Iljimae (2008)

A really good sageuk for what it's worth

Glad i gave this a chance. Lee Joon Gi's phenomenal fighting scenes in this reminds me of Warrior Baek Dong Soo that i have just finished recently, but his acrobatic moves here is probably a notch higher because he's so agile and fast like a ninja, and the way he moves around and makes use of spaces in ep. 18 fighting scenes kinda gives me some Jackie Chan vibe. So so good!

The story is well done for the most part. I really liked the twist at the end about the main culprit of it all, it has similar energy to main villain's plot twist in City Hunter, Time Between Dog and Wolf, and Cruel City. But the ending proved that Yong was the most un-ruthless revengeful person i have ever known, he turned his back from his enemies because he just can't bring himself to killing people, and ended up being sliced because his enemies are ruthless. In that sense it really made us question whether taking revenge is really worth all the pain and sufferings. But perhaps it's something that can't be helped too since regaining his memory proved to be too painful a price for him to bear.

If I have to explain my score, then it's due to some plot holes that makes the viewing experience not as smooth.

First, in the first half, often times the drama gives confusing flashbacks or snapshots between stage-i Iljimae who was already an expert burglar to someone who's still novice about stealing and breaking into noble's houses with tight security. Not once in the duration of the first half were we ever exposed to Yong's upbringing whether he was passed down the skills properly by his father who is a retired petty thief so to have to connect the dots by ourselves was quite a jump.

Second, it wasn't very obvious for how long stage-ii Iljimae trained with the Monk Master to sharpen his sword fighting skills. We could see that he became very fast and very advanced in the later fighting scenes with Ja Dol/Shi Hoo, so that part was quite a mess. It's unlike in Warrior Baek Dong Soo which made it clear that the ML trained for a solid 3 years with his swords master in the mountains which was more reasonable.

I don't really have any problems with the romance. The chemistry feels very muted and considering her parents, it was always meant to be forbidden love so I was able to enjoy it for what it was, and for how short-lived it is. Quite sad that Bong Soon is hinted to abandon her adopted father who she found out he was the one who killed her family, and because of that she also stayed away from Yong because he's remained close to his Monk Master.

Aside from all the support characters that i found really elevated this drama, Lee Joon Gi's phenomenal action scenes are making me contemplate to watch all of his sageuks, even the non-recommended ones LOL because I really do enjoy them. The man's talent is no joke.

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The adventures of Robin Hood Iljimae while he sets out to avenge his father's death is portrayed in this drama. He robs noble family houses not only for money but also to find the sword that killed his father.

I watched this drama for Lee joonki. Iljimae played by Lee joonki is awesome. Shi woo, Eun chae, yeppun danee, seo dol, ajik gang - all those supported Iljimae did their parts well. Byun sjik's funny moments especially while criticizing his daughter being leader of beggar sect(lol) - enjoyed it very well.

Loved the ending song in the last episode.

Will Iljimae be able to find his remaining family members who went into hiding after his father's death? Will he be able to find his father's murderer? Watch the drama to find out.

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Do I Recommend? Yes
Will you hate me for it? Yes
Will you regret watching the show? Yes

The show is not a masterpiece. At times it lacks some excitement that was promised. It's dull for half of the episodes of the show. When it does pick up it feels rushed since it doesn't truly pick up until the last few episodes. It has a lot of boring political stuff that has nothing to do with the plot or isn't important enough. Many of the storylines aren't relevant.
Although most of the time it is boring, you just can't stop watching because of some of the characters. Especially the adoptive father. Episode 14 can go to hell for making me cry like a little girl. Some episodes will make you angry or really sad or just plain depressed. Honestly, I don't regret watching iljimae but that ending did all of us who dedicated our time to watch it, dirty. No one truly had a happy ending. Just a somewhat okay ending for all involved. It felt rushed.
All in all, I don't regret watching it and I truly do recommend it but you will hate yourself and me when you finish it.
It's worth it though.

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I have never written a review before, but I just feel like I have to write what's on my mind.

