The Great Queen Seondeok (2009) User Reviews

The best historical drama I have seen in a long time.

[stary_nite7 · 10/10 · 14 April 2012]

I loved this show even though I had to read the whole thing. It is very respectful of elders and women and also very clean of sexual content and only has a little harsh language.

It is full of wonderful pageantry and color plus beautiful scenery and an amazing story line. It shows the great pride of the Korean people.

The acting was wonderful and I was filled with emotion with the characters. (This is amazing since I had to read it)

Although it is only based on history it caused me to do some research on Korea's history (Wikipedia is great for this). There were 2 queens not just one and this show seems to combine them into one. Sir Yushin was truly a great part of Korean history also.

The Great Queen is great fun

[drarthurwells · 8/10 · 17 February 2014]

I love a mini-series as a melodrama that tells a story in the long movie format, as opposed to those that tell different stories in the same setting (like Grey's Anatomy, Mad Men and to a lesser extent Damages, Breaking Bad, and Revenge that change the story at times while keeping to a general story). In this regard, I have discovered some gems in the South Korean TV mini-series of recent years.

The basic melodrama is the oft repeated formula: Boy meets Girl, Boy loses Girl, Boy gets Girl Back. This me recur in the same story. Human relations can be complex even if only the boy and girl are involved, but this complexity increases as more people are involved. If personality dynamics are properly depicted in a valid manner, and if the production is skillful, powerful emotions can be evoked in the viewer. In this way we can live many lifetimes through movies, in our one lifetime - greatly enriching our incarnate experience. These South Korean productions (seen on Netflix streaming) are first class with excellent production and direction, some terrific casting and acting (particularly from some of the females who give some matchless world class performances), brilliant musical accompaniment, and staging. What makes these so good is the way they skillfully evoke deep emotion in the viewer. South Korean movie making is superb - world class.

However, the following caveats must be considered by the USA viewer. They are subtitled and some people hate this. The South Korean cultural norms, values and sanctions may sometimes seems silly or old fashioned to the USA viewer. The families are close knit and decisions by an individual may be subject to family approval. Social distance is maintained where formal speech is used, and personal speech forms are reserved for close friends or family. There is a strong work ethic and community cooperation/unity - sometimes reminiscence of a old Frank Capra film.

Most importantly, in order for the sometimes complicated sub-plots to work, people fail to communicate with each other as might be expected, keeping many in the dark as to what others are doing, and this leads to misunderstandings and error judgments of some people, that sometimes seem to be unlikely by USA cultural standards. The viewer may wonder at times why good but trusting people are so easily manipulated and deceived by bad and selfish people, but con artists do often succeed (just look at politicians for example). However this poetic license of improbability is needed to develop the story - just accept it as occurring even though unlikely at times. Taking these factors into account Will help you become involved and emotionally engrossed. It was hard t for me to quit watching at times so I binged watched.

I would rank these as follows but tastes differ and your rankings might not agree: 1 - 4 (hard to say which is best)

Shining Inheritance

When a Man Loves

That Winter, The Wind Blows

Secret garden

5. Five Fingers

6. The Scent of a Woman

7. The Great Queen Seondeok

8. A Hundred Years Inheritance

9. Lie To me

10. Roof Top Prince

11. Dr. Jin

12. The Great Doctor

The Great Queen Seondeok is mainly a historical/political melodrama depicting the struggle of opposing (good vs. evil) factions. One faction is lead by a ruthless Machivellian leader (Mishil) representing government control both of government officials and citizens, based on manipulating them with fear. The other faction has a good leader who wants power and freedom to shift from government to the people (control by their choice instead of governmental dictates, ownership of land by farmers instead of tenant farmers working for the rich), and who appeals to the hope and good nature of others. Another theme is women's rights in a male dominated world. There is action, comedy relief, love, hate, revenge, subversion - all the elements of a good historical melodrama.

Mishal is the evil leader and features a stunning performance. The most colorful character is Bidam, who like Mishal, is a complex character and brilliantly portrayed. Bidam is introduced after the series has gone on for some time, as a country bumpkin who is easily underestimated by others. In one scene he picks his nose and then puts it in his mouth, which tainted his image in my mind. This series at times offers some brilliant psychological insights, such as Mishil saying "Humans can not live without believing in fantasy", as in liberal idealism (world peace, income equality without degrading the economy, big government that works efficiently, etc.) that can never be achieved. The ending is quite powerful, emphasizing the loneliness of a ruler of a nation.

