User reviews

The drama is exciting about the adventures of a bandit when Korea was still under Japanese colonialism. Here the bandits are prepared to risk everything, even their lives, to protect their land, family and friends. The bandits have gathered to fight to protect everything that is valuable to them. This action is carried out by riding a horse and crossing the desert with a sandstorm. In terms of cinematography, it is quite pleasing to the eye. The storyline is exciting because there are action scenes and the story of each episode is not boring. In my opinion, this is a good show for lovers of action dramas about struggle.

The weak points from this series was the romance part. It was very boring, and had not really relate with the main plot. Nam hee shin's character build so flat, very bland, plus Seohyun's acting which so very emotionless. Everytime this character appear the story went so boring, not interested at all.

Overall this was a very good production, the bandits actor were so good. I really enjoy the Eon nyon character, I kept watch this series because of her. Very live character, badass, and so rude but inside had a childlike heart. Lee ho jung success build the character. Her acting was so perfect, very fun to watch, and so sassy. For me she was the reason for me to watch, even her storyline plot was very interesting.

I liked "Song of the Bandits" very much: good opening graphics, OST, writing, direction, action scenes, and fine actors who poured their hearts into their roles. I also learned about a part of Korean history and another group of freedom fighters I didn't know before. Weaknesses, however, in the awkward shooting of some scenes like embarrassingly fake horseback riding and some over-the-top, wide-eyed arguing most of which contrasted awkwardly with the usually stylish direction. Otherwise, this series was enjoyable: I cared very much about the characters, and admired the writing, actors' intensity, and directors's decisions. Recommended.

"Song of the Bandits" is a captivating South Korean action period drama that recently premiered on Netflix. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s during the Japanese occupation of Joseon, the series delves deep into the struggles of the Korean people, who are fighting for their homeland and their rights.

The narrative follows a group of fierce bandits who traverse the lawless land of Gando. Each member of this group, coming from diverse backgrounds, has a unique story to tell. United by a common purpose, they band together to protect the homeland of Koreans from the oppressive forces.

In my personal opinnion i can say that this is NOT as good as Warrior tv show, but it does have smiliarity in a lot of ways. I gave it 8/10 and i did give 9/10 for Warriors tv show, so have that in mind.

I do recommend watching this if you like period-time action dramas.

The series starts from the right place and has good characterization and exciting flashbacks. The actors have acted correctly and elegantly, and the story of the series is attractive and exciting. The action scenes which are designed without consideration and induces stress and excitement and finally show the sad story and the violence of the Japanese people of that period to the Korean people. If the series has many audiences, it is very likely that it will have a second season, and I hope that we will witness it and be able to enjoy the second season as well, and finally, I will narrate what I am very interested in, the western and cowboy style of the series is very beautiful and The type of guns and weapons used in the series is unique. And in fact, there were really train tracks and also weapons in that period .

This series is pack with actions, blood, tears, sweat and successfully deliver the most heartbreaking love stories. Nam Heeshin played by Seohyun is a good actress that manage to steal my heart!! Her character might seem soft but actually her strength is in her mind. An independent activist who yearning freedom for her country. Lee Yoon played by Kim Namgil brought out his 'A' game!! He is a wild bandit who have a heart for his lady. Other main characters also succeeds to grab my attention. Not to mention the cinematography is top notch! Did i mention the main Ost is a killer especially during critical scenes!!

Song of the Bandits is a Korean Version of the American Wild West, to sum it up pretty much in that way! It was interesting enough for me to learn some History, the fact that I didn't know the Japanese were occupying Korea, along with ruthlessness, lawlessness and violence with Bandits. You begin to love and be interested in all the characters. The fight choreography is kick-ass, the kills are great and the Action is cool for the most part. Soundtrack is beautiful, especially with its main opening theme, reminding me of something like The Last Of The Mohicans. The authentic early 1900s setting, costume design and props is also well done. Now out of all 9 episodes in this, 2 of them are not very good. Episode 7 was not the best. I thought "Well ya know what, that's not a problem! We're nearing to the finale with just two episodes left and the finale should be the best one!" Now normally in most circumstances, you would think the Best would be saved for Last. Unfortunately, the show had to end with its finale being the Worst saved for Last. And when you have a finale that leaves you disappointed after watching a show you really liked, it's hard to stay motivated to even look forward to the next Season. I don't like it when TV shows do that to us. Nobody does. You always want to end your show with a memorable finale, one that sparks people and keeps them talking about it. So it's a shame to me that the finale of this is perhaps...forgettable. By all means though, Song of the Bandits does deserve a good rating and I still recommend the watch. After all, it is a Korean show and Korean content is always so entertaining!