This drama, whilst deciding whether to watch it or not, I thought this was not going to be my cup of tea, I told myself If i didn't like it by the end of episode 1 then I'd drop it. I've been in a drama slump and I could not finish a single drama.
Not only does this drama have kick ass characters, but also strong women (which is a breath of fresh air from the regular damsel in distress trope). The plot was intriguing, satisfying and heart pounding. I was so immersed in the actors acting I felt like this was real..
Can I just say I wasn't really a massive fan of Lee Joon Gi, but oh my god I am so angry at myself for not watching this sooner. His acting made this drama worth the while, i love the vigilante trope, I love how he is so charismatic and so diligent when he needs to be. His expressions, his martial arts, you can tell he worked really hard for this drama, and it paid off.

I'm 100% recommending this to everyone I know who watches Kdramas.

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Story:
This series is far from perfect and there are many ways that I would like to change the script to improve it but I cannot deny the enjoyment that I had from watching this series. The plot and character development lacked in several areas but the last 10 episodes I found thrilling. My one major complaint is the humor especially at the beginning of the series is really crude and made me uncomfortable at times but fortunately, this is mostly only at the first.

Cast:
Lee Joon Gi is definitely the standout of the series. This series would not have been as good without out him. I would also say the actor who plays his adoptive father is wonderful as well. The female leads though were a bit weak. But I attribute that to the script not giving them much to work with.

Overall, If you are looking for a good time I recommend it.

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A Must for Lee Jun Ki Fans

Instead of the typical robin hood storyline, the director Lee Yong Suk creates a more realistic and harsher world. Iljimae does not simply rob the rich and help the poor. He has a motive - to find the sword that killed his father - and find revenge. Stealing the treasures of the rich only a pretense to give people a reason as to why he was risking his life to enter the guarded nobles homes.
Iljimae is not the altrustic hero that the citizens see. He is human.

The progress of his skill and training is very well detailed as well. Geom (portrayed by Lee Jun Ki) goes from a weak streetrat with bad habits to a determined, artistic fighter with a purpose. The path, as dramas would have it, was definitely hard, even to the point of disbelief. He loses his childhood memory after he stones his own mother and only retains after a series of life-threatening events. Childhood trauma aside, there were several moments of "no way how could he survive that?!?" such as major concussions and drowning in frozen water.

I would have deducted more points if Lee Jun Ki hadn't acted so well. Throughout the drama, nearly every emotion Geom was going through, I felt it. When he cried, I cried. When he resisted, I gripped my hands and held my breath. When he lost and failed, I anxiously waited for him to fight back and win. I've only known him from My Girl as the heartbroken one, so all these new expressions amazed me. Lee Jun Ki later continues his reputation in the drama Hero in the form of a news reporter, another heart-warming drama but that's for another entry.

The whole cast member in general played their character pretty well: Park Shi Hoo as Ja Dol was depicted with silent desperation and yearning quite well. He hasn't been released from this role yet it seems from The Prosecutor Princess, but that is only a matter of time.

Han Hyo Joo had a small role, but she achieved Eun Chae's purpose alright. It was after this drama as a relatively newcomer that she stared in Shining Inheritance that won awards to star in another favorite of mine Dong Yi.

We can't forget Bong Soon now. It was the first time I saw Lee Young Ah on screen. She isn't a beauty but that's her appeal. Young Ah is your down-to-earth next. She protrayed Bong Soon as a spunky, witty girl that helped Geom stay rooted in my opinion.

Last that I will mention are the young roles of Geom, Bong Soon, and Eun Chae; Yeo Jin Goo, Jung Da Bin, and Kim Yoo Jung all deserve much praise. Each one expressed their unique role very well. I look forward to how much of a mark they'll make on each drama as a child actor/actress and their progress.

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The Martial Arts EXCELLENT!

I have been trying to view this drama series for a couple of months and was finally able to watch it. I can tell you right now that visual effects with Martial Arts are very well done. We all know that Li Joon Gi is already a Martial Artist! I swear his moves with the kicks are totally awesome. I'm still not crazy about the women's wardrobe for that era in Korea. I love their wedding costumes. The storyline was great because of the happy ending. The romance chemistry was mediocre. The music I really liked. I will give you my finale when I see the last episode. I still gave this a 10 rating. It made me cry, laugh, and smile.

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