Le conte des neuf queues (2020)

ON POINT

I started this drama with a 8.5 and things just got better and better. I became obsessed with Lee Dong Wook with his performance in Goblin and dear God I wasn't let down here either! This drama deserves every bit of high praise possible and for good reason. You're gonna come across characters you love to hate, and when the plot gets thick af, it still holds it's perfect structure. This isn't your typical supernatural romance AT ALL. And there isn't just one couple you'll become obsessed with. Everything from costumes to backstories were flawless. There's a lot of cuteness considering it's part of the main plot but luckily not enough to over power anything. I highly recommend if you're a fan of any member of the cast, enjoy romance, history and/or supernatural.
THAT ENDING HAD ME SCREAMING!!!!

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An exciting "tail" of romance, action and suspense, definitely worth watching!

I came to watch this after seeing Goblin and completely falling in love with Lee Dong Woo. He is such a charismatic actor and he really portrays his characters so well. I immediately felt the dynamic between the two lead protagonists, it was so natural and well written, and the emotional rollercoaster of family bonds between the fox brothers was very well done too. This is the first drama I have seen with Kim Bum in and I was completely awed by his performance, even more so after I looked him up and found out this was his first job after his discharge from the army. I find the fact that he can go straight back into acting after such a long break, and with a challenging role at that having to portray a character with so much emotional baggage is really impressive, and a testament to his talent as an actor. And lets not forget about the support characters, I think they did a fab job of choosing this cast, they all really did such an amazing job, all the actors seemed so invested in their characters and it showed in their portrayals.

Thats enough gushing over the actors, what about the plot...

I find Asian folklore fascinating so the storyline really appealed to me and I loved what they did with it, I am all for plots that take legendary creatures and characters from traditional literature and drop them into modern settings, so my review may be a little biased since all the elements of this series were already bound to appeal to my tastes. T

hat being said...I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS SERIES!!!!!

I loved every second of it, I didn't think there was a moment that the story dragged, there were some good plot twists and many moments that had me on the edge of my seat, and many more that put a smile on my face, the little touches of comedy were refreshing in an otherwise very suspenseful setting. I liked how the story wasn't all tragic or all bitter or all hopeful, even though its a fantasy there were elements of the plot, the relationships in particular, that felt very real and gave our characters some humanity.

The only criticism I could possibly give this (and its so minor it barely even counts as a criticism) was the ending, I have noticed this with a few other dramas where the characters go through so much and have to fight to achieve their goals throughout the series, then at the end they are just given a happy ending so easily due to some miraculous event or whatever, I think it just sort of makes light of all the struggles they had to go through. Even though I did cry, and I still appreciated how it turned out, it still just seemed a little too easy. I might not be making much sense, I don't know how to explain it better without giving major spoilers, you might get what I mean but either way I still give the series 10/10

I could go on and on about this but then it would just become tiresome to read. Please don't let the bad reviews put you off, I thought this was a brilliant series and definitely worth watching, if not for the plot then for the fabulous bromance between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang.

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The tail of nine tailed

It was started very well it was really good until 13 episodes but I think it's being the trend of 2020 drama to mess up in the last very episodes but thank god we got a happy ending here rather than an open ending. I really felt bad for Rang I only cried once in the whole drama and it was when he sacrificed himself but I can't say that I don't approve of it because he had killed many people before so it was like balancing but yeah it was sad indeed but it's good to see how he got a family and he will have a happy childhood that he missed.

So talking about the story as a title tells its story of a nine-tailed fox who waited for his first love for 600 years just to being reincarnated. Basically, it's a love story but it has a thriller, suspense factor here, and don't forget it is about supernatural beings so anything can happen. It was a good story well written but it was kind of predictable and would love it if they have created a stronger female lead than you know knight saving beauty always.

The acting was good there are many controversies about female leads acting but I personally liked it she played both characters very well (It would a spoiler if I told you what is meaning of both characters so see it yourself). But my most fav character was Lee Rang yep I totally loved it and loved the bromance between Leon and Rang than the romance between Jia ah and Leon their chemistry was top-notch. I also loved the second couple it was very cute to see them together and of course that little cutie.

It was a full package if you like some thriller action and suspense dramas with romance also you won't be disappointed by this drama. The main thing is it has a very happy ending

Overall the drama was good I won't say it is best ( It had potential in the starting ) because there are many plot holes in it and you don't get the reason for the very last scene it will make you confused (It made me confuse). But it's watchable drama you won't feel 16hours to be wasted.

