My Country: The New Age (2019)

If you can get past the first 30 minutes...

Wow. What a journey.

This won't be a proper review per say, but more just a quick recollection of thoughts.

My Country is probably the best sageuk historical Korean drama in recent memory.

The story mainly revolves around the disparity in between the lower class and the royals and upper class which makes for intriguing story about power, status, and revenge, and how past relationships, friendship and love affect each individual character's goal throughout the story.

It is also, in essence, a slight fantasy, with characters able to accurately shoot arrows from hundreds of yards away, and being so strong they can easily defeat multiple enemies i.e. plot armour. But it's not over the top, (like for instance in "The Great Battle").

That said, I have to say that I was extremely skeptical for the first half of episode 1, about not just the story but the characters as well. But I can say with extreme certainty that it gets a lot better if you can persevere a little.

Shout out to Seolhyun, who I thought didn't suit her character and wouldn't have the acting skill required to digest such a role, but she did a stellar job, with, from what I could remember, not a single awkward acting scene (at least past episode 1).

The bromance which I thought was also a little weird at the start grew on me quick, and is absolutely a focal point throughout the drama.

Watch this drama - you will not regret it.

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Somehow I feel a fleeting nostalgia when I see the ending credits in the last episode, the behind the scene pictures of the staff with the actors, and the group photo in the end. A lot of hard work went into this drama, and it shows, but I wish that it had not disappointed me with the unsatisfactory plot. In my opinion, the drama went a bit downhill after Episode 11 i.e. after the first strife. I felt like the rest of the story was just an add-on or filler. There was a lot of angst, a lot of swords running straight through people and then failing to kill, a lot of unnecessary sub-plots like that of Hui Jae and Bang Gan. While the acting of the main leads, and almost all the secondary actors was amazing, I felt Se Jong's portrayal of Hwi was lacking; Hwi didn't look broken when he heard from Seon Ho that his sister was dead, he continued to fight in the army while knowing he didn't have a sister to go back to. Hwi's tactical brilliance and his insight in predicting the moves of his opponents didn't sit well with me, considering we've never seen Hwi as a tactical genius in the past, we've only seen his brilliance with weapons like the bow and the sword. Hwi continued to have this innocent look in his eye, despite the mountain of sorrow he's buried under. He didn't lose his humanity, he didn't become cruel or hopeless, and for some reason I couldn't understand that. I also felt like there was no chemistry between Hui Jae and Hwi, and I skipped almost all of their scenes together. However there are moments I enjoyed the show, especially the scenes with Jang Hyuk. The fault is not in the actors, but how the characters and story is written. The actors did a superb job with what they were given. Hats off to Woo Do Hwan for really shining forth with his facial expressions and dialogue delivery.

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At the start of this drama I really liked it the casting was great the story was not bad but towards the end it felt not as enjoyable to watch maybe because of some of the decisions the charscters made or something but the main issue of this drama is the ending when yang se jong's character died and the his and seolhyuns character did not get together finally in the end, it was disapointing but hey im not the one that wrote it. And if i would make some changes it would be that yang sejong's character lives and him and seolhyun get married and just live a quiet life, maybe that would have made the drama have a more peaceful ending and putting everybody's emotions to rest.

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"My country" is not a drama for everyone, Aside of that, for me was so good and addictive, First of all we have all these well-written characters, I literally love them all even the "bad" ones, Yet the strong thing about this show is definitely the relationships between them, We can see tragic friendships, Tragic loves, Tragic families, Even tragic enemies, The sad thing is that the keyword for this drama is tragic.

The cinematography was on point and I felt like I was inside the drama, I enjoy the fights scenes (They were amazing), Now talking about the story, I can describe it as something strangely beautiful and tough, The scrip give us powerful lines and conversations that I keep thinking about.

To finish the review I really want to give an applause for the actors woo do hwan and jang hyuk ( Also for all the cast), They portray their characters as if they were them, It was magnificent.
Everyone should give a try to this wonderful drama!!

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Strong acting,

The drama takes us on a story that spans over quite some time, so be prepared for some timejumps.
It is a story of friendship, differing beliefs, romance, politics and war.
It will most likely play on your whole emotional spectre – be prepared to shed a tear or two.

There are some quite beautiful scenery, and the acting as I remember it from the main leads is strong; both in fight/action scenes, and in other scenes.