Get's better as the series goes on!

[russellj34 · 10/10 · 12 September 2013]

First of all, everyone is entitled to their opinion about a show. I agree with some of what was said during the one negative review especially if I would have stopped after the first couple of episodes. Why, because the story & the complexity of the relationships between certain characters that develops as the story progresses is what really makes this show. Yes, they hold the focus way to long at times and yes some characters are very shallow but there aren't many shows out there that don't display this. There are so many interesting plots and twists that you really stop even noticing the sometimes over dramatic scenes and somewhat poor camera work. Also, some of the characters to me that displayed the best acting jobs aren't even introduced in focus until the story really gets going so again if you only watch a few episodes you may be disappointed. If you don't like subtitles don't even start but if you are fine with that and willing to watch at least 4 or 5 episodes I doubt you will stop until the end. I've never given a show a perfect score so I won't start now but this is as close as it gets in my view.

Wise seductive movie

[Vincentiu · 20 January 2012]

It is one of most intelligent movies. Delicate, profound, labyrinth with walls from Borges world, lush, silky, sharp, hidden, full of light, wise, nuances of good and evil, map for power force, seductive, mixture of romance and fight, hope and crumbs of desire.Dictionary of strange definitions for common words. Sea of gold and night. Scene for gorgeous Hyun-jung Go in the role of Misil.She is the axis, heart and soul of entire movie. As picture of evil and its masks. As ambiguous limit between victim and killer. As a kind of haiku. A unique film for its beauty and subtle recipes of life as shadow collection. A parable about present in skin of past facts. A play in which the public is just actor. A smoke column in a late autumn evening.

Seondeok, a shining Korean drama

[peterxnxn · 10/10 · 25 September 2016]

The story,is to say so,captivating.Two twin royal girls born under a sign of stars,sign with a meaning for their country subjects:prosperity or ruin.But there it must have been a boy,no way for a girl and yet another one.So at last one must to vanish -the little Deokman,who will be haunted for years,will endure a lot of privations and hurdles,to become after years the Queen of Shilla.At first,the hunter is not a lovable character;after many episodes he will be more valuable,especially for his terrible presence and act on screen.He is a counterbalance for,maybe,some things to soft.I think the director of this drama managed to show us a good story. Only a couple of stuffs I find to be bad presented:to many pots with flowers every were(for that time);not enough dirt and rift on armors of soldiers and ,,hwarangs''(the princess's guards).So shiny they are for dozens of episodes.

Seondeok (actress Lee Yo-Won) really can be appreciated and loved. In her stage as ,,hwarang'' is lovely;when triumphs she's shiny,when cries she breaks hearts,is beautiful and a very human person.The character Sohwa (actress Seo Young Hee) who cares of Deokman,has a gentle and lovely presence.No wonder for Chilsook to cherish her.This Chilsook is the hunter send by Mishil to cut Deokman's life.Mishil (actress Ho Hyun-Jung) is the bad person in plot; even so she prove to be a wonderful character.She's the finest presence along episodes.That meeting of her with Seondeok for a truce,on the grasslands,that meeting is a masterpiece of image.I have watched that scene a lot;amazing scene.Or,how I can forget that retreat of hand from Mishil's hands embrace_when Seondeok shows her status?!There is a hands conversation!!! Kim Yushin (Uhm Tae Woong),the comrade of Deokman is like a little then a big block-stone in this story.That is his role,because he will be a great general,the most trustworthy person for the Queen and their people.Nice that we have a lot of funny moments with Jukbang (actor Lee Moon-Sik) and Godo (actor Ryu Dam);the scene when Godo hide and unintended swallow some animal stuff,at an group inspection,is very funny.

The battle scenes are more or less convincing.Anyway Seondeok's political history and love,go on,with her star above.The plot make Seondeok to die to early.Until to that moment we have part of gorgeous scenes:views of Korea in sunset,Mishil's comrades caught by soldiers near her tomb (with a great act of Misaeng_actor Jung Woong In) in a golden shower sunrise;wonderful view of the carved stones.

