Hong Gil Dong (2008)

I just marathoned this drama and I loved it. Wow can Kang Ji Hwan act his pants off! Typical of the Hong Sisters, this drama starts off looking like a comical farce but develops into a much richer, more dramatic story fairly quickly. I liked how they start out before the legend of Hong Gil Dong has begun and show you how it all started. Hong Gil Dong goes from a layabout wastril to reluctant hero to deserving of his legend and a true hero to the people. Kang Ji Hwan is so good at playing a carefree and careless rogue on the outside who is boiling with sadness, rejection and abandonment on the inside.

There is the central theme of the Gil Dong legend running through out, a series long plot to restore a displaced king and lots of love triangles all around. (love quadrangles?) In the mix, there are several short plot stories and baddies for Gil Dong to fight as he gathers his "band of merry men", rights the wrongs he sees, tries to protect those he loves and begins to suss out the worthiness (or lack thereof) of a future king.

The fusion sauguk element is fun. I wish I was even a little adept at Korean language and culture so I could truly appreciate the popculture and slang built into the language of the characters.

It's swashbuckling, over the top and a lot of fun. The writing is clever with some twists you just don't see coming and game changers that keep you moving along with the 24 episode tale.

I recommend it very highly.

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A tale of heroism and love, this fusion sageuk (the setting and the costumes are set in Joseon-era times, yet the jokes and such seem more modern) shines with a lot of warmth, humor and love.

Kang Ji Hwan was quite lovely as the main character and his acting stood above the rest of the cast.

The plot moves quite well, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. By the last third of the series, however, I started to feel that the plot was getting a bit repetitive and not as engaging. The ending was a bit predictable to me, but, it was still touching and hopeful.

But all in all, a quite satisfying and suprisingly meaningful drama.

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A well-developed drama about a group of vigilantes and their dream of getting equality in corrupt nobility/royalty era of Korean history. It dealt with ambition, greed, family, friendship, power struggle, society, injustice, loyalty, and dreams,.



Infused with modern tools and music, it isn't just a typical Korean historical drama. Laden with humor, great costume, scenery and Korean culture - it's a drama that celebrates Korean life, history and culture - a feast for the senses - and heart! Romance, action, history, catchy music, lovable characters and characters you love to hate makes this drama for everyone!

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Based on a recommendation, and because of the cast, I had to watch this drama this week. I so wasn't sorry I did! The acting, story, costuming, and cinematography was great. And honestly, it already had alot going for it... it's a Hong sisters story, it has Jang Geun Suk, and it's a historical. Ticked alot of boxes for me.

Summary: In normal Hong sisters style, the laughs really don't stop. This one had me laughing through most episodes, even while crying. Only one or two episodes seemed to drag a bit, but the story wouldn't have been the same without them. Quite a few twists in the story, some I saw coming, some had serious shock value. The music fit very well, but only one song really stuck with me. Acting was superb, but with cast you should expect nothing less. This was a VERY enjoyable 23 hours... the 24th hour was spent crying myself silly until I looked like a raccoon or something.

Details: I'll talk about the acting first because, in my opinion, it was the best part of the drama. Kang Ji-Hwan and Song Yu Ri were both amazing and so believable that I fell into their characters immediately. You couldn't help but laugh, cry, and struggle with them. I swear, Kang Ji-Hwan has a talent of being one of the most believable men I've ever seen cry, it just tears your heart out. Song Yu Ri pulled off her role till I had to watch an interview with her to see what her true character is really like LOL. Jang Geun Suk, not only gorgeous, but his acting had really improved alot at this point and I would have fallen for him if this was the first time I'd seen him act. The one that shocked me the most, however, is Ahn Suk-Hwan... I knew he was a great actor but he pulled off being the mad king SO much better than I anticipated! He actually looks nothing like himself in his really crazy moments and makes you think that this is, indeed, what insanity does to a person. The rest of the cast were amazing as well, I can't really complain about anyone at all.

The story was refreshing. A little Robin hood, a little Love Story, and all Hong sisters. The puns, the comedic timing, all of it were excellent. They have a great ability to take several different stories, merge them into one, throw in the laughs and make it all fresh and new. I love that about these ladies. As always, there is a moral to the story and it truly makes you think once you've finished the drama. If you don't stand back and look around afterwards, I'll eat my hat.