SONG OF THE BANDITS. The story was well written with zero dragging or boring scenes. 9 episodes full of stable paced story with strong characters. No confusing and very clearly directed. Thumbs up!

KIM NAM GIL potrays his character so well as the main lead. A slave turns Japanese army turns bandit with sad past ready to fight back for his people so they can live like a human being.

Seohyun as the badass woman fighting for Korean Independence silently but strongly, carrying secret task to protect the country.

Every casts played the role well. Action, family, patriotism, love... a full pack of beautiful story.

Just watched it and be amazed with it!

I get the story line and the fiction to make it interesting but It like watching an American storyline been spoken by South Koreans.

Love revenge and hero stories so that sold me out, loved it. The actors are of course good and they bring out their characters well but I really doubt that in the 1900s of Korean women would be so rude..... The gun slaying lady is good but her attitude is so American.....

The violence in this series tops even some violent American series, we don't need all the blood and cursing ehk.

I stopped watching European and American series for this reason but guess South Koreans have opted to copy and paste the vulgar violent scenes in there shows. Sad really. At least nudity was excluded.

Wonder 🤔 where to go for less violent movies after enjoying so many lovely Korean shows......missing, fiery priest........

Oh well.

The first few episodes look really good. Stylized, atmospheric, poetic even ... packed with Wicked (pun intended) action scenes. Unfortunately, all that is gradually replaced by stale and pathetic melodrama and romance that redefines terms like corny and cheesy.

Basically, from Wow to yawn to wtf and finally to "Oh god, please, just don't" ...

There is also the completely unnecessary subplot of the rivalry between the main hero and the main heroine, extremely poorly presented, even worse maintained and resolved in a totally anti-cathartic manner.

On top of that, in typical Korean style, the dialogues are not realy dialogues, but extended spoken description of the scene. Do they really believe that the average viewer is a total idiot who needs everything drawn?

It's not all black, of course. Even in the later episodes there are flashes of inspiration here and there, especially the ninth episode and its atypical humor (the scene where the fat Japanese squeezes the wounded hand of the main villain out of gratitude is a real gem, I'm still laughing) But all in all, lukewarm, bland and mostly boring. A missed opportunity.

Pro:

• Beautiful cinematography, art and costume design
• Stylish action
• Fast paced plot, though ep 1 is a bit slow
• Acting is top notch, especially the male lead
• The female assassin is such a badass and scene stealer

Con:

• The finale is a bit rush and frustrating, they certainly was aiming for 2nd season
• As with typical korean drama, cliche love triangle and childhood love but without much chemistry between the leads
• Should have highlighted more on the relationship between male lead and the japanese army major

But the whole series is entertaining enough and recommended for those who loves kdrama.

The best Korean drama I've ever seen!!! Kim Nam Gil also shows perfect action and melodrama. I became his fan with Song of the bandits. If you want to enjoy an interesting K-drama, I strongly recommend this drama.

I can't take my eyes off Kim Nam Gil's gun & knife action, and eye acting. The bandits are cheerful and cool. This drama can be said to be a fresh new form of Western style.

Lee Yoon and Nam Hee Shin's love story remains mournful and lingering. I hope the love between the two will be completed in season 2!!!

Please enjoy this drama and his fantastic performance. There will be no waste of time.

I love how they managed to create some unique characters and put them in a team. All characters have their own specialty and powerful skills. I have finished watching this drama and yet still wondering how each of the characters meet & can team up.

Protagonist character also has been well played by Kim Nam Gil. The way that he plays around with his gun is somehow interesting to watch. We all know that he is so good in his body movement. This just matched perfectly.

All supporting characters in the drama showed incredible talent in portraying their own identical character.

Not to forget all the crews that involved in making this drama, they did a splendid job all together.

Perfect! Everything from the drama was perfect! Well produced story, beautifully directed, awesome cinematography, emotionally attacking OSTs...and the actors/ress are the best in the town.

You'll hooked from the start, from ep.1 because the drama didn't waste any times about dragging the opening with non related stories. If you don't like the 1st ep, then no need to watch. But I'm sure you are so gonna love it from the start.

Kim Nam Gil (Lee Yoon) is a veteran star who mastered every roles given to him from all kind of genres: action, comedy action, melodrama, horror, psychological thriller & more... He as the hero of the series did a splendid job fighting the bads to protect his new land & people in Gando. He has his own hurting past story you wanna know. He is the badass bandit leader who his people looked up to.

