Dong Yi

Rating: *****


Genre: Historical
Episodes: 60
Cast:Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Jung Jin Young, Lee So Yeon, Bae Soo Bin


SYNOPSIS:
"Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo."


REVIEW:
Ottoke?  I think this drama is the best historical drama that I've ever seen!  Okay, so that's not saying much.  The only other historical drama that I've watched was "Yi San."  However, I think this was much better than some of the completely fictional dramas that I've watched.

It starts off with one of the best sequences I've seen.  Who thought of this scene?  Whoever it is, I think that person is genius.  With that scene sequence, it really showed the many roles that her brother was in. Showing the change from a sword alliance member, to a normal citizen, and then to a royal musician really set up the whole show.  I know that most would prefer to have the beginning scene to start with the main character, but I think this supported the main characters past and set the stage for the events ahead.

As far as the history of the real "Dong Yi," I have no idea.  Truthfully, I don't exactly want to know the real details, as I might be disappointed in the differences in the series.

The drama made me roll on the floor laughing, it made me cry, and I was completely addicted.  I think my favorite character in the whole show, though, was the head eunuch.  He was always very blunt, but he always said aloud the things that the King was thinking.

Best conversation ever (Warning! Do not highlight if you don't want spoilers!):
"Bring Palace maid Chun."
"To your bed?"
"Yes.  What?"

What did you think of this drama? Comment below!


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Iljimae

Rating: ****

Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Period Drama
Episodes: 20
Cast: Han Hyo Joo, Kim Chang Wan, Lee Jun Ki, Lee Young Ah, Park Shi Hoo

"Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Yong acted as a hooligan in the marketplace by day but at night he was a thief who robbed corrupted government officials to give to the poor. After each robbery he left behind a painting depicting a plum tree branch to make his mark and was thus named Iljimae. His main purpose was not so much to rob but to search for the owner of a specially designed sword which he saw as a child was used to kill his father, a loyal subject of the emperor. Eun Chae is a government official's daughter who despite her upbringing has a lot of empathy towards the poor. She met Iljimae by chance and couldn't help admiring him for what he stood for even though she had never seen his face."

For the most part, I usually just stick to the heartfelt comedies. However, I somehow found myself watching this show and got hooked. Although the first episode isn't the most interesting thing in the world, the story really sucks you in. Lee Jun Ki did a wonderful job of playing the smexy Iljimae. Although I'm not completely sure about the ending, I completely and utterly loved this series and would gladly watch it again.