bojojoti

It's hard when actors replace the established actors of beloved characters. I had that initial disappointment when I saw the sweet cherub face of Song Joong Ki was now represented by fierce Lee Joon Gi. SJK was perfect as the naive member of the Wahan clan; LJG was equally as perfect as the Inaishingi warrior. LJG was better suited for the new physical demands of Eun Seom; he's always a pleasure to watch in action scenes. Playful, willful Tan Ya"s Kim Ji Won performance was replaced with a quiet, bland adaptation by Sin Sae Kyeong. I had to remind myself the characters were bound to change with the passage of eight or so years and the trials they'd been through. I never warmed to the new Tan Ya, but the part wasn't written to endear me. There was nothing left of the original Tan Ya's personality for me to recognize. And Saya—what a change: from effeminate schemer to masculine evil. His former personality was unrecognizable.

It helped for continuity that the king and queen were played by the same actors. And what acting it was. Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin were scene stealers. They were magnificent villains, real and raw—the type of evil that was explained by their circumstances and born out of necessity. Fabulous portrayals of damaged people, who even at their most repugnant moments could evince their vulnerabilities.

The story was bleaker in cinematography and tone than its predessors. There were few happy moments to bond with the characters. It was understandable. They were at war. Treachery, treason, and death were the constants. I couldn't help feeling that the script had been infected with George R. R. Martin's nihilistic approach to killing off beloved characters in a meaningless, abrupt way. I really hate that. I was also frustrated through many situations when it seemed no one could think logically; I really dislike sloppy writing that relies on the characters to be stupid to advance the plot.

The ending wrapped up the current arc but gave a preview of trouble in paradise. There could easily be several more seasons of Arthdal adventures if the Powers That Be want it, as there was no resolution with Saya or Taealha; the Neanthals may want retribution; and, personally, I want to see more MoMos.

I gave Arthdal Chronicles Part 1: The Children of Prophecy and 8.5 rating (it was tasked with setting up the story and introducing characters); Arthdal Chronicles Part 2: The Sky Turning Inside Out, Rising Land (2019) was rated 9 stars (the story took off); Arthdal Chronicles Part 3: The Prelude to All Legends (2019) continued the excitement and was rated 9 stars; and Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023) was given an 8 star rating.