Seohyun (Nam Hee Shin) is a real fighter of nationalism. She carried out a challenging task to save her country from Japanese Colonial, helping Independence fighters by working with the current government. Lee Yoon's love interest.

Le Ho Jun, the hitman ( or hitwoman)😎. God...you dont wanna miss the fight series between her and the main lead, Lee Yoon. She have her own past to to choose to work as assassin.

Lee Hyun Wook (Kwang Ill) the pro-Japanese korean army leader you afraid to mess with. He is the main villain here. So much to talk about him but don't wanna give you any spoiler.

I can say this is such a spectacular released series.

Don't miss the masterpiece.

Lee Yoon from Song of the Bandits is so cool and handsome, his flashy actions are really cool, and his acting is almost divine. Bidam in MBC's Queen Seondeok in 2009, The Passionate Priest in 2019, Those Who Read the Evil Mind in 2022, and Song of the Bandits in 2023 make us fall in love with actor Kim Nam-gil again. I love actor Kim Nam-gil so much. I am so grateful and happy that Lee Yoon came to us. I love actor Kim Nam-gil so much in Jakfu, and I respect and love actor Kim Nam-gil so much in real life. He is the best. Actor Kim Nam-gil, I love you as much as the sky the earth the universe.

Korean Drama " Song of the Bandits " is an edgy historical drama that resembles the western films.

The story is about a freed slave who creates a team of misfits in order to strike back at those who want to take over.

The drama has an edgy cinematography, with beautiful shots and lighting, as well as a soundtrack that feels just right for the mood of the drama. The costumes and CGI were also spot on.

On the other hand, the story isn't well handled, with some twists being repeated and some dramatic scenes not being convincing. Also, some storylines needed more time to be fully developed, when others were tragic enough to keep things interesting and the characters to be easily sympathized with.

Finally, the performances were enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, five out of ten.

The drama shows how people of that ere lived in sad Korean history. On top of that, the actor's great actions and acting! The action of using a long gun or an axe is very impressive, especially the aiction scenes of the leading actors. The action scene can be beautful!!

This genre always heats up my heart. This work also revived my expectations. Those who had to risk their lives for independence and those who had to fight bandits to protect them. And the villan.. but i fell in love with the actor who played this villain. His perfornance was very surprising. I look forward to Season 2 coming out.

I fully enjoyed this show from beginning to end. This is the first time I have ever finished a series and immediately watched it again.

The story started in the early 1920s Korean people was suffered from Japanese military aggression and some of them began to serve Japanese military. But i believe you can enjoy this series without a historical information because this show seems to focus on the cinematography and acting more than getting across some messages to audience.

The long-take action sequences(Korean A-list actor, Kim Nam-Gil performed most of action scenes himself without a stuntman.) are absolutely incredible, amazing. Song of the Bandits -Dojeok- will be one of the best K Netflix television series. If you want to enjoy K drama, esp., full of well-made action scenes, I recommend this series.

Looking forward to a season2.

Imagine if Clint Eastwood made a Korean western. It's that good, perhaps even better. A history most don't know, this terrifc series is as good as it gets. Fantastic action, drama, acting and storytelling of actual history ( embellished as appropriate) make for very compelling and satisfying TV series. Netflix offers English soundtrack, but in any language this is an excellent drama.

For those who think peak TV is behind us, devour this retelling of the Korean-Japanese history at the turn of the century. Both familiar and exotic, this insurgent against the powerful drama offers a compelling story, expert direction and iconic performances that keep you glued to the screen.

Another series that make Netflix the true Global streaming platform.

Song of the Bandits" was an interesting watch, albeit not a TV series that left a lasting impression. While it had its moments, I found it somewhat challenging to grasp the show's essence initially. Perhaps my wandering mind contributed to this confusion, but I believe the responsibility also lies with the director and the cast to truly immerse the audience in the storyline. Regrettably, this connection was somewhat lacking, preventing the show from reaching its full potential.

Although "Song of the Bandits" held my attention to a certain extent, I can't wholeheartedly label it as a must-watch. The actors' performances were mediocre, failing to leave a significant impact. While the show had its intriguing elements, it didn't fully succeed in creating a compelling narrative or engaging character portrayals that would have elevated it to a higher standard.

In summary, "Song of the Bandits" is a TV series that falls somewhere in the middle ground. It had its moments of interest, but the overall execution, including the direction and the actors' performances, left much to be desired. While it may be worth a watch for some, it doesn't stand out as a top-tier recommendation, particularly due to the lackluster portrayal by the cast.