Joseon chongjabi

It doesn't happen often, but what struck me most about the whole series was the cinematography. Especially in the early episodes, some of the shots were downright breathtaking. As for the plot, it was suspenseful, gripping, and full of great plot twists, so there really wasn't any time for boredom. In terms of acting, I was especially impressed by Sang-mi Nam, who I liked even more than in Time Between Dog and Wolf. But the most interesting character for me was the businessman Choi. I actually didn't even see him as a villain at times. Likewise, Hye-bin Jeon as his daughter was excellent. On the other hand, I was annoyed with the king who, like in most historical series, was just a defenseless puppet. A very strong 4 stars. (08.09.2014)

Unfortunately, the story didn't grab me, the acting didn't convince me that this was anything above average. While it's interesting when gunpowder and guns gradually arrive in a country thus far ruled by swords alone, it's still just one of many Korean historical series that lacks that special something I needed in order to rate it better. On one hand it's terribly naive, on the other hand we can see the complex intertwining of the political and international situation of the time. Basically, on one hand we have a Disney fairytale couple, and on the other we have Yes, Minister and Sir Humphrey. For me, a terribly unbalanced series that left me bored most of the time. (05.09.2014)