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From a fantasy to a flop

SPOILERS AHEAD

This was the biggest disappointment for me as a drama this year.
I was so excited to watch this and for the first few episodes, I rushed home, settled down and switched it on. The mythology, the characters, the little twists, and the ease into this fantastical world made this exciting. Then we hit episode 4-5, and instalove set in and the story went downhill.
The fantastical world? Brief flashes of what felt like the outside of the Narnia closet.
The mythology? Delegated to artifacts and uninteresting backstories read aloud by the characters.
The characters? I went from loving detective, whip-smart Ji-Ah to not caring if she died and wishing she'd just not appear on screen. Also, close to 1000 people die, no self-sacrifice, but your bf gets into trouble and it's a gun to the head? She ended up being incredibly selfish and whiny, I want my parents back, I want this, I want that.
The charisma of the stars was drowned by the constant weeping and lamentations put into every episode. This went from drama to DRAMA.
I wanted so bad to explore the fox-side of Yeon, instead we get one scene where we see fiery tails and they never appear again. He was the Guardian of the Mountain. Cool story bro, but uh, yeah, never really explored what the hell that entailed except for I guard the mountain and yadda yadda, next.
I read a prediction blog of how this would end, and had the writer's followed suit, and made Yeon king of hell and Ji-Ah the administration lady, I woulda given it an extra half star. This person managed to outshine the writer's ending with their own prediction. How I wanted it to end like they guessed! Instead, Yeon's human and whining about human shit (but then he's not human? Wtf, I dunno.) Rang dies and gets reincarnated, like nah, it's fine, wasn't enjoying the family of four, let's ruin that.
The more I write, the angrier I get, this had so much untapped potential and given a clever writer, this could have been my new favourite kdrama. But alas, another drama lost to damsel cliches, unnecessary filler, and weak endings.

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Not feeling it. sorry...

Had been looking forward to watching this when it aired, but I didn't want to start something and have to wait a week for the next episode. Also, there were other really good ones to watch anyway.

First off, I didn't feel there was chemistry between the leads. Visually, they didn't pair well together in my opinion. Haven't watched any other of the FL's dramas so if I am just basing it on this one, she doesn't come off as leading lady material for me. Sorry! to her fans....

The story started out interestingly but as the episodes progressed, I just started finding it boring. Had to skip through some parts actually.

The role of Granny was also a big NO for me. Her character is wrought with flaws. First, she isn't GOD. So, to have her change the time when someone dies, (on what seems to be an outdated computer no less) is just ... DUH?? The way she treats her husband is also irritating.

Yu ri, was also another character that seemed useless. While the actress was very pretty, her acting was overly done,

The only likeable character for me, surprisingly, was Rang. Hope to see him in lead roles

overall, felt that this was just a waste of time to watch....

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This drama had huge potential. Right from the start, it was an interesting watch that viewers would easily get hook by the mystery of the unknown world. However, I just can't seem to feel the main leads' chemistry, leading me to frustrations over their undying wish to save each other. Sometimes, I even wish to see the two of them die because their lovey dovey scenes didn't work to me. That part of the plot ruined the drama for me. For the thriller and action parts, it was interesting and for most part, I've enjoyed it. For the characters, I really liked Nam Ji Ah in the beginning but as the story unfolds, I grew to dislike her for being a nuisance for almost everyone. I also have to admit, my favorite part was when every time the Imoogi comes out of her, Jo Bo Ah nailed it. Everything else was okay, I can overlook minor issues along the way. However, here comes the ending. Lee Rang was already happy and contented but why did they choose to kill his character? I thought they would do something about it. It frustrates me just by thinking that when one main character dies, everyone would do anything but when a side character dies unnecessarily, it's okay for all. I mean for other cases, it would be okay for me too but that was sudden and felt unnecessary. I'd rather choose an ending where the leads got to reincarnate and meet again or a cliffhanger, because I've already prepared myself at the beginning. Anyways, I have mixed feelings with this drama. Maybe people who are only after the action, thrillers or legends, would enjoy this, but I will not recommend it openly to friends who would want to watch a drama of the same genre.

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Lee Dong Wook and Bo Ah smashed it. Not to forget Kim Bum's comeback!