If you are "on the fence" when it comes to historical dramas, this might be a bit on the heavy side for you, but give it a go anyway.

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A Tale of Epic Proportions

My Country: The New Age is a Korean drama that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey set during the turbulent transition period of the late Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty. As a history enthusiast and avid K-drama lover, I was immediately drawn to the series, hoping for a captivating narrative, well-developed characters, impressive production quality, and an enchanting soundtrack. While the drama excels in many aspects, it does suffer from a few shortcomings.

One of the standout elements of My Country: The New Age is undoubtedly its intricate and engrossing storyline. The drama skillfully weaves together historical events with fictional narratives, creating a captivating tapestry that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing the plot to develop organically while maintaining a sense of intrigue and suspense. The intricate political machinations, power struggles, and deep-rooted friendships add depth and complexity to the story, keeping the audience invested throughout the drama's run.

The characters in My Country: The New Age are multi-dimensional and undergo significant growth and transformation. Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se-jong) and Nam Sun-ho (played by Woo Do-hwan) deliver stellar performances, effortlessly portraying the complexities of their respective characters. The evolution of their friendship amidst betrayal, heartbreak, and loyalty is a standout aspect of the drama, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers. The supporting cast also shines, with notable performances by Jang Hyuk as Yi Bang-won, the enigmatic and ambitious prince, and Kim Seol-hyun as Han Hee-jae, a resilient and determined young woman. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their emotional portrayals truly immerse the audience in the story.

The production values of My Country: The New Age are commendable, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in recreating the historical backdrop. The costumes, set designs, and cinematography transport viewers to the era, making every scene visually captivating. Additionally, the visual effects employed throughout the drama are seamless, seamlessly blending with the narrative without overpowering it. From intense battle sequences to quiet moments of reflection, the production team has done an exceptional job in creating a visually stunning world.

The OST of My Country: The New Age is a beautiful companion to the drama, effectively capturing the emotional essence of each scene. The music enhances the storytelling and adds depth to the characters' emotions. Memorable tracks like "Someday, The Boy" by Kim Feel and "Drunk on Love" by BTOB leave a lasting impression and perfectly complement the narrative.

While My Country: The New Age boasts many strengths, it does have a few shortcomings. At times, the pacing can feel slow, particularly during certain political subplots, causing the story to lose some momentum. Additionally, some viewers may find the complex web of relationships and political intrigue overwhelming, making it challenging to fully grasp the nuances of the narrative.

Overall, I would give My Country: The New Age a solid 8.5 out of 10. The story is captivating, the actors deliver exceptional performances, the production quality is impressive, and the OST is emotionally resonant. The chemistry between the characters, particularly Seo Hwi and Nam Sun-ho, is palpable, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. While the drama may not be without its flaws, it remains an engrossing historical tale that deserves recognition. With its rich storytelling, exceptional performances, and rewatch value, My Country: The New Age is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those seeking a riveting and emotional journey through the annals of Korean history.

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The story of this one is unforgivably dumb

Up to about the halfway point I really enjoyed watching this k-drama. Great actors and acting, good cinematography a decent script. But then the story really took a nosedive and I started loathing My Country for all the things that just did not make any sense, the gratuitous killing of main characters for the sole purpose of generating an emotional response, etc. At that point, given the opportunity, I would have strangled the writers of this drama. Rather than simply murdering the main villain which would not have been a problem and would have solved all problems, the protagonist's elaborate plot to get the villain into trouble involves stabbing himself, putting a couple of arrows into a collaborator, etc. This insane plan actually works out, ... for about a millisecond, before the villain is back in villain action. Not surprisingly, and for no apparent reason the hero dies at the end. Come on! I hope that this review contains enough spoilers to deter many of you from wasting your time on this k-drama.

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Easily one of my favorites!

