Ki Hwanghoo

Actress Ha Ji Won is amazing as a super tough, smart, and beautiful woman who fights her way from slavery to the pinnacle of power in China. One by one, she demolishes powerful enemies using strategy rather than brute force, until there is no opponent left alive. Both the King of Korea, and the Emperor of China fall madly in love with her, and compete to protect her and advance her cause. Ha Ji Won delivers a tour de force performance. I can't think of another role in cinema featuring such a powerful female character. Loosely based on a true story, this is k-drama at its best.

The first couple of episodes started out at (I would say) around 6.5/10 and 7.5/10. Because the show had to set a premise for what's going on, that's to be expected. Then, I guess the writers decided to strap-on rocket boosters to their scripts from episode 3 onwards, because the drama and acting literally takes off.

Some things to expect when watching this show. (You can even make a drinking game out of it):

1.> Virtually, EVERYONE cries in EVERY episode. In some situations its a bit over-done, but there are a good few episodes where you'd find yourself crying as well.

2.> They have two or three main background music that's played through the entire series. It would've been nice if the mixed it up a bit or added variations, but I'm just nit-picking here. But you might start to notice it as you watch on.

3.> There is no true good guys or bad guys in this show- even when it comes to the main characters. It's all mainly tragedy based on life circumstances. Even when the bad guys do eventually get their comeuppance, you'd still find yourself shedding a tear for them.

4.> The mind-games, cunning, fore-thought and stratagem in this show is INSANE

5.> All the characters really do mature as the series goes on, and you see it. Its a fascinating thing to watch, and when they do flashbacks, its amazing how far it shows said character has progressed

6.> The loyalty. The loyalty of some of these characters is something to behold- where they would stick together through thick and thin- and are willing to offer their lives at the drop of a hat. This goes both ways, for both the good guys and the bad guys.

7.> Those damned cliff-hangers. Let's just say I am so glad I didn't watch this, while this series was live, because it would drive me nuts waiting for the next episode. Then again, it took a substantial amount of self-control on my part, in pacing myself watching this. Because if you're not careful, you could end up watching 4-6 hours worth very easily.

8.> The eyes/eye contact. Half of the dialog is in the eye-contact, where there's no talking. It goes to show that it is possible to create a meaningful scene with very little-to-no dialogue, and deliver just as much impact.

Ji Chang Wook is definitely the star. He goes from a total loser in the beginning and then to a strong lead and then to crazy fellow later. Amazing! You would truly feel his pain and love.

All the actors/characters here do so well! From the female lead, to the generals, villains to the eunuchs and lead maids in waiting, all so good!

Plus the plot is so captivating. Right to the very end.

👏👏👏👏👏👏

After seeing only a few episodes I was hooked and thrilled that this drama had 51 episodes, so don't be discouraged by the large number of them. I could hardly stop watching to take breaks, what with the fascinating storyline and the terrific acting of the leading players, Ji-Won Ha, Jin-Mo Ju, and Chang-Wook Ji. Apparently, this has a true basis in Korean history that connects it to the Mongolian Dynasty, the Yuan, of the 13th-14th centuries. it's not important that I give plot information since several others have already done that, but I must say that the love triangle was gripping and suspenseful. Ji-Won Ha portrayed an extraordinary woman of strength and intelligence while serving the rather feckless emperor, a difficult role handled beautifully by Chang-work Ji. But my attention was completely riveted when the King of Koryo (Korea) depicted by Jin-Mo Ju came on the scene. Wow, what a face, and that resonant voice, altogether his character bringing a dignity and commanding presence to the screen..There is a certain amount of brutality as is expected in that era, but everything seemed well designed for a sense of authenticity. I'm now rewatching the entire series again and finding it as enriching as the first time.

I am a recent convert to Korean television - won over by Mr Sunshine and Crash Landing on You, both of which I thought were simply wonderful.

So I came to this with high hopes, bolstered by the score on IMDb. Initially I was disappointed, finding Ha Ji-Won's disguise as a tough male bandit stretching credibility too far. But the series really starts to improve when she is discovered to be a woman and is forcibly taken to the imperial palace.

From that point on Ha Ji-Won is compelling. Her transformation through the crucible of intrigue and tragedy into a woman of power is utterly believable and drives the story forwards. The pace never lets up with plots and counter-plots whirling around as a lowly tribute woman fights for revenge, survival and those that she loves.

So, while I cannot place this alongside Mr Sunshine and Crash Landing on You, I did enjoy it a great deal.