Arthdal Chronicles

Offering stunning cinematography with a captivating story to tell, this is a must see, currently streaming on Netflix. This is no GOT to which some critics have compared it. Unless a series came out in the 1930's, then most everything has been put to film before and anything new draws some of their parts on something that's already been done. That being said, I don't see the comparison to GOT. This series stands on its own merits. I binge watched the first season and await more.

I found out and became interested in this series after I stumbled upon an article accusing this series to be a Korean GOT copycat. I watch it in Netflix. The first episode is kinda convoluted. Viewers were thrown into the midst without any guide or explanation to the background behind the setting of the story. This probably contributed to it's low rating.

But as the season goes on, the story line become apparent and it starting to become interesting. The article cited the props and clothing as the indication that Arthdal Chronicles is a copy of GOT. But this like saying that Brooklyn Nine Nine is a copy of Law and Order because they both have guns and Police uniform. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Unlike high medieval settings of the GOT, Arthdal Chronicles was set during the early bronze age and the time when human race starting to emerge from a tribal society into an early form of nation state. More importantly, there's no dragon in Arthdal, at least not so far.

I became interested in South Korean film and television a couple of years back and I'm so glad. They have an excellent array of motion picture and television offerings. They also have some great directors, actors, and actresses as good as any in the English speaking world. This program introduces talented and beautiful actresses in every episode. Many of them aren't even credited here in IMDb although a little searching can confirm they are well known. I've been surprised to see some really great performers without even pictures, and some with not even a bio. Please do us all a favor and correct that.

I really like this show, which surprises even me, but the wait between episodes is even harder than for GoT in the good seasons. The acting is done really well, not just from main characters but even background and supporting ones, and they feel alive, like this place is actually a place that exist. Instead of the feeling like these people are only there to do their job. The CIG is acceptable, this is not a hollywood production so I am impressed with how much they can get out of the budget. And the sets are also done well, and with story and lore behind them too. You get the feeling that somethings are done because that is how it's always been done.

Again I can't wait for season 3, as the ending took a turn I for once din't see coming. Please keep it up :)

If you enjoy the fantasy genre, (D&D, LOtR) you'll experience a fascinating look into this Korean drama's world about an early civilization with differing tribes and races that exist.

There are several sub-themes that enter-twine magic, religion and love that offers the stage for fantastic acting from the series leads.

I highly recommend the series! Subtitles help you read faster too! ;)