Overall, a really great drama. The only downside I suffered was the ending was not as I expected, but that didn't make it bad. I cried a hell of alot more than I knew I would but wow. It also contained probably one of the most beautiful scenes of the entire show, and likely one of the top 10 scenes I've ever seen as far as emotional beauty.

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I couldn't stop watching this drama once i got started. The story line was great.
Kang Ji Hwan as Hong gil dong was casting magic. I can't think of anyone who could have done a better acting job for that character. Jang Geun Seok as the "Young Master" was amazing. Sun yu Ri was also great and a perfect fit for the part. But those are only the lead characters. There was so much good acting in this drama, there is no way to mention everyone. You need to watch for yourself.
I only rated the music as an 8, because to be honest, I didn't pay much attention to most of it, I was so captivated by the story.
For rewatch value, I only gave this a 5, because emotionally I am not so sure I could watch this again.
I don't think anyone will be disappointed if they watch this..but beware...this story stays with you for days after watching it

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I am really torn about this one.

It begins as the most GOOFY K-drama I have ever seen, totally over the top with modern
vibe and music and awful, cheap wigs. You learn to appreciate it all. Some moments are so
ridiculous and funny, that you will laugh out loud.

But THEN.... the mood of the drama shifts and it becomes something totally different, very
serious and political and tragic. I would have so muched wished for the good vibe to stay
or return at least in the end.

Although I did not appreciate the seriousness and tragedy of the last episodes, I still have
to say it is a very good drama, that will make you laugh and maybe cry.

The main character Gil Dong changes exactly at the same rate as the mood shifts, from a funny
dochebag he becomes this street-hero that fights for his dreams, and it is a transition that was
very radical and yet belivable.
The main female role has a bit too much "I am dumb" going on for my liking, but she was portrayed
very well and remains loveable...

Aaaiiishh... still cannot get over the ending, though... If you want something funny and uplifting, watch
the first 10-15 episodes and then leave it at that, be warned.

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What can I say, I absolutely LOVED the characters and casting in this drama. Each one has their own unique persona and backgrounds, and the way they interact and develop with each other was very well done.

This drama had some great humor in it, but also was very serious and heavy at times. You really felt the highs and lows of the characters. Convincing acting by both lead and supporting actors and actresses.

I also love that this drama had a definite plot and story line to it, other than just romance. The politics and action, all pulled you into the characters and story really well. I hesitate in watching some of the period dramas, but this one was very entertaining in how they infused modern-day humor into it.

Highly recommend if you like action, love interesting characters, and enjoy more than just a point A to B love story.

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Sorry, this review is 100% biased because it was the kdrama that kicked off my addiction in 2008. Turned up on episode 1 by accident and ended up laughing my but off. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and a spot on my all time favorites. I just hate Kang Ji Hwan for leaving a bitter taste in my mouth when I see him as Hong Gil Dong because he’s such an amazing character.

The storyline and directing is definitely outdated for today’s standard. But when I was watching it back then, the your father killed my father, noble idiocy, death fake out, years later reunion, and everything else was so juicy.

The ending had mixed reactions but I wouldn’t change anything about it. It was so bittersweet and I thought it was sooo ballsy to kill off the majority of the cast including the 2 leads. Their goodbye to each other was perfect, everything about this drama was perfect including Jang Geun Suk’s emotionless and wooden acting. I fricken loved it to pieces.

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Ahora cuando me dicen "Robin Hood", pienso en esto

¿Por dónde empezar? Voy a sacar lo obvio de en medio. La química de Kang Ji Hwan y Sung Yu Ri es excelente, al punto de que nos regalaron el volver a verlos juntos en otras dos oportunidades. Pero, yendo a la serie en sí, disfruté muchísimo las dos veces que la ví. No sólo porque es un drama histórico bien hecho a nivel producción, si no porque todos los detalles están bien cuidados. La música es excelente, y las baladas de Teayeon y Park Wan Kyu siguen dándome piel de gallina cuando las escucho. Porque, aunque no es el tema principal de la historia, la trama de amor del trío protagonista es desgarradoramente injusta prácticamente a lo largo de toda la serie. Todos nos dan pena, todos nos hacen llorar. Sí, es de esas series. A niveles generales, la acción está bien desarrollada y lo más atrapante son las historias de traiciones y engaños dentro de las altas esferas de poder, y cómo Gil Dong (sin quererlo mucho, al comienzo) interviene para cambiar las cosas de una vez y para siempre. El camino del héroe en su máximo esplendor, un personaje del que no se esperaba nada comienza un camino hacia la grandeza, pero no sin encontrarse más de un enemigo y más de una dificultad. Y cargando, además, con el mote de ser "el hijo bastardo".

