Song of the Bandits (2023) 도적: 칼의 소리
Directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok and Han Jin-sun, starring Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, Lee Ho-jung, Yoo Jae-myung and Lee Hyun-wook.
Watched 5 - 14 July 2024 — 9 episodes (NETFLIX)
Directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok and Han Jin-sun, starring Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, Lee Ho-jung, Yoo Jae-myung and Lee Hyun-wook.
Watched 5 - 14 July 2024 — 9 episodes (NETFLIX)
*Sought out this western/period drama for Kim Nam-gil (I'm a fan!) and because it's so well received. Another plus is the short runtime of 9 episodes. It took me a couple of episodes to get into it but I eventually kept watching, liking it but not loving it.
*The series is action-packed and has lots of violence and bloodshed. Some fights are beautifully choreographed, others are too gruesome to watch. We deal with different groups fighting each other or working together: the Japanese army, the savage mountain bandits, the Independence Army, and Lee Yoon's (Kim Nam-gil) group of Bandits. And we have Lee Ho-jung as the contract killer Eon-nyeon. The story itself is pretty simple: Lee Yoon joins a group of bandits in the Chinese-owned Gando and becomes their leader as they fight for their homeland and their Joseon people. A big part of the story involves the stealing of a large sum of money meant to create a new railway line and several parties are interested in the funds. I like that the two female leads are a freedom fighter and a contract killer.
*Love the feel-good moment when Lee Yoon's group of bandits, with the help of contract killer girl, takes out the Japanese army. Love the cooperation between Yoon and Eon-nyeon.
*Love the feel-good moment when Lee Yoon's group of bandits, with the help of contract killer girl, takes out the Japanese army. Love the cooperation between Yoon and Eon-nyeon.
*I was waiting for some romance but something is lacking in the chemistry between Kim Nam-gil and Seohyun. (I did like how tender he was with her, while at the same time being ruthless as a killer.) I like Lee Yoon better with Eon-nyeon, and their playful banter is very enjoyable and humorous.
*My biggest complaint is that I didn't feel any emotional attachment to the characters, in that respect it really misses the mark for me. And it's a shame that the show doesn't take full advantage of Kim Nam-gil's great acting skills. Fortunately he looks good again, with the long dark coat. Nam-gil should always be filmed in a long dark coat!
*My biggest complaint is that I didn't feel any emotional attachment to the characters, in that respect it really misses the mark for me. And it's a shame that the show doesn't take full advantage of Kim Nam-gil's great acting skills. Fortunately he looks good again, with the long dark coat. Nam-gil should always be filmed in a long dark coat!
*I love the beautiful cinematic cinematography (love the brownish hues and colour palette), sets and art direction, the costumes (love Seohyun's clothes with the cute hats) and the fitting OST.
*Show ends unsatisfactory and leaves us wondering what will happen to the characters and their stories. It's rumoured it will get a second season. Though I was a bit disappointed with this first season, I like it well enough and will definitely watch a second season. Yet I wouldn't mind much either if they decide not to do a sequel. At least let's get Kim Nam-gil ready for season two of The Fiery Priest!