I might be crazy here to right review when there are only 4episodes out. (thats when i started watching the drama were only 4 episodes out). But if you have watched Goblin you would understand why I'm being this way. Goblin was one of my favourite drama not only because of main lead actors but also because of Lee Dong Wook. So for this drama I won't explain the scenario anyway cause it's already written in the description of this drama.
Well I don't care about the ending but wait .... mmm.... I do want happy ending :)

Story (9.5) as of 14 episodes (edit 16 episodes)
I have watched some of the dramas on this tale of mountain fox / nine tailed fox. But this story was nicely dealt. In the modern age where CG are highly appreciated and graphic really are awesome in this drama, which added beauty of the portraying method of story. There were also dramas in Japanese which were also on the fox spirit / or similar type. But none was on par with this one. I'm also a graphic designer so for me there wasn't much more needed in graphics to add.

Acting (9.5)
You know if you are a fan of some artist you simply will give higher rating to that drama or if not rating then you will happily watch that till the end. Same is the case. But here is one this both the leads are flawless. Both are great are portraying their specific character. As to talk about Kim Bum I really waited for him soo long to have a main lead role, and my guy did really a great job. I hope he is casted as a main lead in more dramas. (Lots of love to him). There is also another character of YooRi which was done by Kim Yong Ji, as far as I remember she always has these type of roles The King: Eternal Monarch, I think she is great at showing this cool and cute side of her. She did well in it too.

Music (8.0) edit* I like its new ost, it fits the scenes. (9.0)
Well to talk about the OSTs of this drama I wasn't much into them. If you are considering DOTS type OSTs then it may give you a -ve point. Well its unto ones taste or depends on the mood, to me it was just okay. Apart from the OSTs, the background music was great that's why I gave 8.5 to this section. (edit* New ost was good I changed it to 9.0 now.)

Rewatch value (8.5)
As there aren't many episodes out there nothing can be said that if we can really watch it again and again. If this drama has Goblin type ending then I would say I will Rewatch it again maybe in the future. (edit* its upto how you wanted the ending but for me I will watch it again in future).

Conclusion
Actually I have watched over 500 drama that consists of Japanese / Chinese / Korean, and due to COVID19 thing to me there aren't many dramas, whom that I can watch or should desperately wait for the next episodes. To this drama I can say that I will desperately wait for the next week episodes. If you are Goblin fan or fan of fantasy and thriller plus romance type dramas then you should go for it. I think there won't there be anyone who hate or dislikes Lee Dong Wook. He has that such a charm. So if you love him that's a win win situation and if in case you dislikes him I will force you to watch it. Its worth it. There is a +point of KimBum, we all love him right?
Thanks for reading. Take care of yourself and your surroundings.

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Lacks a cohesive plot and a consistent tone, but nice to watch for action, visuals and characters.

A nine-tailed fox, Lee Yeon, (Lee Dong Wook), strives to protect humans from supernatural threats while searching for the reincarnation of his lost love. When he crosses paths with a PD (Jo Bo Ah) who looks the same as his first love, he gets lovestruck with her, but also confused with her real identity.

Going into this drama, I was surprised by the horror element. There are numerous scenes when I genuinely felt creeped out… that I took a break watching and complete it because season 2 was announced. Apparently, the two seasons are separate stories, so it wasn’t necessary to complete it, but anyway, I’m glad to have watched it as there are many enjoyable elements from this drama.

First, the characters are exciting and well-written. Ji Ah being knowledgeable on Korean folklore and her grit make her to be on equal footing with the immortals around her, which is rare to see in fantasy dramas. Lee Yeon is the perfect balance of sass and arrogance and playfulness. Lee Dong Wook played him so genuinely that he disappears into a playful, arrogant fox. I like Lee Rang and his sinister quirks, but I feel his backstory gets overshadowed by too many happenings in the story.
Which brings me to what I think are lacking from TONT1, is a cohesive plot & a consistent tone. There are many unfinished subplots and whiplashing scenes that it’s hard to get into the vibe. Regardless, it’s nice to watch for action, visuals and characters.

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Wtf did I just watch?

