Jumong

Iranians like this series very much and they established a lot of contact with it.

My kids go to a dual language program (Spanish English) plus we speak a third language at home. So naturally they are comfortable with movies that are in foreign language.

My son (8) developed his reading from this series (by being forced to reading the subtitles) no doubt and it is really nice to expose them to a different ethos and not the Hollywood formula crap. We are still on the 16th episode, so quite a few more to go.

The complex plot and the ambiguous morality at times is really challenging. The main actor a little weak I agree but maybe "he" will grow into it as well

courageous. handsome. wise. creator of a state. portrait result as mix between historical events and myths. using the emotions and feelings and facts who define each South Koreean historical drama. a film about a great hero, his wars, his love, his science to use the power. and his impressive reign. so, a manifesto. in same measure, a cultural and political one. because the series propose not only a story but, like many films from the same genre, a proud story. a legitimization for national values. and this did it special. for the small detail to be not exactly a tool of national propaganda but for use of basic ingredients who reminds to each viewer, from every countries, the values who define the national values of his past and tradition.

I am a mess! My mind and heart are all torn up! It took almost 13 days and 81 episodes to finish and I didn't want it to end! This 18-year-old epic drama is THE best I've seen and I've seen many of the top saeguks! The writing, the costumes, the details of each faction of war (the making of steel swords, iron armors, bomblets, fireballs, catapults, etc)...all in amazing color and splendor! Character development was important and the director took his time in developing ALL of the lead and supporting characters. I was enthralled at each one- including some man-to-man attraction (unnecessary to me). The fight scenes and battles were superbly filmed and choreographed. The friendships and bromances were funny yet valiant in nature.

Actor Song Ilgook as JUMONG was all-macho in his demeanor and yet vulnerable at heart. He wore those armors and kingly wardrobe best I've seen on any of the kings I've seen. I only wish he held or hugged or even kissed his women. No such luck. There was strength and clarity in his acting and can't wait to see some more of his other series. Actress Han Hye Jin was gorgeous throughout and portrayed a very strong Soseono. The "three musketeers" were my favorite people: Yeo Ho Min (Oi), Ahn Jung Hoon (MaRi) and Im Dae Ho (Hyop Bo) actors who portrayed true loyalty and love yet amazing martial arts! Veteran actor Lee Kye In (Chief Blacksmith) made me laugh and cry with superb acting chops...pathetic, loveable, warm and cried SO well! The King, the evil Prince and his flighty brother, the true father and warrior Hae Mo Soo, the bitchy Han daughter, the sweet Mother and wife of JUMONG, ...where does one end? Everyone was terrific!

I cannot say much more. THANK YOU, VIKI and Kocowa for presenting this jewel after 18 years. I hope many, many more people see this!

As The title character, Song Il Goo is okay. But didn't make a great impression on me. Someone else compared him to Errol Flynn. I'm sorry I can't agree with that. I couldn't see any charisma in the actor at all. He was adequate, but that's really about it. But Luckily he is surrounded by a great cast. The best were probably Hu Joon Ho as Hae Mo Su, Oh Yun Soo as Lady Yoo Hwa, Jun Kwang Ryul as King Geum Wa (although I din't know what the laughing was about) and the guy who played the prime minister. But most of the cast were fine. I liked Han Hye Jin as So Seo No, Kim Seung Soo as Prince Dae So, and others too. At first I liked Bae Soo Bin as Sayong, and even thought he might have better in the title role. But on reflection , it was a rather one note performance. I did like the gay relationship though. The costumes were magnificent. The battle scenes were the best I've seen in a Korean costume drama. Although it was only from around ep 50 or so, that I thought that, or began to realise it. I'm not sure about the jumping around. If it's for a purpose fine. But some of the time, it seemed to be just for showing off. Some great horse riding scenes. Interesting to read from another review (same personwho mentioned Flynn,) on that aspect of the series. The costumes were absolutely magnificent. That was probably where most of the budget went.