Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy

아스달 연대기 Part 1 예언의 아이들 ‧ Drama ‧ 2019
Completed
Alex
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 9, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Unique mix of fantasy and politics

What I really liked about Arthdal Chronicles is the world that the drama is set in. It feels like something out of fantasy book, yet so real at times. The bronze age setting in unique and not something I've ever seen before. What I really appreaciated were the explanations of the terms in Saram language and how sometimes even the characters had a short subtitle with their name appear on screen when they were present. Thanks to this, it was quite easy to learn their names and not to get lost.

The visuals of this drama are absolutely breathtaking! From the outdoor shots to the costumes and decorations, everything is amazing and detailed.

The politics reminded me a bit of Game of Thrones, every single character played it so well, tricking others and getting closer to their goal, there were also some plot twists on the political scene as well. I enjoyed this aspect of the drama very much, I wasn't aware beforehand that it would focus on political schemes but I'm so glad that it did.

Part 1 of Arthdal Chronicles certainly didn't disappoint me, so I give it a well deserved 9/10 rating! Starting part 2 as soon as possible!

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Completed
Blazingflame
4 people found this review helpful
Jun 17, 2019
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
I had zero expectation post those terrible poster. But much to my surprise I really like the first two epi. The concept was unique and interesting. Well the story is completely fictional and fantasy based so don't go with much logic about time period or costumes. Though the plot and character are completely different and original. One thing that won't disappoint in this drama is character and their acting. All the characters in this drama have their own agenda and arc which all comes together in epi 4 when finally you will see the characters in action for power. Overall I find technical aspects of this show on weaker side but if overlooked those issues you might end up loving this drama. Because this show has potential to do better then it can. I am looking forward to see how season 2 will played out. Since the third and most important child of propency is finally in the picture. I recommend this drama if you are fond of fantasy genre, even if you aren't this drama is worth a shot in amidst of all the lawyer doctor, chaebol dramas. Its refreshing and unique.

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Completed
ggukmies
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 15, 2020
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10
This is one of my favourite dramas EVER, up there with Goblin. Yes, it takes a while to get into, especially the first few episodes where they explain the backstory of Arthdal and Neanthals, but give it a little longer and I promise it gets so much better!

The actors were INSANE and portrayed their characters so well. Song Joong Ki's acting for both Eunseom and Saya was amazing, the personalities of the two are completely different but he did THAT. The female characters were so powerful and have such a huge role in this drama.

This drama really exceeded my expectations. I became so emotionally attached, I rewatched it right after finishing it the first time... The stylists also did such a good job with the outfits and hairstyles, especially for Tanya and Taealha! God I fell in love with this drama and can't stop thinking about it. Hopefully a season 2 comes out soon..

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Completed
Summersnow
1 people found this review helpful
May 23, 2020
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers
This drama is totally different from other Kdramas. I'm usually a lover of fantasy dramas but the first episode was a dragged for me but the following episodes made up for it.
What I hate so far of this drama is the way they cut the scenes and music from one scene to another.

Over all I am at this point eager to watch the second part.

SPOILERS next up:

I must say since I saw that Ta Gon is a Igutu as well, I thought he might be one of the heavenly objects or something, forgetting they came down only 20 years (since birth of Eun Som, Tan Ya and remember the child taken by Ta Gon in the beginning) long after he was born already. Those three born at the same time makes them the bell, the sword, and the mirror, which is revealed at the end. I DID NOT see that one coming, Tan Ya being one of them.
If Eum Som and Saya shared 'dreams'of each others life, I'll assume that this will become a battle between Eum Som and Saya for Tan Ya's love and Ta Gon being Saya's 'father'will manipulate Saya to become evil in order to cased Eum Som out of the picture. I really hope I am wrong about this, because then the plot is quite predictable.

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Completed
yoon
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 26, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

World Building Fun - A Unique Must-Watch

Looking for a new historical fantasy drama with amazing setting and intriguing storyline? Then look no further. This part and it's following parts will definitely keep you hooked with its political plot lines, and the journey of its characters.

I love this storyline. For one, I've never really watched any stories going this far back historically in kdrama/Asian fantasy land (maybe I'm missing out). But the way the lore unveils is enjoyable, and the setting is just phenomenal.

I agree with past reviews on why on earth is it in 3 parts, but I appreciate that they've built up everything to end where it does. It pushes you to see the next part, but you're also excited to now see what will unveil.

The names were very confusing initially but like all dramas with world building, you get used to it, and there's enough repetition of terms and names for you to eventually get it.

Can't wait to watch this further :)

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Completed
Gabby
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 1, 2019
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This is the first drama I'm watching with my mom, and the first Korean show/film she's ever seen. We're both enjoying it a lot!

We found it a little difficult to follow the story at first - I believe mostly because of the amount of characters and the fact that we have a hard time learning everyone's names. But once we understood what was going on and why, we became pretty addicted. She's been going to bed later than usual every night so that we can watch at least a full episode.

