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This review may contain spoilers
One of my all time favourites โก
As a fan of fantasy and folklore, this drama has been one of the best shows I've watched. If you love fantasy just like me, this one has a mix of modernity with it too. Undoubtedly, one of the best shows of this genre that you'll come across in the K-Drama world. Whether it's the story or the cast, it is definitely an ace.
The storyline is really well paced. Never do you feel bored or dragged. In fact, I'd even say it keeps you on your toes from time to time, making you click the next episode almost as reflex. It has the right number of episodes. And the right number of characters, not too many, not too less. The story itself includes a lot of traditional elements, giving insight to Korean folk tales and beliefs. But it's definitely not too much to the point where you are confused. With jumpscares and a bit of horror (can't exactly say, but I am really not good with horror T_T), it does feel wholesome. Production wise too, the landscapes and effects were well done. Another masterpiece by Studio Dragon.
I think the strongest point of this drama is its cast. The gumiho Lee Yeon played by Lee Dongwook is the best gumiho portrayal I've ever seen. My personal fav hehe. The orange hair, red umbrella turning to sword, carefree, laid back, playful, childish personality but not even once does it overshadow the strong presence and aura of Lee Yeon. In fact, I think it's because he has a certain level of power, the smug personality becomes a charm rather than show off. The orange eyes....Lord! Whoever decided that must be there, bless you! That character is just so well written, no argument. And Lee Dongwook really really did it well. It's just his eyes! He's one of those actors whose eyes speak to the audience's heart. I'm pretty sure many will agree that his acting resulted in a lot of people swooning over someone double their age ๐๐ Now if you think the male lead is the best part, you are so very wrong. Nam Jiah played by Jo Boah is a very notable character. She is strong, mature, resilient and extremely courageous. Unshaken by the creepy stuff she encounters, always seeking the truth. But you clearly see the young girl who lost her parents and had to look after herself since childhood. A real good balance between feminine and masculine characteristics. Her acting indeed deserves a round of applause. Together, they are an awesome power couple with a good chemistry. I am lowkey sad she doesn't have a main role in the second season ๐ญ Now...Lee Rang. The story between the male and female lead is definitely great in itself, how a fox spirit waited for a 1000 years for his lover and how fate always tries to pull them apart. But this was my personal favorite relationship of the drama. The bond between the brothers. The elder who has to be responsible yet loves his brother too much to ever even dream of harming him. And the younger one who loved and admired his brother so much that when he misunderstands Lee Yeon, the hate becomes as deep as his love. For much of the show, you feel he's just being a brat, causing trouble and being the gone case, psycho brother of the main lead. But once you hear his backstory, see his interaction with other characters and the softness he still carries, you realise how precious of a little brother he is. Kim Beom plays Lee Rang so well. He is as irritating as he is a gem. The bickering between the siblings, the admiration of Lee Rang for Lee Yeon and the love for his younger one in the eyes of the older, it really flows out of the screen and right into our hearts. So when Rang has to kill Yeon, that dialogue "Rang-a", it never stops echoing in my mind. And when Rang decides to sacrifice himself for his brother, and every single scene following that, my God! I've cried buckets. Still do. One of the most heartwrenching scenes I've witnessed. Never ever getting over it ๐ญ
Next, the people at Samdocheon. My next favs for sure. The bossy TaIuipa and her obedient yet strong husband Hyunuiong are the cutest couple of all. The bickering between Lee Yeon and his 'Halmom', adorable indeed >_< And definitely Goo Shin-joo the vet and his ferocious love Ki Yu-ri are another pair of dom female-soft male trope. Again, adorable ^_^ !!! And the kiddo, Kim Soo-oh, reincarnation of Lee Rang's puppy; that child is literally a puppy personified, with the bob cut and runny nose. So cute!!!!! Sending love to Jung Si-yul! The villain was definitely a strong one, well done by Lee Taeri. And Eom Hyoseop as the TVC president, he was a pain in the neck! Each character has such good backstories and developments, they are all main characters themselves. And I feel, they all got a good ending for themselves (not Lee Rang though ใ ใ กใ ).
Next comes the music. From the intro to the instruments, I loved every piece so much! And this drama really needs that extra punch through music throughout it's length, whether it's to give that eerie effect or emotional pang. And it did exactly what was needed.
I have already watched it twice and I could still watch it again.
