The Nokdu Flower (2019)

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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This drama is an excellent production. It is a saeguk about three individuals that are thrown into chaos with the painful and heartbreaking history of a life changing revolution in Korea in the late 1800’s. Although there is continuous reference and chronological sequence of the Donghak Peasant Movement revolt of 1894, this drama is all about the people and the reasons that drive these individuals to make life changing decisions that will forever alter their path through life. The three main characters (Baek Yi Kang played by Jo Jung Suk, Baek Yi Hyun played by Yoon Shi Yoon, and Song Ja In played by Han Ye Ri) are caught up into the tumultuous, tragic, heartbreaking, and life changing events of the revolt of the Korean peasants and followers of the Donghak religion and its pantheistic ideology that instill a profound desire to change the inhumane treatment of the lower class by the noblemen and royalty, and eventually, fight the Japanese takeover of Joseon. That is the setting behind our main characters that, although they are fictional, their story could’ve well been one of the many real life stories during that period in Korean history. This is the story of three individuals that went through a radical change effected by these poignant and tragic developments in an effort to create an egalitarian society in Korean. This drama has a stellar cast and every character was brilliantly portrayed by actors that brought about a wide range of emotions, from profound love and great camaraderie down to their most vicious and horrendous nature and disposition. The drama depicts many historical events with accuracy which truly leaves the viewer deeply emotionally invested. Even if the viewer is not a fan of the many tragic events and loss of life that happens when a country is engulfed in war, the characters are a real force of nature that will leave deep impressions on one’s mind. Enjoy it!

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In my opinion ,,,,,, Nokdu Flower is a very valuable saeguk drama. This drama has a clear historical accuracy and is a drama that is enjoyable to watch (meaningful, no disappointment, such as: the ending of a hanging story or an unfinished story). Many people say this drama is very heavy? Obviously, because this is a historical drama and lifted from a true story (except for the three main characters), in general the saeguk drama is identical with beautiful scenery, colorful kingdoms or handsome princes, but ... this drama is far from that impression , I admit this drama is sad but very meaningful. In terms of the story of this drama has no disability. I really like the relationship between characters: Baek Yi Kang & Baek Yi Hyun. Gosh ... they are very close brotherhood (care for one another), even though, they are half brothers. Baek Yi Kang & Jenderal Nokdu. Describe the figure of students and teachers who are very inspiring. In fact, Baek Yi Hyun vs. Mr. Hwang. I always look forward to the story every episode. Really…. Their hostility, makes me emotional (carried away). In terms of acting, all the players and even supporting actors also performed their best acting, the actors (actors & artists) and the characters they played were very suitable and impressed me. To be honest, the main reason I watched this drama was because YSY, and I was very proud of him, how could he play a heavy character (complex) like Yi Hyun, I thought to myself as a fan, the saddest thing about this drama besides the defeat of the Donghak army is seeing Yi Hyun change, he and Jeon Bong Jun are two people who both care and dream of a new world but in a different way. When it comes to ost, my favorite ost part 1 by Forestella, I always want to cry when I hear it and for me it is the best to accompany a drama, the lyrics are very simple but very meaningful. So, for those who watch this drama definitely do not regret it and those who haven't watched it, then, you better watch it, I really recommend this drama because it's really worthy of you watching.

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I've got to say, that going in this my expectations weren't high because of the main make lead Jo Jung suk....but right from the beginning he blew me away! This show is a standout performance for him and he'll hopefully be this smart about his acting career.

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.

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