Jumong

Heroic. Impresive. Subtle. Product of Coreean industry who, between Hollywood and Bolywood makes beautiful and good movies. Jumong is same legend with same pieces like many other films. The difference is the courage to define an era. And its heart - a spectacular man. Love, hate, survey, fights and wars , beauty and feelings are present but it is not a another play about old ages. May be propaganda. In small measure. In fact, it is a lesson. Yes, a history lesson but a values lesson and more that. A fresco but , in same time, a mirror. A speech about a roots time but a seductive way to define a nation.It is strange to say anything about a kind of movie. But it is nice to discover it with each word - skin of its images.

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.

This entire series is an exceptional creative achievement in all respects. The screen writing, character development and cinematography all combine to make one of the best viewing experiences I have ever had. I first became addicted to the excellence of Korean film and television when I watched the superlative "Dae Jang Geum" (Jewel in the Palace) series. Jumong equals and possibly even exceeds that benchmark series. I have watched many Korean films and television shows, most of which are very good. Jumong is as good as it gets. The show is a loose dramatization of Korean history and the efforts of Jumong to unite the kingdom and then drive out invaders. The character development here is truly awesome with about 20 significant characters that the viewer will come to know very well indeed. Actor Song Il-Kook's charismatic portrayal of Jumong is right out of an Errol Flynn swashbuckling adventure. This actor has an on screen presence and possesses a supreme confidence that simply no longer exists in American cinema. Supporting characters So-Sun-Oh (Hye Jin-Han) and the androgynous and ever deadly Sayong (Soo-bin Bae) enrich this story beyond words. The plot is truly Machiavellian and develops in a way that often grays out simple good and evil. For those equestrians out there, and I know there are many, you are in for a treat. You will see work by all of the actors on horseback that has has not been seen since the heyday of American Westerns of old. Each actor was trained with and kept the same animal for the entire series and it shows. Song Il-Kook sits a horse like he was born to the saddle and the many riding scenes in this series demonstrate a high level of horsemanship. The costuming and the various scenes at court or in battle are something to behold. This is the very highest quality entertainment that the viewer will find anywhere. The entire series is well worth buying and keeping to watch again and again.

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

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!