Both of these historical films use bleak visuals and (often extreme) violent scenes to show the dark and grim side of the human psyche.
A side where good intentions are not nearly enough, where concepts like friendship, duty and morals turn to dust when met with the slightest gust of adversity.

Live up to your name is a brilliant time-travell story, where the renowned Joseon era doctor Heo Jun ends up in modern Korea.

Both are stories about great kings of Goguryeo/Balhae, rich in action, struggle, strategies and overcomeing often impossible obstacles. Both main characters are strong and righteous without becoming boring.