My appreciation and rating are ,in first place,for great personages still others besides those already mentioned:Prince Chunchu (Yoo Seung-Ho),noble Hajong (Kim Jung-Hyun),lord Cheolwon (Jeon No Min),Bidam (Kim Nam-Gil) / the ,,hwarangs'' :Alcheon (Lee Seung Hyo),Santak (Kang Sung Pil),Sukpoom (Hong Kyung-In),Bojong (Baek Do-Bin) and so on.In the second place I appreciated that immense lot of costumes and accessories.And never in the last place,the traditional buildings (the studios).

Overlapping of Languages ...

[asiachifonlove · 9/10 · 10 December 2014]

I'm enjoying the show, but the overlapping of languages on TV screen is quite annoying. The blending makes it difficult to follow the lines of actors. I wish there was a way to choose the language to read. The costumes are spectacular! The props are unbelievable! The makeup and hair is incredible! Writers are magnanimous! To have the ability to reenact a story which you were not a party of...that is amazing talent!! These background people that put this story together in its glory should be more than commended...amazing talents, just amazing!! I'm looking forward to the upcoming episodes, despite the difficulty of reading.

Bidam is very conflicted,divergent and complex character, abandoned as a child then abandoned by Munno.

[jgardiner-871-726729 · 10/10 · 11 January 2022]

Deokman (Queen Seondeok's childhood name) was born a twin but was abandoned as a baby. She was later brought back to the Silla palace, where she joined forces with her twin sister Princess Chonmyong to oppose Mi-shil, who wanted to seize power. Mi-shil devised sinister plans to have the two Silla princesses exiled from the kingdom, and in a secretive battle, Princess Chonmyong was assassinated by Mi-shil. But Princess Deokman shrewdly enlisted the help of General Kim Yusin and eliminated her archenemy Mi-shil. She became the first female ruler of the Silla kingdom.

If you want to survive and be an upright, fight-for-justice kind of person, and have your love survive, stay away from the palace! It is not the place for righteous folk who have a cause. As bad as she was, Mishil manages to keep her people alive and safe, even Daenambo, who kills a PRINCESS and lives to tell about it. She worked the palace like Deokman never manages to do. She loses her people to crazy schemes, and it takes its toll. Mishil don't look lonely, and Deokman remains so. It's not so much that people are bad, it's the quest for power and more power that drives them to do bad, BAD things. Even Mishil wasn't going to destroy Shilla to get what she wanted.

As ruling queen, Queen Seondeok is deeply lonely and filled with despair. Yet she must hide her true feelings and stand on her own to be reborn as a true king.

Although Yusin and the Princess Deokman had a thing going on and planned to run away together fate and destiny step in their way when the Twin sister was killed by Palace lackeys. She had met her twin sister and had formed a strong bond and sisterhood relationship. Her death actually brings Deokman to life. When Deokman sees how far the opposition will go to prevent the king from moving forward she is determine to be the catalysis for change. She won't leave with Yusin as was their plan but stays to fight Musil. (Musil is the one who is running the palace affairs and not the King.) This changed the Princess life again as she took upon herself the mantle of her sister and was determined to carry out the goals her sister had set. I think her sister dying also changed her feelings for Yusin because both of them blamed themselves for her death and maybe also blamed each other. It was a deep hurt for both of them. Even though the love was still there it had changed.

I like Bidam. I'm going to defend Bidam (very capably played by Kim Nam Gil). Remember where we first meet him? Dude was sleeping in a cave and throwing chicken at Yushin. That's your great villain. Bidam is very conflicted,divergent and complex character, abandoned as a child then abandoned by Munno. And Deokman doesn't help once they get in the palace to help assuage his insecurity. Nobody ever gives him a chance: from the get go everybody is like, oooh, he's dangerous and can't be trusted. He's scary. He's violent. On the other side you got rat fink Chunchu (more on him later), also you got Misaeng, Yumjong and the rest of the crazy Mishil crew. Whatever Bidam turns out to be, he didn't get there by himself. If he and Deokman were just left alone, we could have avoided a lot of this. But we do have a coup, and I have to say, at least there was no whining, no pleading, no running away. Deokman knew she had to whack Bidam; Bidam knew he was going to get whacked, and he took it like a man, going down swinging!

