[REVIEW] SBS TV series "The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo" - 1st Episode

Poster for SBS TV series "The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo" [SBS]

SBS TV series “The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo” - Wednesday & Thursday 9:55 p.m.

The action scenes in “The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo” are slightly exaggerated. Flower petals flutter about when Joseon Dynasty’s best warrior Kim Kwang-taek (Jeon Gwang-ryeol) engages in a sword fight with the largest killing group’s chief Chun (Choi Min-soo) and scenes containing bloodshed and the amputation of body parts are frequent. But this obvious way in which the drama shows its style from the very beginning of its run, not only affects it in a visual way but is used effectively in strengthening the plot. Warrior Kim Kwang-taek, whose entire life has revolved around his sword, tries to stick to his morals even under extreme situations but has to watch his friend die in order to protect the crown prince. And through this the show sheds light onto the dilemma that warriors, in their seemingly cold-hearted world, face as human beings.

Also, Baek Dong-soo is the child of a man who died a wrongful death due to political circumstances and a woman who passed away as soon as she gave birth to him. He is also the last of the warriors from “a household which for generations has produced the best warriors during their times" and holds the important mission of “elevating the status of martial arts of the Joseon Dynasty” by committing his life to Kim Kwang-taek. That is why the story to the first episode of “The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo” moved somewhat slowly but it did enough to convince viewers of why Baek Dong-soo had no choice but to become a warrior and why he became a figure that shook the Joseon Dynasty. This, combined with the fact that he is born with a physical disability, hinted to how rough the world he will live in will be and established the groundwork to maximizing the catharsis that will be felt by viewers who watch his epic tale. How much will “The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo” be able to shine in its attempt to tell of the history of the Joseon Dynasty and Baek Dong-soo’s life amidst his relationships with the other characters in the drama?

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Reporter : Hwang Hyo-jin
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@