So I'm honestly gonna keep it brief cause haha I suck at making to much detailed reviews. But I will give my up most honest and as complete as possible feedback. So in terms of storyline, I can say out of most shows Ive watched that follow this era and theme, it's easily climbed my top three favorites. The story was pretty complete and kept my attention, even at the beginning while everything was still unfolding. The skips in time I felt were very well placed and didn't leave to much to wonder, they didnt come at akward places where it would cause confusion or I mean I didn't for me it everything works different for others. The actors I felt were very well picked, they fit the appearance, themes and personalities quite well so I can't complain to much there. The rewatch value... oh boy, it's there, it's a show I could VERY easily watch again. . . however the ending was definitely not the ending I expected or was wishing for. It was a very bittersweet ending, it very much made my heart ache and my stomach sore from the amount of tears I had to hold back for I would have cried loud enough to wake my entire household haha. Despite its ending through I can be honest enough on just how much visual value this show has. The romance wasn't over bearing, the family drama was believable, not to much and it had enough comedy, I have more than enough funny lines to remember and laugh at. All around I feel it was a very balance show that still made me cry more than a few times and I very highly recommend it to anyone that just loves a good old fashioned historical Korean Drama. Overall I still would give it a 10 out of 10

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Até onde você vai pela sua crença?

My Country: The New Age é um drama que faz um retrato 50% fiel aos fatos históricos e 50% fiel ao que o roteirista queria. A trama é intrinsecamente muito redonda, desde que boa parte de sua base provém de fatos históricos, onde na realidade não há distinção entre bom ou mal. Planificando todo o drama nós podemos perceber as linhas tênues construídas entre o bem e o mal, os personagens redondos — não são bons nem ruins — e o poder das relações humanas.
A verdade é que My Country não é um drama feito na intenção de documentar um fato histórico e sim de ilustrar (muito bem ilustrado) o poder que as relações humanas tem no mundo ao nosso redor. Somos colocados na pele de dois protagonistas de realidades diferentes, com angústias, medos, ambições completamente paralelos. Os personagens da trama são extremamente redondos e tornam a linha tênue entre o bem e o mal cada vez mais embaçada.
É nesse sentido que eu gostaria de destacar o personagem interpretado pelo Woo Do Hwan, Nam Sun Ho. Parece que os roteiristas investiram bastante nele, pois o personagem possui uma construção muito bem estruturada. As nuances, características e singularidades de Sun Ho foram muito bem interpretadas pelo Woo Do Hwan, tornando extremamente fácil empatizar com ele, afinal quem nunca quis passar a faca na garganta né?
Eu sinto que 90% dos personagens dessa trama não podem ser encaixados em rótulos de "bom" ou "mal". Não há vilões e heróis, há apenas humanos lutando pelo que acreditam. É nesse ponto que notamos como cada um toma decisões diferentes, sejam elas as piores ou as melhores. Cada um tem seus pontos de vistas diferentes.
Um detalhe interessante que não pude deixar de notar foi o fato de que Seo Hwi, Nam Sun Ho e Lee Bang Won são personagens com muitas semelhanças entre si, desde pontos em suas personalidades como de pessoas que eles têm ao seu redor, como por exemplo cada um dos três ter um companheiro fiel à si que o acompanha e protege até a morte.
Infelizmente nem tudo é perfeito, em My Country: The New Age, é desenvolvido um romance secundário entre Seo Hwi e Han Hee Jae. Sinceramente eu não assisti quase nenhuma cena deles dois, percebi que o romance deles não acrescenta em absolutamente nada na história, é fútil e desnecessário, nem todo drama precisa de um romance, especialmente quando já temos na história inteira o drama de dois amigos, que se tornou imensamente mais interessante que esse casal.
Me sinto um pouco triste com o fato de que o começo de My Country foi ótimo, as personagens femininas tinham relevância, eram fortes e necessárias para a história, no entanto o drama foi rolando e essas personagens se tornaram cada vez mais apagadas e inúteis. A presença delas se tornou tão indiferente conforme algumas foram morrendo e outras onde o roteiro simplesmente resolveu torná-las apenas alguém que fala muito, mas tem pouca importância. No final a Hee Jae só parecia ter ficado na história porque tinha um romance com Seo Hwi.
Apesar de tudo, esse drama me entreteu bastante. Os episódios eram frenéticos e diferente da maioria dos dramas, não era uma coisa arrastada e chata. Foram 16 episódios que eu assisti sem dormir, foram 16 episódios onde eu pude ter uma visão ampla até onde alguém pode ir por um amigo querido, por uma ambição, pelo orgulho e pela sua crença.

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A Grand Epic That Ranks Up There with Some of the Absolute Best!

My Country: The New Age is nothing short of an epic masterpiece that seems to have elements of “Ben-Hur,” “Game Of Thrones,” and “Braveheart” in it. I know next-to-nothing about Korean history, so I would be curious to find out how many of these characters are based upon actual persons from history. The series is grand in its scale, filled with deep, complex, courageous and magnanimous characters.

