Song of the Bandits

Well, something of an East-meets- Spaghetti-Western, with really good sound track and great action. Perhaps most of the similarities end there, but they are all pretty great. The specific setting and period means that the similarities are limited to what the time and place demand.
Set during the early 20thC Japanese rule of Joseon much of the action takes place in Gando, a border area claimed by both China and Joseon, with a frontier desert landscape peopled by bandits and "questionable" characters. The landscapes and towns / villages represent almost further characters in this drama, with some stunning cinematography showing its beauty and harshness.
Great costumes and styling, with attention to both Joseon and Chinese traditions all in a state of transition into the modern world. These somewhat show the complexity of these communities on the edge, all rigidly overseen by Japanese army aiming to secure full control of the people. This conflict is particularly significant because Gando is remote, logistics for the Japanes are difficult and the area is in fact a centre for the small liberation movement made up of different factions who are not aware of each other but aim for similar goals.
Japanese occupiers see native Joseon as mere animals, even where they adopt Japanese customs with loyalty to the Emperor. They routinely massacre entire villages or towns and abuse Joseon people in all the usual ways
Lee Yoon is a phenomenal gunman and fighter, and of course KNG has incredible charisma in this role. But while the man with no name was a loner, Lee Yoon is a brilliant military leader as well as moral giant, has his own struggles but is still a truly 'ideal' man, rising from slavery to genuine greatness.
Lee Yoon's former master/owner, Kwang Il, was supposedly kind, and did free his slaves. However, now a member of the Japanese army, he has fully adopted their ideas, mostly as a self serving strategy. When Lee Yoon severs his friendship/ connection to him, he resolves to have him killed, using a female assassin who as a child escaped her village's massacre and now lives only to survive.
In the meantime, Li Kwang's fiancee lives a double life.
The tensions in the area are complex, with bandits in Japanese pay, others just thieves, others fighting to undermine the Japanese, a kind of mainstream independence movement (playing a very minor role here), Japanese regular army plus Japanese colonial forces (who jostle for power), and of course 'middle class' settlers who are probably loyal to the Japanese, and peasant settlers who could be in Japanese pay, or rebel spies, or simply looking for a quiet life. But it's not very obvious who could be who.
The story is lively, with lots of locations and lots of action, including different levels of battles between factions. Of course there's a love interest, but while it's one of those soulmate passion plays, it's very low key and is left open ended.
I really enjoyed this series. It feels gritty and authentic (though the recovery times for multiple injuries is rather ... optimistic). Characters, even where support rather than main, and even where quite minor roles, are well written and well portrayed – with many familiar faces in play. I loved the visuals, and how it is presented with so many echoes of classic westerns, yet never losing its sense of place. The music is great too, and well suited to the action and mood of each moment.
I'm trying to think of flaws. But I can't, unless I nitpick really hard – for example I wasn't much into the romance moments – but the actors and performances were very believable and chemistry was good even if subdued which was dramatically appropriate.
The ending is slightly rushed and inconclusive, but since we have reason to look for S2 I thought it was OK.
Kim Nam Gil has already leaked the question of an S2 stating that if there is another series it won't be made by Netflix. I am intrigued by what happened behind the scenes to prompt that – or whether it is issues on profit shares – wouldn't be the first time.

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Action with a western-vibe

This had a solid story, good cast and acting, cool music, and in general a quality production. The only thing I can put my finger on was that it was too dark at times, especially when watching on a small screen (mobile).

The story was well balanced; there was build-ups (suspense), intense fight scenes and action, and personal stories for some of the characters, seasoned with some light romance on top.
The story was a bit predictable, but not sure it would have been better if it hadn't been.

The whole vibe is a bit like a good old fashioned western, but it fits quite well.

It can't quite measure up to my two favourite historical Kdramas Mr Sunshine and My Dearest, but then again I feel it necessarily shouldn't be compared to those either. But both of those are amongst my highly recommended series that I also probably will rewatch one day.
Not sure I will watch this again, though.

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The best drama of the year

This is for me the best drama of the year. Everything was perfect. The cinematography, the acting, the action, the funny parts, the music, the story of the carachters and the individual stories, the romance, the bromance, the friendship and the caraters developments. Everything is well described, well excecuted and extremely well acted.
The OSTs are a amazing.
the actors carried the show very well, and the focus is not only on the main actor, but also on the support actors who shined on their own. That's what I like about kim nam gil's projcts, he always chooses projects that do not only focus on the main lead but also the support actors which makes a very well seasones drama. The discovery for me was the actress who played Eun Yeon (lee ho jung) she really carried the show well and her scenes with kim nam gil are amazing!!!!!!
This drama can be a 20 episodes drama, but it is only 9 episodes drama, which is more than perfect, nothing is carried and draging and every single second is worth the watch!!!! Every episode is packed and you do not want to miss a second of it.
I am looking forwards to a second season because a lot of things need to be resolved, and I am defenitely seing a second and even a third season which will be more interesting and fun to watch.
This is for me the best drama of the year. A very well seasoned drama that is worth the watch and rewatch!!!

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Slick, brutal and emotional

Really liked the combination of genres and influences. Besides the Western, I also felt some vibes of John Wick and even Fury Road. I loved the cinematography, the editing, the music and the cast. Great ensemble of fun characters to root for in the group of Bandits. I didn't mind too much the FL; I think she was unfortunately not given a lot to work with, and a non-action character in an action show is harder to carry. I loved Eon and Yoon's relationship, especially in the later episodes.