Bidam is one of the most complicated characters I have ever witnessed. Any less talented actor could screw this role up. Because it was a tentative character. I don't care what other people say but I loved Bidam he hooked my heart he had his weaknesses but don't we all. His weaknesses, his vunerablity, his naivety made him human and loveable. Thanks Kim Nam-Gill your protrayal of Bidam was fabulous.

These two are the true villians, sneaky, scarface and clever Chunchu. Planned the downfall of Bidam and Munno. Can we talk about Chunchu for a minute? I know our righteous side is the forgiving sort, but am I wrong in believing that dude had Munno whacked? You can't act all innocent now, buddy. And I've been fighting it, but hey, I know that Bidam is headed for disaster, but he looks very sexy manly doing it! I can totally see how his behaviour is motivated by his failure to work out his abandonment issues coupled with Deokman's mixed signals when it comes to him and Yushin.

Sneaky, cunning Scarface -Yeomjong: like Georrrrge the Snail and regular lawyers, he left a trail of slam. He was the perfect scum, easy to bribe, easy to buy, but when he promised to do something, he did. He was able to pierce through one's own nature and reach to the most vulnerable part just to hurt it. When he appeared for the first time, he was Munno's trusted associate. His assassins killed Munno, and here it ends. Bidam had the chance to kill him, but he incited a remorse in Bidam's consciousness. So their peculiar pact started, he helped Deokman, but after that, he changed sides and went on Mishil followers' side (because of his ties to Bidam). He forged the last stratagem and Bidam fell in his trap (hell, who wouldn't, it was perfect). I despised him, I wanted to strangle him and rip off his veins one by one. But then Bidam found the truth and finally put his sword through him. I found that totally satisfying.

So here are the three Amigos who should have stuck together through thick and thin but no. This happens instead. Bidam and Yusin helped her and she became closer and closer to Bidam. They fell in love but Bidam was tricked and given bad advice by his advisors and he thought that she no longer loved him and he went down a bad and sad trail. She loved him because he was the only one who treated her as a normal person and not a Queen he spoke her name to her even though it was treason to do so. This is the saddest part when he finally realises that scarface has tricked him again but his own trust issues were partly to blame. This leads to the last terrible but awesome fight! Which was terribly, terribly sad! You will cry when you watch this as he fights his way towards her now marked as a traitor. She stood there tears running down her face and crying but her politics wouldn't let her stop the fight. I have watched it so many times and I feel her crushing sorrow and her devastated heart but I can't stop watching. She should have been like Mishil and taken Bidam as her husband and Yusin as her lover. Problem solved. Lol!

I wrote heaps about this drama but can't put it all in here. Just know that it is complex but so awesome. I really need to find time to just watch it one more time.

Frankly - One of THEE BEST Korean TV Series Ever!

[jaybizman · 10/10 · 19 August 2020]

You may feel that my heading is hype, however just take my word on this one. I know that viewing is subjective - but if you like Korean (or Chinese) Period pieces this is for you. The story is kinda familiar, with various factions and rivals to The Throne doing everything they can to get The Crown; but to date I've yet to see a more amazing (and evil) 'villain' as Lady Mishil (played by Ho Hyun-Jung.)

She is in part Psycho, but as things go along, you can understand why, that by a quirk of birth, she can never get what she really wants - and (frankly) is the most qualified to get. Her permanent 'strategic smile' seems always to be in place, even when she's giving out orders for mayhem and murder.

I liked her artwork and music (she plays 'Crystal Glasses') at a most interesting time. This series was SO successful (at one point reaching a '40' TV rating) that the producers actually tacked on a further 12 or so episodes with another story.

Because of this show Ho Hyun-Jung became Korea's most sought after (and highest paid) actress. Go see why for yourselves. Highly recommended.

best series ever!!

