Arang in High Definition

I've seen the first 5 episodes of "Arang and the Magistrate" (fantasy/action taking place during the Joseon Dynasty) and have come to conclude that it is a much more entertaining series than Lee Min Ho's "Faith" (though the main character is really supposed to be the High Doctor in "Faith"). Those of you not familiar with the myth/folklore of Arang, you can go here.

   I'll just say firstly, what struck me most was that the story was not bound to any one theme or based upon real life. Well, maybe Lee Joon Gi's character is loosely based on one of the prime minister's sons?? But after 20 minutes into the first episode, one wouldn't care less whether or not any of the characters were based on real people. It's a fantasy/thriller/romance with elements of mystery, not to be confused with being a mystery with elements of fantasy+romance.

   At the least, they get the romance bit out of the way really quickly and by the end of the 2nd episode, there is the fake 'kiss' scene only to lead to quick mystery solving and some Sherlock Holmes style fight scenes (finding clues and getting into trouble.)

   But the main thing that really struck me is the balance of the acting bewteen our hero/heroines and their screen time. Sometimes it's too much when it's Arang and the magistrate on the screen for 5 - 8 minutes at a time in which their romantic interest is supposed to develop but being used to that, I see where those scenes are brought in to pull more userbase in (hence more money for the tv channel).
   The story is totally fantastical and whimsical; a lot of magic is involved and basis on ghosts existing on the earth rather than passing judgement from the Korean Hades. Maybe because it's so whimsical from the start, my expectations were lower. But when I compare this series to "Faith," there are just so much more entertaining scenes and not a lot of mumbo jumbo about 'the king and his haters trying to ascend the throne.'

   The topping on the cake really is the martial arts skill of Lee Joon Gi. I think he definitely picked up a heavy arsenal of fighting skills from his time serving in the military. And on his 'changed look' I realize it's because he's lost a lot of weight. Of course, stress, military service, and strict barrack lifestyle will most likely plummet your kg's quickly. Joon Gi's cheekbones are clearly much more sunken in than before and makes his ears stick out widely especially in that historical magistrate hat piece he wears. Nonetheless, easy on the eyes and his acting is still up to par as before. Lee Joon Gi has had both television work and a few good movies under his belt so his standing easily surpasses Lee Min Ho's on my list of overall actor qualities.

   On a side note, the little banter between the Jade Emperor, King of Heaven (aka Zeus/God) and Yama, King of the Underworld (aka Hades/Satan) are nice little breaks between running through the creepy, foggy forest scenes.

 Lastly, I love these behind the scenes images and especially during craft services ~ a part of production I have a soft spot for, and for all the people involved in feeding tons of people on a movie set.