A Highly Underrated Masterpiece
This is my first review because I never felt the urge to write review for the K-Dramas I have watched. I usually avoid dramas with dark undertones and bloody battle scenes. So I kept putting off this drama. Finally I decided to watch it because of my love for Shin Yoo Shin.I am not very familiar with Korean history except from what I learned from sageuks and I cannot comment on the historical accuracy of this drama.
Acting, storyline, pace and music: everyt aspect was perfect. There was a bit of humor here and there, romanticism was not on the foreground. However The Nokdu Flower amazed me with all the moral, social and political dilemnas it tackled. It lead me to contemplate my values.
Does the end justify the means? Can civilization be achieved only through barbarism? Is civilization a mask for barbarism?
Can war and betrayal turn a young naive man into a cruel ogre? Is cruelty justified by experiencing injustice and betrayal? Who is right, who is wrong?
If there is the heavens (aristocrats), there is also the earth (peasants). Can people really be equals under unequal conditions? How can nations/governments provide equal conditions?
"It is always the really weak who change the world" says Jeon Bong Jun. Yes, but at what cost? Does change justify the thousands of lost lives? What is it that the humankind just can't share? In the end does it come to greed, monetary profits, power or difference in beleifs?
So much to think about!
Even you do not want to think, the drama never bores throughout 24 episodes.
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The Donghak Peasant Revolution
"The Nokdu Flower" is worth watching and also a lesson about the Donghak Peasant Revolution history with some fictional characters mixed in the story. I wish the big Broadcasting Corporations such as MBC and KBS would make more Epic Historical K-Dramas such as "The Nokdu Flower" and not only making Fusion Historical K-Dramas. Some segment of population really like to watch Epic Historical K-Dramas.Actor Jo Jung Suk that portrays Baek Yi Kang looks uncomfortable as "The Man". As the story progresses, he grows from "The Man" to the rebel fighter. Actor Jo Jung Suk performs convincingly as Yi Kang the rebel fighter that maintains the rightness of his decision to fight the Japanese Occupation without apology.
"The Nokdu Flower" also shows the ugliness of any wars, Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder. Actor Yoon Shi Yoon portrays splendidly as Scholar Baek Yi Hyun, the step brother of Baek Yi Kang. It is so heartbreaking to watch Baek Yi Hyun, the Candidate for a Civil Service Exam, is eliminated from the Civil Service Exam by Lord Hwang Seok Joo (Yi Hyun's teacher). Yi Hyun is even enlisted in the Royal Regiment of Joseon as a sniper. He is forced by his chain in command to shoot rebels. Subsequently, he is called "Goblin" and suffers full blown PTSD from the war with no sympathy.
Actress Han Ye Ri is forever a talented artist, she does so well as a Merchant Song Ja In. "The Nokdu Flower" shows the monstrous side of business that flourishes due to wars since merchants/business gain wealth from wars by selling or distribute materials used for wars.
The Original Sounds Tracks are excellent.
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My Liberation Notes
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The story is basically about 2 brothers, and illegitimate and legitimate. They are very close dispute there differences. But, when a war breaks out they wind up on opposite sides. Will their brotherly bond survive?
A great historical drama!
8.0 rating does not do it justice.
If you are not a fan of Jo Jung suk..watch it, your mind will absolutely change!
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A must watch if you like true historical drama
I started to watch this drama as I really like the acting of Yoon Shi Yoon. Jo Jung Suk was excellent too. The cast acted superbly from minor to major roles. I didn't notice the music so it must have been ok because I always check it out if I really like or dislike! I really enjoyed watching this drama but had to take a short break in the latter quarter of the series because I was too upset to keep watching. However, I went back after a week and finished it. One of the things that was very interesting for me is that these events ended in 1895, just two years before my grandfather was born. There was political intrigue and references to other major powers too. I recommend watching this but keep a box of tissues handy.Cet avis était-il utile?