Inspiring Generation

Literal kids playing mafia. Anyway, the drama was full of cardboard characters and you may expect an amateur level of performance, editing and writing to match it. The plot felt convoluted and disjointed, struggling to maintain a coherent narrative throughout the show. Characters lacked depth and development, making it challenging to emotionally invest in their arcs or connect with their journeys. Their personal relationships didn't intertwine well with the story either. I was looking forward to see Uhm Tae Goo but the drama wasn't worth it. I find this period and setting of Japan/Korea to be the worst to watch through any media. They "almost" don't know how to go on about it. I could count a few rare exceptions on one hand.

The series is set in 1930's Shanghai and deals mainly with the story of Shin Jung-tae who begins as a raw fighter but over time has to hone all his skills to protect his fellow Koreans living there. It starts reasonably slow but soon builds into constant conflict as he has to battle various countries factions as well as gangsters. It has an excellent cast who all do a sterling job and the story only occasionally stalls. Plenty of well choreographed fight scenes which you do have to suspend belief with as a man beats 20 swordsman with his fists. Don't take it too seriously and enjoy the ride of friendship love and patriotism.