[hanarhiwa-47870 · 10/10 · 15 August 2020]

I love this series because they don't waste a second there is not single scene that not feel belonged or not need and the acting is amazing every thing is amazing yes there is a lot of myths in first episode but later in the show they show you how they faked it

Very Enjoyable

[mgr81760 · 8/10 · 4 August 2013]

Asian historical dramas aren't for everyone. Usually, because they are series, there is going to have to be some filler. But, if you're interested in history, they represent a nice way to be introduced to a period that can later be studied more in depth.

GQS never claims to be an accurate portrayal of the actual historical figure. Nonetheless, I rate this very high because the series seems, to me, to do an excellent job introducing the viewer to Korean, specifically, Sillan, history at a critical time. Whatever the artistic license taken, the fact is that this period in Silla saw first a major change in succession rules, and second the period of unification that would occupy the reigns of Sillan monarchs for a space of decades, and which was started by Seondeok.

The introduction to the Hwarang is very interesting, considering a tradition that stems down to our own day. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of Lee Seung Hyo as Kim Alcheon, the honorable hwarang who was a mainstay of Seondeok's rule, her sucessor's, and was himself offered the throne but who declined. "As honorable as Alcheon" might be a nice sobriquet for someone! Lenin would have appreciated the storyline, complete with centralization of power, restraint of the rich nobles, and giving the land to the people, the storyline is actually very political in nature, more so by far than say, "Jumong".

All in all, if this can be spread over a two month period, I think it is a very nice story, well done, and with a very interesting subject matter.

I HATE BIDAM

[msjayoungyoon · 7/10 · 28 March 2022]

The only reason I am writing this post is because of the character Bidam. Don't get me wrong, I love the actor Kim Nam Gil (which is the only reason why I watched this show because apparently this is what REALLY launched his career) but the character he played in Queen Seondeok is absolute garbage. He played a psychopathic, manipulative, and possessive character that wants nothing more than to marry the Queen and will do anything to gain power so they can be together.... And maybe get the throne cause of his psycho mother Mishil. Btw in real life, if a child goes around killing animals that is a huge red flag/sign that he may grow up to harm others or potentially become a murderer. Like they knew that back then but in the show, he doesn't kill animals but goes on a human killing spree, as a child, on a large refugee hideout because they tried to steal a book from him that his master Munno told him to protect. He poisoned them all with food, knowing they would eat it because they were starving and desperate. That is seriously creepy and deranged! I get this show is placed in the 5th or 6th century but no child thinks that way unless they were brought up that way, and Munno for sure didn't raise him to be killer, so the only explanation is that he is wired that way. No normal child should have the knowledge or the passion to kill a bunch of people even if his life was on the line, let alone a book. What drives me crazy is a lot of people like/intrigued by his character and I'm like, the only reason y'all like him is because he's an attractive villan. And he is totally a villan! At least in my opinion. What is crazy, I have seen this happen in real life, where women idolize criminals who have been human trafficking young girls for prostitution just because they were really good looking (google it, it's a dude with a teardrop tattoo). At the same time I hated his character, it showed what a great actor Mr. Kim really is because I literally hated him the whole drama through and usually I love the characters he plays especially The Fiery Preist.

Complete work !!!!

[mohamedmehdibenali · 10/10 · 7 January 2022]

Amazing story.. amazing cast .. amazing musics .. amazing style ... everything is just too perfect in this serie. You can't get bored, especially after the 2 first episodes (which are introduction to the real story).

Disturbing Korean Historical Dramas

[aditya04 · 1/10 · 21 September 2020]

What is wrong with Korean Historical Dramas? They always have a loser king with no power at all while the villain acts like a king. The "good" side will win but they always spare the bad guys just to conspire against them again. They always show stupid conspiracies in which not a single thing ever goes wrong for the "bad" side. They show complete change of a character's personality based on a single event? I thought this series would be different but looks like all historical K-Dramas follow the same route. Is this is the Korean wave you want to show to the world?

Go Hyun-jung

[Kirpianuscus · 24 February 2017]

she is one of the most significant motifs to see "The Great Queen Seondeok". because her Lady Mishil is an admirable character, remembering not only the fascinated refined evil but the essence of the conquest of power, maintain of it and the science to have the right answer to each challenge. her duel against Princesse Deokman does the difference between it and many other South Koreean series , in which the myth, costumes, food or art are the pillars of success . in this case, the lead character is politic. and the precise manner to show a story about the art to use the power for impose yours triumph. far to be the film of a character, tension being only one of ingredients, it has the virtue to propose a great actress in a not comfortable role, because Go Hyun-jung has the force and subtle knowledge to propose her character as a kind of powerful victim who rules a world which preserves the sense just for her effort. so, a series who could be a seductive surprise.

