Song of the Bandits
Saturday, 30th September 2023
Screenshot
Drama 도적: 칼의 소리 / Song of the Bandits
Country South Korea
Director Hwang Joon-Hyeok
Writer Han Jung-Hoon
Released 22nd September 2023
Cast Kim Nam-Gil, Seohyun, Yoo Jae-Myung, Lee Hyun-Wook, Lee Ho-Jung
Details 9 episodes
Themes Bandits, Resistance Movement
Links Asian Wiki

Song of the Bandits sees the Wild West transplanted to an area of China where Korean refugees have fled the Japanese annexation of their country. A tale of bandits who become involved with the resistance movement in Korea trying to defy the cruel Japanese. This TV series should have a notice that no Japanese were harmed in the making. Japan did violently annex Korea but this isn't 100% true history.

Instead it is a well produced tale of heroes fighting against overwhelming odds, with fine set pieces that would suit the best Westerns. A lot of gunplay and also archery too. There's a stagecoach robbery or something like it, slimy behaviour by the murderous Japanese, a heroine giving her all for the Korean cause etc.

There are some oddities. The last episode leaves a lot unresolved and unfinished. The main female lead Seohyun is less dominant than the supporting actress Lee Ho-Jung. Seohyun's role is largely that of a traditional passive female. Netflix cut back the original plan for the TV series (apparently losing back stories for a lot of the characters). Seohyun also gained her fame as a K-pop group idol rather than as an actress. Lee Ho-Jung carries her very meaty role like a star.