The acting in this is phenomenal - it's my 3rd drama with Song Joong Ki and my 4th with Kim Ji Won, and they continue to impress me. And the supporting cast is just as good, too!

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Completed
Skipper_15
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 20, 2021
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Unforgettable Korean drama

I'll write about the story, cast, music, rewatch and overall value.
Story:
This story is not for everyone because some people dont like mythical show so this not for you but give it a shot. Trust me i never regretted the decision of watching this. It hooked me from episode one. Definitely needs to release season 2.

Cast: Song Joong ki never fails to deliver i mean look at Descendants of the sun or Vincenzo. He acted both his roles great. He had two completely different personalities for both his characters and id actually think it was another person acting the role because he was that good. Who cant get enough of him though???Plus i cant forget my girl Kim Ji Won, i loved her in Descendants of the sun and am happy to see her be a lead role with Song Joong ki. She has talent and potential to be even better (not saying see hasnt reached her potential but that she has higher potential to unlock)

Music: not alot of music but it was great nonetheless.

Rewatch: i have already rewatched this over ten times and i am not exaggerating. It is literally my cup of coffee (tea)

Overall: this is a must watch, dont stash it in your watch list for years, WATCH IT NOW!!!

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Completed
wiradwira
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2022
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Awesome

Awesome 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💝💝💝💝💝💝😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝Awesome 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💝💝💝💝💝💝😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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Completed
TheUnhinged
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 22, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Arthdal Chronicles was way more interesting than my political science degree

~Review of Part I only~

Honestly, the political drama genre is almost dead to me at this pint. I'm sick of men in suits flouncing around parliament corridors pursued by journalists. I'm also tired of the high fantasy spin on the political drama genre which ends up just being an excuse to objectify women and showcase long-winded battle scenes. So I was thankful when I started watching Arthdal Chronicles for the breath of fresh air.

Part One – the first six episodes of the series – is all about the rich world-building. You're introduced to the characters, their settings, and the key political dynamics that set up the rest of the series.

These six episodes set the key themes for the rest of the series. These revolve around empire/nation building, racialisation, and spiritual agency. The show writers have been careful in their political crafting. They haven't just opted for a simple coloniser versus colonised binary, and instead have woven in layers of nuance right from the opening scene.

The writers also don't seem too keen on didacticism. The colonising act (trying to avoid spoilers here) is certainly depicted as cruel, but at this point the audience already has sympathy for characters on both sides. Ditto in regards to Neanthal, Igutu and Saram dynamics. This way, the characters and plot are able to achieve complexity and depth – the result being a beautifully rich world.

There's also something interesting happening with how the series treats religion/spirituality that means I'm refraining from calling this a fantasy series, but I'll get to that in my review for Part Two.

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Completed
Aladdin
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 3, 2022
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

My Head Explodes

Cons:
1. Too many names and terms to remember. You gotta take a note.
2. Too many faces to distinguish. The villains look similar at the beginning :(
3. Complicated political moves that I forgot who betrayed who. Which one is on one's side.
4. The subtitles can't cover all the captions' translation. So, you gotta hang on it. Eventually, the terms will get their translation later.

Pros:
1. The visual graphic is so woowww.
2. Top-tier moral story.
3. The adventure vibe is so strong that you can feel it in front of your device.
4. This series creates its own language. It adds the vibe mentioned above.
5. The most beautiful Kim Ji Won you can watch in this series.

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Completed
Korean Drama Addict
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 3, 2019
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Lot's of people dropped this drama after the first few episodes (maybe because of the violence?) BUT DON'T DROP IT. Literally this kdrama is like a roller coaster. It slowly goes up to the climax.... and them BOOM IT SHOOTS UP NOT DOWN AND IT GOES THROUGH ALL THESE TWISTS AND TURNS TO THE POINT YOU ARE SHAKING WITH ANTICIPATION TO THE NEXT EPISODE. The first few episodes are slow..BUT FOR A GOOD REASON, and you would know this if you continued to watch it. The first episodes explains the history and backstory of arthdal and the main leads. This is important. This is the beginning of the story, and I hope there is more to come BECAUSE WOW.

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Completed
Interestingaf
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 17, 2020
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

PERFECTION

If you are skeptical about how it will be, let me tell you, its one of the best kdramas ever created. Just go ahead you will not regret it. The character development as the story progresses is done beautifully cause its hardly seen in kdramas. The cast, the acting, the set, the story everything is just amazing. It truly deserves more appreciation and even that wont be enough. Plus the amazing cast. If you loved shows like vikings, game of thrones n all then this drama is clearly for you. It has its small faults (hardly noticeable) but overall its a good show. Cant wait for the next season🤭

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Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy poster

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  • Score: 8.5 (scored by 19,953 users)
  • Ranked: #584
  • Popularity: #426
  • Watchers: 46,003

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