Best Drama

[hanacn · 10/10 · 3 January 2022]

This story focuses more on Deokman's struggle to become queen and fight against Mishil. And it's spiced up with a little bit of romance where the female lead ends up falling in love with the second male lead. Very rare. I love Bidam, he's the most complex character I've ever seen in a drama and he makes this story more interesting, he's my all time favorite character. Overall, this story is awesome and really unforgettable with great casts.

62 episode series tracing 40 years in the later history of the Korean kingdom of Shilla (period in question runs from about 579 - 647 A.D.)

[markmctague · 1/10 · 15 December 2012]

I've watched other Korean serial dramas and enjoyed some of them ("Heo Jun" comes to mind), and while they're often a bit overly dramatic, I have never seen one as tedious as this. I watched two episodes since I thought the first one might have been simply overworked by the director. The faults of the show are numerous. The acting is abominable. Sock puppets could show more true emotion. It reminds me of silent films from the 1920s where the bad guy would twirl his mustache and the fair damsel would swoon and look around wild-eyed for her savior, who would rush to her rescue but not without pausing for 3-5 seconds while the camera lingered on his stalwart features and flinty expression while the audience felt the sense of righteous indignation swell in their collective breasts. *Sigh!* Yes, it's that bad. No, really. It is just THAT BAD. The camera lingers on almost every shot 2-3 seconds too long, draining every scene of whatever smidgen of dramatic tension it manages to create. Characters are flat as cardboard cutouts, and the dialog is so dull that it's impossible to care for anyone. Even the villains don't rouse any animosity in the viewer since they seem so clearly inept and, dare one say, stupid, and the heroes always appear magically in the nick of time. I can only imagine that someone very well connected at the network that produced this howler had a brother-in-law who just graduated from film school and by golly, just KNEW he could be the next Spielberg! If you enjoy wasting your life, by all means watch this.

The Lame Queen Seondeok

[Park_Min · 5/10 · 18 January 2024]

It would have been such a good show if they packaged it into 30 episodes. They had two subplots about Hwarang side quests that were a total waste of time, they paused the main story for them. While they might have served a small tiny purpose but the drama could've accomplished that without these easily. I read somewhere that the drama was extended from 50 to 62 episodes and I can't help but wonder if there was a direct correlation between extending the drama and introducing the character Kim Chun Chu at episode 36. Because both decisions were worse than one another. What made me more suspicious that this was the case was because it felt like someone has pushed the soft reset button on the story as a whole around episode 36 and everything took a big step backward. At this exact point I was about to mentally check out. Prior to episode 36, they had this Hwarang competition which was already the weakest checkpoint at this point so what came after only made things worse. Fast forward to the last chunk of episodes, all events post Lady Mi Shil involvement were clearly an unplanned afterthought which led to an underwhelming final climax. The is exactly at the extension gap between 50-62. Away from the poor pacing, the characters showed promise until they stopped. Guess what? It happened also after episode 36, the female lead who used to be a character full of characterization became a soulless blank of wood, boring, bland and dumb. There were many other examples of characters who went through the same downgraded transformation around the cursed episode 36.

The story had one major point of disconnect that the writer blatantly swept under the rug, it single-handedly broke the story apart. The female lead came from a hermit living in the woods into her position of power immediately without any regard to any other factors concerning anything. The only justification we were given is that she read books while growing up and was raised in the streets. Her parents had no role in the process despite being the king and queen, not even for emotional support. All I see is just poor storytelling. The background music mixing was trash. Every scene started with low-ish background music, got progressively louder and became unbearably loud and intense until the scene is cut. Repeat this 20 times every episode and endure the nausea. Around midway through I was thinking this is a good 7/10 drama despite the Hwarang nonsense but it turns out that this drama was the perfect example of a drama having a good 1st half and fumbling the 2nd half so hard. I wouldn't give it more than a pitiful 5.5/10.