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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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. Was this review helpful to you?
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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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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Visually Stunning but Lacking Emotional Depth and Narrative Focus
Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy is an ambitious fantasy drama that attempts to craft a complex and mythical world filled with political intrigue, destiny, and the clash of tribes. Set in the ancient land of Arth, the series blends elements of mythology, drama, and action, drawing comparisons to other epic fantasy series such as Game of Thrones. However, while the show has visually stunning elements and some intriguing characters, it ultimately struggles to find its balance, both in storytelling and character development.The most notable feature of Arthdal Chronicles is its elaborate world-building. The fictional land of Arth is beautifully realized, with its rich landscapes, unique tribal cultures, and ancient cities. The design of the world is lush and immersive, with detailed costumes, props, and locations that evoke the feeling of a mythological past. From the colorful but brutal lives of the tribes to the political power plays in Arthdal's ruling class, the setting itself offers a lot of potential for storytelling.
However, while the world-building is impressive, it sometimes feels overly complicated. The show introduces several factions, each with its own language, customs, and motivations, and it can be overwhelming for the viewer. At times, the narrative suffers because it tries to juggle too many plot threads and characters. Instead of allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the world, it can sometimes leave them feeling disoriented, unsure of what’s important or where the story is going.
The series features a star-studded cast, with Song Joong Ki, Kim Ji Won, Jang Dong Gun, and Kim Ok Bin playing key roles. Song Joong Ki, playing Eun Seom, the son of prophecy and a central figure in the narrative, does an admirable job bringing an air of innocence and determination to his character. Eun Seom's journey, which includes being raised by a different tribe and then discovering his true origins, is fascinating but somewhat underdeveloped.
Kim Ji Won, playing Tan Ya, is another strong character who shows promise in the first part of the series. Tan Ya is a fierce and powerful woman with a strong connection to prophecy and leadership, yet the show doesn't fully explore her potential in this first part. Her relationship with Eun Seom could have been more compelling, but it feels underdeveloped and forced at times, with their romantic connection lacking the emotional depth that it could have had.
Jang Dong Gun portrays Ta Gon, a charismatic and ruthless leader with a complex past. His character is a classic example of an anti-hero, driven by ambition and power, but his motivations are not always clear, making him an intriguing but sometimes confusing figure. Kim Ok Bin as Sillan, a high-ranking character with deep political ties, is equally compelling, but again, the series doesn’t give her enough screen time to fully explore her character arc.
While the cast delivers solid performances overall, the characters themselves often feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals. Many of them are driven by grand destinies and political struggles, but the lack of significant development, particularly in terms of emotional depth, limits their engagement. The emotional stakes, especially in the relationships between the main characters, don't feel as impactful as they should be, as the audience isn’t given enough time to connect with these characters on a deeper level.
The plot of Arthdal Chronicles is one of its most divisive aspects. The series attempts to tackle a variety of themes, including destiny, political ambition, tribal conflicts, and power struggles. However, the pacing of the narrative is often uneven, and the show’s reliance on too many parallel storylines can make it feel slow and disjointed. While the first part sets up a complex and layered story, the pacing occasionally drags, and there are moments where the plot seems to stall in order to flesh out subplots or characters who don’t contribute meaningfully to the main story.
The central conflict involving Eun Seom’s destiny as the child of prophecy, the political power struggles within the city of Arthdal, and the rising tensions between the tribes are all interesting concepts, but the execution of these elements could have been stronger. Some moments feel rushed, while others feel unnecessarily drawn out. The show often relies on exposition and mystical elements to push the plot forward, but without a strong emotional connection to the characters, it can feel like the viewer is simply going through the motions.
On the positive side, Arthdal Chronicles is visually stunning. The series boasts high production values, with impressive cinematography and beautiful set designs that help bring the ancient world to life. The costumes, particularly for the various tribes and the royal families, are intricate and well thought out, further adding to the fantasy atmosphere. The use of visual effects to depict the magical elements of the story is also effective, especially in showcasing the power dynamics between the characters and the mystical forces that drive the plot.
However, while the visuals are impressive, they sometimes overshadow the story. The grandeur of the sets and the battles can sometimes distract from the emotional core of the show. The lavish visuals, while eye-catching, occasionally feel like a substitute for deeper narrative engagement and character development.
In terms of social commentary, Arthdal Chronicles touches on themes of power, prophecy, and tribalism, all of which have parallels to real-world politics and societal structures. The series explores the idea of fate and how individuals struggle against or embrace their destinies, a theme that is universally relevant. However, it doesn't delve deeply enough into these issues to make them resonate on a societal level. The political intrigue feels more like a backdrop for the larger fantasy elements than a meaningful commentary on real-world governance or social justice.
Arthdal Chronicles is a visually stunning and ambitious series that offers a unique take on epic fantasy. However, it suffers from pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and an overreliance on spectacle. The world-building is impressive, but it often feels too complicated for the story to fully engage the audience. While the performances are solid, the characters feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, and the emotional stakes of the story don't hit as hard as they should.
Personally, I find Arthdal Chronicles intriguing, but I also feel that it could have benefited from a more focused narrative and deeper character exploration. The potential is clearly there—it's a show with a strong premise, an incredible world, and a talented cast. However, it struggles to find a balance between its epic scope and the need for emotional depth. I’m hopeful that future parts of the series will flesh out the characters and storylines more effectively, as there is a lot of potential for a truly great show here.
Arthdal Chronicles offers a visually captivating experience, but its complex plot, slow pacing, and underdeveloped characters hinder its ability to fully resonate. While it sets up an ambitious world and introduces intriguing themes, it doesn’t yet deliver the emotional punch that such an epic story demands. Fans of fantasy may find enjoyment in the show, but it requires patience and a willingness to overlook some of its narrative shortcomings. With more character development and a tighter narrative, Arthdal Chronicles could evolve into something truly exceptional.
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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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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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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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Awesome
Awesome 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💝💝💝💝💝💝😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝Awesome 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💝💝💝💝💝💝😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️Was this review helpful to you?
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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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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