The story takes place in the late 1300s when “Korea” is in a feudalistic state of rival factions and uprisings all bent on taking control of the country. The king is overthrown and replaced by its corrupt general who has eight sons. A number of them are plotting to take the throne for themselves. The plots and factions are so muddled that an ally in one moment can suddenly become an enemy in the next or vice versa.

Seo Hwi is the orphaned son of the country’s greatest general and warrior. He inherits much of his father’s principles and ideals and sense of justice. He embodies what it means to be a true hero; a man who fights for the people who are caught in the middle of this massive civil war. Initially betrayed by his best friend, Nam Sun Ho, Seo Hwi escapes danger and death time and time again, only to rise up and become an integral part of the country’s formation. Seo Hwi embodies all that it means to be noble; a man who will always do right by his loved ones, his friends, his comrades, and his country.

Nam Sun Ho is Seo Hwi’s best friend and the bastard son of Nam Jeon, a man who will stop at nothing to gain control of the throne for himself. Nam Sun Ho lacks Seo Hwi’s character and ability to stand up to his father. Instead, and once too often, he finds himself attempting to play multiple sides which pretty much all end up in failure. He’s a man mired in darkness and gives into it for a time in order to gain more power and control. History is riddled with such men who believe that there is a nobility in acquiring power with the justification that it be used to help the greater good. The Hitlers, Stalins, and Trumps of this world have always propagated such rhetoric. However, Nam Sun Ho is also someone who begins to see the error of his ways, and he proves himself to be as much of a hero as Seo Hwi.

Finally, there is Han Hee Jae who is, herself, an orphan who is saved as a child by Seo Hwi’s father. While their initial meeting is somewhat cold and ambivalent, Hee Jae and Seo Hwi fall in love, and Hee Jae becomes a part of Ihwaru, a “brothel” run by Madame Seo who uses it for the greatest power of all: the acquisition of information. And to the most cunning and dangerous, information is power. Hee Jae uses her position to help Seo Hwi and to uncover the latest plots being hatched by the current king as well as the princes.

The most dangerous prince is Bang Won, the fifth son of the current king to aspires to take over the throne one day. However, as with so many Korean shows, not everything is at it appears to be, and Bang Won is easily the most intricate and complex character of the series as the viewer attempts to find out who the true “villain” of the story is, or if, in fact, there is only one!

The series plays like a tangled web of characters and stories being laid out with a new plot direction being thrown in as soon as one appears to have been resolved. We never quite know who to trust, which puts us right in the center of things and our hero, Seo Hwi, who endeavors to deal with each new danger as they spring up.

We see the country struggling to form, but we see Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho struggling with their principles as well as their friendship. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself cheering one character only to pray for his downfall in the next.

Performances in this series are all incredibly stellar! While Yan Se Jong gives us a true hero in Seo Hwi, Woo Do Hwan gives us a Nam Sun Ho who is in constant struggle with himself. Unable to fully recognize the strength he has that Seo Hwi sees, he straddles the line between “right” and “wrong,” which takes someone with serious acting chops to do and do well! Finally, Kim Seol Hyun gives us a Hee Jae who is strong and steadfast in her love and devotion to Seo Hwi. She is a strong woman who is more than a match for any man in this world. She may not fight with a sword, but her weapons of information make her, arguably, the most dangerous and powerful character in the series.

Of course, a series like this is only as good as its villain, or “villains.” From Nam Jeon to Bang Won to Lee Sung Gye, we get a whole nest of vipers and villains. Sometimes, it’s challenging to determine who is the worst as each is so incredibly effective in their own way. We’re not cheated by silly theatrics and plot twists that always seem to be the demise of such characters. Instead, we fully appreciate the men that Seo Hwi is up against. Yes, indeed! The villains make the hero!

There are plenty of humorous and touching scenes in this series with incredible landscapes, colors, and memorable characters. Perhaps nothing will quite prepare you for that powerful ending that few might see coming. One can only surmise that Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho finally achieved what they both set out to do. You can feel Hee Jae’s despair and angst as the palace doors shut with Seo Hwi cradling the body of his best friend and awaiting his own fate. But then again, it really couldn’t have ended any other way and be as effective as it was.

This is an exhilarating series that ranks right up there with some of the best and most profound epics ever to be put to screen, either big or small. If you haven’t seen this amazing series yet, you’re in for a real treat!

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