt he has wasted as he didn't remember the promise for vengance he's made. There are also times where Yong is over the top, putting a facade on to others to distract from his true personality and blend into how he's seemed to all the others before. It's golden, it's delectible, it's my favorite type of character. The character with flaws, an anti-hero, someone good to the core but lacking in a lot of ways and not afraid to push others out of their way to get what they want. A character who knows there motives and doesn't change them for anyone, because he's been wronged so much that it wouldn't make sense.
This drama just makes sense, That's the highest praise I can give it. I hate stories that don't add up or leave me feeling confused/disatisfied. Iljimae doesn't. The romance makes sense, with Yong/Iljimae falling in love with the girl he used to know, compared to the other girl he used to know the one he did choose made sense. He loved Eun Chae because of the moments they shared together, and she saw who he was before his fathers death and still loved him and admired him then. She knew who he was and notices Iljimae's good deeds now. A personal favorite of the two was their kiss scene, it's forever iconic to me and surprised I haven't seen more of it floating around the internet.
As for the other characters. I enjoyed all of them, I really liked Yong's father So Dol. He was honest, looked out for both of his sons even though he knew they weren't his. The whole dynamic with So Dol and any character he interacted with was so good. He's a fun loving guy and brings the best out of people RIP :(
Characters that I felt could've been better were Yong's real mother. She didn't show up too much until the very end so I forgot she was there and a whole thing. I don't even remember if she reconciled with her son.. if they met eachother again? I forgot. Ja Dol/Shi Hoo just needed more screen time. Personally I would've liked to see him shirtless more because the man deserves it. Shi Hoo was a stoic character and had his own motivations. Comparing him to Yong was always fun to do, there were so many instances to compare with him and Yong- it was just so smart and praise worthy to the writers.
DISLIKES/CONCERNS
The sets are outdated, with fake flowers and blood. The costuming isn't bad, but it's not spectacular. Again those first few episodes might leave a bad first impression. But it is worth it, this show is beyond worth it.
LIKES/LOVES/PRAISES
Lee Joon Ji is one of the best. He delievered in every scene, especially when his character was fully powered by revenge and/or the silent Iljimae. The OSTS in this drama are better than a lot of OSTS done today. They add so much to the scene and set the mood to distract from the lackluster sets.
The ending is very open, but I am glad they didn't just kill of Iljimae (and they could've, they proabably should've). I don't really like open endings either, because they leave me wanting more. 20 hours of this show still didn't feel like enough and I didn't want the ending to be rushed, in the end it was a little bit but it's better than being bored. Yong was still Iljimae-ing, and I would've hated to see him stop that.
Needless to say I loved this drama, I really loved it, I love Lee Joon Gi and he is amazing at crying.
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Other than that the way it started out, showing everybody's past. It was so sad I was glued to the screen for 2 days trying to finish this. Bawling my eyes out.
It's a sad story, but it doesn't really show all the time. It's pretty funny at times. This is one of my favorite shows so I just had to give it a review. You would love this if you're in for action. And a little Romeo-Juliet too. :D
You won't regret watching this I promise. Many people don't understand the ending so you guys can read my episode review at the last episode. It's not an original post. I kind of copied and edited it.
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I love historical show but i must say this one is totally modern day history. I mean the whole techniques and idea, anyway i caant explain you`ll have to see for your selves.
Its full of great martial arts action, very FUNNY, sad moments but overall a very great show. its totally not boring @ any point, i spent ma whole day watching it and that speaks for it self.
anyway watch it i`m gonna check out THE RETURN OF ILJIMAE it better be good also.
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Enjoyable Show especially for Lee Joon Gi fans
I don’t know why it took me so many years before eventually deciding to watch the whole drama since I knew about its existence since about 2009. I got to know about this drama when I often read mentions if Lee Joon Gi name in kdrama sites all those years ago. I somehow always go back to the profile of this drama as I watch other dramas where they feature actors in this show. Around 2017-2018, I was able to read some summary of this dramas plot, watch some video clips, and listen to the OSTs. Yet somehow it took me watching another Lee Joon Gi drama (Flower of Evil) that I decided I needed to watch this show.Iljimae. I don’t think this drama is perfect. In fact I find the beginning episodes a bit slow. Plus the ending could be better. But once Yong/Iljimae learns more skills and gets to wear his black suit and mask, drama’s plot then moves very fast. Even though some episodes are slow though, most episodes often end with Yong/Iljimae’s tactic on how he was able to complete his missions without being discovered by guards which makes viewers very much satisfied. Drama also becomes more exciting as we see Yong/Iljimae being successful in his missions and even becoming a sort of hero to the people (despite starting out as a thief with his goal of revenge). Plus Yong/Iljimae also shows very good martial arts and action skills, very enjoyable and exciting to watch especially for Lee Joon Gi fans.