LR's sacrifice made no sense whatsoever. The dude had just found himself and happiness and then all of that was taken in a nanosecond. Why tf would you build such a beautiful character to just destroy him without a proper scene? His death was so short. Even NJA's friend had a drawn out death ( and she didn't even die) and you're telling me that the writer's couldn't have waited until Rang got to say his farewells? I'm not here to saw that Rang wasn't a POS at the beginning however, his character gradually grew into someone beautiful and selfless. Moving from Rang, why couldn't NJA be sacrificed? I mean...she'd be reincarnated either way. Why did so many innocent civilians have to die for LY's love? This brings me to the Granny, ummm....she was such a beautiful character until the writer's made her deviate from her strict laws and values. She didn’t save her OWN son, why would she save Yeon? I get that she doesn't want history to repeat itself but why did the writer's make her seem so strong and full of integrity if she was gonna throw all that away to save not only Yeon but Ji Ah, the girl she tried to kill two episodes back? Make that make sense to me please. I totally enjoyed the drama up until it started going into the two digit episodes and it can be a fun drama if you overlook all the loopholes and unexplained plot twists. By the way, what was that ending with Yeon? Did he lie about losing his powers? Or does he only get his powers back during the night? And how did Rang get reincarnated as his younger self who is around (9-11) if he died a few months back? I ain't no guardian for the underworld but i don't think that's how reincarnation works. Anywho, it's a fun fantasy drama to watch, very comedic. Awful ending but it was somewhat fun nonetheless. That's to me anyways.

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Meh....Lee Dong Wook does a bunch of stuff in cosplay sometimes and not enough.

This is only for the Lee Dong Wook fans out there....watch it.
Absorb LDW like cocoa butter on freshly washed skin and slip yourself into those fuzzy socks some random cousin gave ya for Christmas some years ago.
See him cosplay whatever he was supposed to be and forget the disappointment of not seeing him swinging around 9 actual tails.
Write fanfics about a love triangle including his live-in veterinarian butler minion that looks like a fresher but, water down version of Gong Yoo.

The story hooks you in then forgets what it's supposed to be about.

Weakest links and total wastes of time:
1)The villain,
2)Main chick's parents and everything involving them after the first 5 or so episodes.
3)Main Boss God!!!!! Like WTF
4) LDW hair as in Gumiho mode.... I said what, I said!
5)The whole half thought-out universe of "gods and minor deities" they just threw on the wall and hoped would stick or the viewers would be to enthralled by LDW licking things and saying "MMmmm" to care.

The Strongest point:
LDW ability to commit to the character when nothing and everything starts making complete 0, zero, sense, his cute minion and puppy boy.

Don't watch this mess.

They could've made it awesome if they went complete camp af with it and didn't try to take itself seriously. There were some promising hints of this in the first two episodes but then they forgot what dram they had planned. Or maybe there was no plan because that's how'll you feel as soon as the "big bad" is revealed.

Disappointed. I want my time back.

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As someone who absolutely loves traditional folklore and a fan of the Gu Family Book, I was pumped for this drama to come out. Unfortunately, my high hopes were dashed over the progression of this drama.

The main plotline of this drama is promising with the modern day introduction showing a beautiful Lee Yeon with his red umbrella and his intense fight scene with a rogue fox. The colors are shot vibrantly, the story begins promisingly, and the cinematography, although somewhat cheesy at times, is well done. Entering stage left is the spunky and stubborn Ji Ah with her camera and sharp eyes to figure out mysteries. She captured my interest the moment she fell of the building to test Lee Yeon, and I thought that was it. Maybe my biggest mistake. Instead of character development, Ji Ah basically said take it back now ya'll, and her character disintegrated into a hopeless and clueless damsel in distress. The love story fell sadly short in this drama, the romance was flatter than a slippery banana peel, and I couldn't make myself care about these second-chance lovers. Since the majority of the screen time is devoted to the love-dovey couple, my interest faded in and out, and I felt the strong points in the drama were ignored.

However, it's not all bad. The secondary characters save the day. Specifically Ki Bum's character, who was the knight in shining armor to the bleak storyline that was unfolding before me. The revenge/redemption plot line between the two brothers kept me watching, and I honestly would have watched a sixteen episode series of just their adventures. His character is done an injustice by the end though, and it was the only moment in the drama where a felt something. Kim Bum did a great job being the villain and the devoted brother, and I am so happy it was something to keep me distracted from the rest of the bland chaos.

I feel there a plot holes in this drama as well, and so much missed potential it hurts. There were some twists that were meant to be interesting, but just came off as confusing. The sacrifice trope gets over milked too, and ended up losing any meaning by the end for the two leads. The acting isn't necessarily bad here, but I feel that there were some actors/scenes that were missing that certain spark that pulls me in. I can't say I felt much about this drama other than awe at Ki Bum's acting, and eternal frustration at the strange ending. The OST was really good though, and I love the dark ending song.

All in all, a drama with a lot of potential but one that missed its mark. There are cute moments, and I would watch just for the two brothers storyline. However, this is definitely not a groundbreaking drama.

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