Song of the Bandits – REVIEW
Image: Supplied/IMBD film still
Netflix 2023, 9 episodes, directed by Hwang Jun-hyeok. Historical action drama
Review by Jill Livingstone
Story
Former soldier for Japan, Lee Yoon (Kim Nam-gil) sets out for Gando where
many Koreans have fled to protect their livelihood and nation from Japanese
oppressors in the early twentieth century.
He’s seeking to atone for cruelty to his countrymen, but his story quickly arcs into a
greater quest for the freedom and independence of his nation.
Meantime a woman he’s briefly met – Nam Hee-shin (Seohyun) – who’s engaged to
his former master, Major Lee Gwang-il (Lee Hyun-wook) of the Japanese army, is
secretly plotting to steal funds earmarked for railway construction in support of the
independence movement. Hee-shin enlists assassin for hire, Eon Nyeon (Lee Ho-
jung) to help her.
Coincidentally, Eon Nyeon is also in pursuit of Lee Yoon.
Should I watch?
The series is breathtaking in scope and execution. With a nod to
Hollywood Westerns, it’s also a uniquely Korean take on the genre, painting a vivid
picture of the brutal history of Korea under Japanese oppression a hundred years
ago. Innocent civilians are murdered at will, and cruelty is pervasive.
The storyline is gripping, sophisticated and fast-paced over its brief 9 episodes. The
action scenes are completely OTT as the heroes fight and shoot their way through
relentless violent encounters.
The four main characters are magnificently cast, as is the supporting ensemble. Lee
Yoon is the tortured ex-soldier, burdened by his former outrages. Eon Nyeon as the
hired killer blazes across the screen with no apparent moral compass or misgivings –
she owns every scene she’s in. Lee Gwang-il is the evil soldier trying to prove he’s
more Japanese and ruthless than the Japanese themselves. The fourth in this
quartet, Hee-shin, is almost transparent in her fragility as the love object of both Lee
Yoon and Gwang-il.
Verdict
A tantalisingly inconclusive ending hopefully signposts a second series. With
spectacular visuals, epic action scenes, a narrative that’s a history lesson,
magnificent characters, plus a beautifully moody soundtrack, it’s got a lot to offer.
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