Jumong Vol. 1 & 2 DVD Review
Epic period drama of the legendary warrior.
Palace politics and spiritual guides tips the balance of power to see who takes control of the throne in the epic period Korean drama Jumong.
Palace politics and spiritual guides tip the balance of power to see who takes control of the throne in the epic period Korean drama Jumong.
Based on ancient transcripts and re-imagined into a down-to-earth TV series, the legend of Jumong starts when China's Han Empire has invaded Gojoseon, leaving the people with very little choice other than to bend to the new Empire`s rule. Rebel leader and legendary warrior, Hae Mosu leads his small army along with Crown Prince Geumwa, unbeknownst to his father the King, in an attempt to reclaim the control of the country back to the Korean people.
During an attack, Hae Mosu is injured, falls into the river, is rescued and nursed back to health by Yuhwa, the princess of the Haebaek tribe. They fall for each other. The Han Empire however, is still on the look out for him and eventually recaptures Hae Mosu, tortures and blinds him. After a rescue attempt, Hae Mosu is believed to be dead. Geumwa then takes Yuhwa as his 2nd wife, who is pregnant with Hae Mosu's child, Jumong and raises him as his own.
20 years pass and the title of Crown Prince is up for grabs. Jumong, the youngest of three, must compete in fighting skills, politics and war strategies against his believed half-brothers in order to gain the title. Only Jumong is more interested in chasing palace skirts.
Volumes 1 and 2 focus on Jumong's coming of age and the secrecy surrounding his birth. Here is where the hero learns of his destiny and fate and finally finds purpose in his life.
There are many more subplots and character complexities that makes Jumong such a rich and weighted viewing experience. And even though, the plot's outcome is somewhat predictable, it's never about what is happening or what happened, it's how it gets there - the journey - that makes it addictive television.
Jumong's production value is seen in its exterior cinematography and lavish period costumes. There is strong attention to the detail in the wardrobe to show the influence of the Han Empire in noble Korean society.
A side note - Jumong was one of a couple of Korean dramas banned from broadcast in China due to the unfavorable portrayal of the Chinese politicians of the Han Empire. Despite all that, it is certainly recommended viewing for those who enjoyed the epic drama of Dae Jang Geum or Jewel in the Palace which was insanely popular among Chinese viewers.
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