What really got me hooked was the fight scene at the end of the first episode. There's a but that is looks like it was all done in 1 continuous shot, although it was edited that way. But the edits/cuts are so smooth and seamless that it's hard to tell. Absolutely great directing, staging and editing.

Really unfortunate about the ending and the editing. Finding out they cut the episodes from 20 down to 9 is so disappointing. Hoping for a continuation.

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Sequel to Mr Sunshine???

Is it the next Mr Sunshine?? Really feels like a sequel without being one. Set around the same time period where Mr. Sunshine ends. Here, it is the rebels who are trying to reclaim their country from the Japanese occupation. This series is based in the 1910s and beyond as they struggle to maintain their independence.

Shown is a dark story that is very tragic. The people suffer in great pain, when their own country is ruled by another empire. The Japanese imperialists run as they please in their order. Very clear with their political pressures. The land has become theirs, they rule on their terms. At the same time, there is a third party that is ruining it for everyone too, the gangs in the wilderness and in the villages. These gangs act a bit like bounty hunters, they don't bother the Japanese fully. When they are paid for their missions, they are no threat to the great power.

The male lead is a patriot with his own motives. He starts out as an ex-soldier with no particular background at all. His competence interests people who can imagine sacrificing themselves for the same goal. The special forces he commands have quite distinctive character traits. These have unique skills that are very bullet proof with their gear. Not much romance in focus at all, just team spirit and patriotism through and through. However, he encounters a counterpart with the same goal who does not want to cooperate with him. She follows her interests primarily as a real opportunist.

Musically, there are good soundtracks, however, the rock music changes the mood in certain moments and makes it feel more comical, strangely enough. There is a lot of action and fighting with some carnage delivered every now and then. It is very fast paced and fast paced. Lots of intense battles going on in full swing. Nice effects and well-made duels occasionally. Would describe this one as Mr. Sunshine on steroids, with a large overdose of violence. Many wild western environments and nice landscape pictures. The mix of the music and the environments makes me think of Quentin Taratino's movies at times but also gets the vibes of Money heist: Korea. It is well thought out and heavy. Very fun to see that they are trying to make a series in the western part. I, who don't watch very many historical series, have finally found one I like. Very interesting!!!!

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Song of Bandits; Ending felt unsatisfying

I was not happy with the ending of the drama. I know there will be a season 2, but I still wanted Nam Hee-shin to end up with Lee Yoon. They had such a great chemistry and they went through so much together. I did not like that Nam Hee-shin had to marry Lee Gwang-il, the Japanese soldier who was Lee Yoon’s enemy. I felt sorry for him, but I did not think he deserved Nam Hee-shin’s love. I hope that in season 2, Nam Hee-shin and Lee Yoon will reunite and be happy.

Overall, I enjoyed Song of the Bandits and I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical dramas with action and romance. It is a well-made and well-acted drama that shows the struggle and courage of the Korean people during a dark time in history. I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

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Poorly written script in the final 12 minutes of episode 9

Overall, I found SOTB to be excellent, with a few minor glitches from the screenwriter(s). The most disappointing 12 minutes is at the end of episode 9 - the FL marries the evil one, not knowing(?) that he is aware of her participation in the independence movement? On top of that, she definitely had strong feelings for the ML, although the ML is too blindly patriotic at the train station to meet her even when he knows she is desperately searching for him. If there is a second season of SOTB, the writers had better work hard to overcome their laziness / sloppiness at the end of episode 9, otherwise a second season will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of viewers such as myself.

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Stylish and cinematic

Likes
1. Kim Nam Gil and guns are enough reasons for me to watch this drama.
2. Interestingly i loved the complex relationship between Lee Yoon and Gwang Il.
3. I didnt like Eon Nyeon but she eventually grew on me when she started fighting with the team.
4. The rest of the team were so-so, i liked Seonbok the best.
5. Loved the almost western feel to the show though it sometimes looked like they were in a big film set.

Dislikes
1. The episodes were starting to get repetitive and boring and there wasnt much to the story. Maybe because it was cut to just 9 episodes.
2. I didnt feel the romantic chemistry between the two leads.

Rating: 8/10

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You must stay alive for as long as I live.

Song of the Bandits was binge-worthy drama that brought its raw and aesthetic touch to familiar themes, and I enjoyed watching all episodes. There wasn't any unnecessary or dragging part, each scene delivered something specific and special.

Characters and their dynamics were beautifully written and, of course, with such cast, never doubted the acting quality. Each of them had this embodied presence in the story with their own roles that completed the whole puzzle effortlessly. Their goals, desperation and ambitions were beautifully portrayed from the way they carry themselves to their way of talking, dressing, walking - the details were picturesque.

And while I also think it deserves season 2, I liked the charm of its uncompleted ending as well, which is suitable for the times the story highlights. After all, those were times, many couldn't see the end of their own stories. It felt like they gave us a glimpse of someone's memories who also had many questions that they could only guess the answer.

The cinematography and shoots had artistic movie vibes, and action scenes were one of the best - with Kim Namgil in the cast, it was expected.

I would say, it worth the wait, from story to characters and the message each of them delivered, it was a beautiful watch experience. Came for Kim Namgil and Yoo Jaemyung and stayed for all the cast, story and their acting.

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