Relevant to Present Day
This is an epic which goes beyond entertainment and makes you think on so many levels. Even calling it outstanding does not seem to be enough!As a non Korean, it took me time to understand some historical aspects but a second watch and background reading made a huge difference. It is much more than the story of a friendship which endures the unimaginable. It is also a story of power with many parallels to present day reality.
All leads and supporting cast did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. I watched it for Woo Do Hwan, who performed spectacularly no doubt ( I am always in awe of the emotions he can convey with his gaze alone! Also how does he manage to cry like that?) but was very impressed by the acting prowess of Yang Se-jong (warm & innocent with but with nerves of steel), veteran Jang-Hyuk (no words, he can swallow the whole screen with his presence!) and a special mention for veteran Ahn Nae-sang, who played one of the most compelling on screen villian I have seen.
The supporting cast was also wonderful, the roles of the female actresses could have been better fleshed out but they made their own strong impressions nevertheless.
It is not without flaws, there is heavy plot armour, the time skips can be confusing, some age aspects between the younger & older versions could have been handled better. But I found these to be very minor compared to what the series has to offer and hence I am giving it a ten anyways.
I will look forward to more work from the makers of this project and this cast!
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