The whole plot and especially the characters were very well written by Han Woo-ri. Thank you so much for this wonderful story! Overall, it's a really good watch, not much about life or something you can learn or relate to, but well, the drama is the tale of a nine tailed, not yours and mine! ๐
The storyline is really well paced. Never do you feel bored or dragged. In fact, I'd even say it keeps you on your toes from time to time, making you click the next episode almost as reflex. It has the right number of episodes. And the right number of characters, not too many, not too less. The story itself includes a lot of traditional elements, giving insight to Korean folk tales and beliefs. But it's definitely not too much to the point where you are confused. With jumpscares and a bit of horror (can't exactly say, but I am really not good with horror T_T), it does feel wholesome. Production wise too, the landscapes and effects were well done. Another masterpiece by Studio Dragon.
I think the strongest point of this drama is its cast. The gumiho Lee Yeon played by Lee Dongwook is the best gumiho portrayal I've ever seen. My personal fav hehe. The orange hair, red umbrella turning to sword, carefree, laid back, playful, childish personality but not even once does it overshadow the strong presence and aura of Lee Yeon. In fact, I think it's because he has a certain level of power, the smug personality becomes a charm rather than show off. The orange eyes....Lord! Whoever decided that must be there, bless you! That character is just so well written, no argument. And Lee Dongwook really really did it well. It's just his eyes! He's one of those actors whose eyes speak to the audience's heart. I'm pretty sure many will agree that his acting resulted in a lot of people swooning over someone double their age ๐๐ Now if you think the male lead is the best part, you are so very wrong. Nam Jiah played by Jo Boah is a very notable character. She is strong, mature, resilient and extremely courageous. Unshaken by the creepy stuff she encounters, always seeking the truth. But you clearly see the young girl who lost her parents and had to look after herself since childhood. A real good balance between feminine and masculine characteristics. Her acting indeed deserves a round of applause. Together, they are an awesome power couple with a good chemistry. I am lowkey sad she doesn't have a main role in the second season ๐ญ Now...Lee Rang. The story between the male and female lead is definitely great in itself, how a fox spirit waited for a 1000 years for his lover and how fate always tries to pull them apart. But this was my personal favorite relationship of the drama. The bond between the brothers. The elder who has to be responsible yet loves his brother too much to ever even dream of harming him. And the younger one who loved and admired his brother so much that when he misunderstands Lee Yeon, the hate becomes as deep as his love. For much of the show, you feel he's just being a brat, causing trouble and being the gone case, psycho brother of the main lead. But once you hear his backstory, see his interaction with other characters and the softness he still carries, you realise how precious of a little brother he is. Kim Beom plays Lee Rang so well. He is as irritating as he is a gem. The bickering between the siblings, the admiration of Lee Rang for Lee Yeon and the love for his younger one in the eyes of the older, it really flows out of the screen and right into our hearts. So when Rang has to kill Yeon, that dialogue "Rang-a", it never stops echoing in my mind. And when Rang decides to sacrifice himself for his brother, and every single scene following that, my God! I've cried buckets. Still do. One of the most heartwrenching scenes I've witnessed. Never ever getting over it ๐ญ
Next, the people at Samdocheon. My next favs for sure. The bossy TaIuipa and her obedient yet strong husband Hyunuiong are the cutest couple of all. The bickering between Lee Yeon and his 'Halmom', adorable indeed >_< And definitely Goo Shin-joo the vet and his ferocious love Ki Yu-ri are another pair of dom female-soft male trope. Again, adorable ^_^ !!! And the kiddo, Kim Soo-oh, reincarnation of Lee Rang's puppy; that child is literally a puppy personified, with the bob cut and runny nose. So cute!!!!! Sending love to Jung Si-yul! The villain was definitely a strong one, well done by Lee Taeri. And Eom Hyoseop as the TVC president, he was a pain in the neck! Each character has such good backstories and developments, they are all main characters themselves. And I feel, they all got a good ending for themselves (not Lee Rang though ใ ใ กใ ).
Next comes the music. From the intro to the instruments, I loved every piece so much! And this drama really needs that extra punch through music throughout it's length, whether it's to give that eerie effect or emotional pang. And it did exactly what was needed.
I have already watched it twice and I could still watch it again.
The whole plot and especially the characters were very well written by Han Woo-ri. Thank you so much for this wonderful story! Overall, it's a really good watch, not much about life or something you can learn or relate to, but well, the drama is the tale of a nine tailed, not yours and mine! ๐
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