Bulmyeolui Lee Soon-shin

It would be hard to over-praise this magnificent series, and the entire production rose to the high level of Yi Sun Shin himself, the savior of Korea from invasion and oppression who has been called by Western historians "the Lord Nelson of Korea". He was, however, a better man than Nelson in many personal ways.

It's my understanding that this series, like the equally outstanding AGE OF WARRIORS and others, are created for young people as adjuncts to school history classes, which may help explain why the writing, acting, direction, costuming, and production values of the series are outstanding. On occasion the writers drift somewhat from history, but generally only when the details aren't fully known and dramatic license can be taken. As a historian I am persnickety about historical accuracy, and deplore the endless historical errors that have turned films like BRAVEHEART and TITANIC into ridiculous travesties. The televised story of Yi Sun Shin, from childhood to final triumph, is true to the meaning and purpose of this incredible man's courageous life story, and that's what counts.

Many Americans will be astonished to see that this series idealizes social justice and deplores the defects of autocratic government to a far greater degree than any current U.S. TV series, which look frivolous by comparison. It should make us thoughtful when we must watch a program made in Korea to learn lessons about democracy and economic equality.

This is an amazing show. I do not watch much television, and I am certainly not a fan of war dramas, but this show has my husband and me absolutely riveted. My husband served in the US military and was stationed in Korea, which is why he started watching this series. I couldn't help but get caught up in it myself. The acting, sets, costumes, and filming are all superb. The series focuses on Yi Soon-Shin's extraordinary abilities as a leader of leaders and a canny strategist; it's a refreshing change from the mindless muscle-headed "tough-guy" Hollywood war heroes we're used to seeing. So if you're looking for an Asian Rambo, don't bother with Yi Soon-Shin. But if you are a true history/military buff, you will not be disappointed.

Why do people tell us about Nelson or Drake all the time when Yi Soon-sin exists and nobody talks about him? Did any of those admirals win a battle without losing a ship? Did they win 13 boats to 120 to 333 ships? Did they sink 500 ships without losing not even one? Well, Yi Soon-sin does. The first time you hear about him you say that is impossible, I should check this, but when you hear about Hansando, Myeongyang, Sacheon, Okpo, Noryang... But Yi Soon-sin has enemies from Japan:

• Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• Wakizaka Yasuharu
• Todo Takatora
• Konishi Yukinawa

But also enemies in Korea, who sent him to jail: -The Western Faction But some friends: -Sung-Riong And some like Won Kyun who is first a friend and then he sends him to jail. Sometimes the information is not exact.because they invent all Yi Soon-sin's life and not only the battles.

To tell the truth I knew absolutely nothing about Korea or it's history this time last year,but now I am following the life of one of the greatest men who ever lived.Yi Sun Shin,The man was so unbelievable!The wisdom and intelligence the man had for that day and age was totally remarkable. To fight against all kinds of odds to defend mostly single-handedly the land that he loved,with courage and compassion that has somehow been lost in the passing decades.The care he showed his men and the tenderness he displayed when it was needed,how he never saw himself as more than just a "humble man" speaks volumns about why he is called a hero and why he is called "immortal".If anyone gets a chance to watch this movie or read his War Diaries,please do.

This show is awesome!! This is the BEST show I have ever seen on TV or in the movies. And to know that it is actually a part of history is even better. The acting is excellent and the music is great! I only wish they would come out with an OST. Kim Myoung (YSS) is such a wonderful, moving actor! It's no wonder he won the 2005 Korean Drama Best Actor Award. He certainly deserved it! All the actors/actresses are great. This historical drama is a MUST SEE for everyone from beginning to end. My kids even enjoy it! It's that good! You go through so many emotions when watching this show! And the music during the battle scenes is awesome! It really gets you into it and fired up!