The drama also has heart. Drama doesn’t focus much on romance, but Yong/Iljimae still is given two love interests, the noble Eunchae and the street girl Bong Soon. Don’t expect much if you’re here for a romance between famous actors Lee Joon Gi’s (Yong/Iljimae) and Han Hyo Joo’s (Eunchae) romance though, as although they are the official couple here and have chemistry, I don’t think it’s enough to sustain the whole drama. I also feel that Yong/Iljimae has more chemistry with the other girl Bong Soon (who has one sided feelings for him) since she was the one who spends more time with him. There is also the part where Yong/Iljimae rival Shi Hoo also has one sided feelings for Eunchae but although I feel she fits him more than Yong/Iljimae, some viewers might find their potential romantic relationship a bit icky (you’ll understand if you watch the drama).
The reason why I mentioned the drama has heart though is not because of the romantic relationships but because of the father/son relationship. Both Yong/Iljimae and Shi Hoo have an adoptive father whose not the smartest or strongest person around, but he very much loves his two sons (despite not being blood related to either). He is shown as someone very much willing to sacrifice for both of them. His fatherly relationship especially to Yong/Iljimae is very much touching. Thus, for the drama’s heart and pluses in the plot, I’m giving the story an 8.5
The acting is very good. Highlight is of course Lee Joon Gi as Yong/Iljimae. Of course I expected great from him since this role gave him a too excellence award plus a baeksang nomination, but he was simply fantastic. It’s really hard to act with your face half covered, but even with a mask, he can be seen as showing his emotions very well even with just his eyes. Also, I find him really good in changing emotions very fast, especially in one scene where he was crying for his sister’s death but have to show a happy go lucky personality to the person beside him so people won’t know he’s related to the sister that died. He’s very good in showing two distinct personalities, from the happy go lucky Yong to the serious and badass Iljimae. Also excelling in acting is Lee Young Ah (Bong Soon) and the ensemble cast. They are all very excellent in portraying their characters. Stand out among the ensemble cast is Lee Moon Shik as the adoptive father, his performance is part of the reason why the father son relationships in this drama is so touching. The child actors like Yeo Jon Goo and Kim Yoo Jung also did well. On the other hand, I find both Han Hyo Joo (Eunchae) and Park Shi Hoo’s (Shi Hoo) acting to be a bit stiff, but then again I don’t think they are given enough moments to shine (especially Hyo Joo) and I feel like they did their best with their characters. I’m not blaming them and I’ve seen them act better in dramas they did after this one so I still think they are great actors in general. With the stuff I mentioned, I’m giving the acting in this drama a 9.0.
The music in this drama is very good, I’m hooked in some of them. Flower Letters is such a beautiful song, I love it very much. Maehwa is also good. Lonely Footsteps is excellent, it really fits well as the music while showing Yong/Iljimae doing his heroic stuff plus action skills. Thus a 10.0 for the music.
Rewatch value is 7.5, some parts may be too slow for me to watch, but I might still watch some of the show’s enjoyable moments (especially the action/heroic stuff, father son scenes, and maybe some romantic moments).
Overall, an 8.5 for this show.
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Joseon Zorro
This drama really is a Korean version of Zorro, with that wonderful Korean historical twist we all love so much...As this drama did indeed captivate me more or less from the start even thought the acting was mostly bad, the lighting was horrible, the annoying elements more or less overbearing and it was overflowing with low humour... To add to it, it is listed as a romance but there are about 5 interactions between the people who are supposed to have this romance... leaving the romance addict within me very disappointed.
That said there are a lot of great lines here and there, some powerful scenes about the little people rising up and people who abuse their power done well. There are also a bunch of twists of fate, secrets and lies here and there that add a lot of spice to the plot....
The story shows a mix of hanging on to a mistake just because it took a lot of time to make it, that there are worse ways to punish people than by killing them and not to underestimate angry women. There is a loss a great deal of beautiful friendships and found families (also very odd families) between the betrayals and the self righteous men . There was one self riotous power hungry man that got on my nerves just a little to much laving me disappointed to see him live...
Definitely an enjoyable watch, but be were of annoying over acting characters, and the 2008 quality.. A lot has happened in the Korean drama industry and those actors skills in the past 14 years and it shows!
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