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Hong Gil Dong mythe éternel ou homme de chair et de sang ?

J'ai beaucoup aimé ce drama, et cependant il m'a un peu déçue.
Je l'ai aimé pour ses excellences :
À tout seigneur tout honneur : le Roi fou.
Personnage fascinant, complexe, qui se découvre peu à peu au fil du déroulement de la pelote d'intrigues et de crimes qui l'ont amené là où il est. Les scènes avec son frère sont saisissantes, en particulier quand il lui révèle que tout ce en quoi il croyait n'est que duperie. C'est un sommet du drama. L'acteur est remarquable, donnant une vérité effrayante et pourtant humaine au personnage. Mais les Atrides étaient des enfants de chœur à côté de ces gens-là !!
La relation entre Gil Dong et le Prince : Jamais dupes ni l'un ni l'autre, se respectant pourtant jusqu'au bout, acceptant d'aller au bout de leurs choix : pour le Prince
Spoiler:
le sacrifice de Gil Dong afin d'asseoir son autorité et de sauver son pays d'une guerre civile, et cela lui brise d'autant le cœur qu'il va perdre aussi la femme qu'il aime, pour Gil Dong aller vers ce destin les yeux ouverts, afin justement que le symbole qu'il incarne ne disparaisse pas.
Les deux personnages incarnent chacun les servitudes du pouvoir et et d'une vie vouée à un idéal.
Et ce avec pour chacun une évolution au cours de l'histoire, car aucun des deux n'a ces sentiments au départ. Les acteurs sont très bien, Kang Ji Hwhan toujours juste en face du Prince, jamais servile ni insolent, le Prince le traitant en égal, sans jamais se servir de la bâtardise comme argument. Très belle scène que celle de leur dernière rencontre,
Spoiler:
où le Prince dit qu'il n'oubliera pas (et vu le prix qu'il paye, je le crois volontiers) et où Gil Dong lui rappelle qu'il y en aura toujours d'autres comme lui.
Je me suis prise à rêver que ce jeune Roi, après avoir fait faire son portrait officiel par Youn Bok et Hong Do pour affermir son pouvoir, va faire appel à l'intelligence et au cœur de quatre étudiants de SungKyunKwan pour faire avancer les choses à Joseon !! ça ne veut rien dire si on n'a pas vu Painter of the wind et SKKS...
Le jeu de JGS est un peu trop statique, et c'est un peu dommage, mais je pense que c'est voulu par le réalisateur, avec le fait qu'on parle toujours à son dos, sauf HGD et la fille !.
La relation amoureuse entre les trois protagonistes : la fille est parfois un peu trop gourde, mais ce ne serait pas une héroïne de drama sans cela, mais la rivalité des deux hommes est très bien traitée, car justement il n'y entre eux rien de bas ou de mesquin.
Les personnages secondaires : excellents, comme toujours, surtout Madame Noh, Une-Boule et sa copine, Gomi, celui qui doit rester pour raconter l'histoire (l'auteur a lu Hamlet ?? ) Une mention toute particulière au grand-père (pas le noble l'autre) et au Maître, leurs dialogues étaient un régal !!
Le côté décevant : la leeeeennnteur !!! Trop de plans fixes sur les visages, trop longs, trop d'insistance sur les aller-retour, par exemple : HGD-la fille-HGD-la fille-HGD-la Fille et ça duuuure !! et ils ne disent rien !!! trop de temps d'attente dans les dialogues (parfois c'est utile, mais pas tout le temps ) cela m'a gênée, en particulier à la fin, que j'aurais aimée moins diluée, plus nerveuse, mais qui est bien rattrapée par l'enchaînement avec le temps présent, une excellente idée.
Un mot sur la musique très belle surtout la chanson "Fate" qui tourne en boucle chez moi, et sur la fantaisie des costumes qui donne bien le ton de la légende irréelle et hors du temps.
J'ai bien aimé aussi que pour une fois le timing soit respecté : ça se passe en hiver, puisque le Prince déclare qu'il les a laissés voir le printemps, et c'est réellement tourné en hiver, il fait froid, cela se voit et donne une vraisemblance à l'histoire !!
Au total, très bon drama, moins enthousiasmant que Iljimae, mais très bon quand même !!

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