I can’t really call this mini series entertainment. It will not leave you Joyful or at Peace. But it is an excellent character study and if one watches in Wisdom, then One can learn a lot from this series. First of all I have to say that the performances by all the characters were exemplary….there are no weak points except I would have rather seen someone like Ahn Nae Sung play Timur. But the standouts to me were Ji Chang Wook as Emperor Toghorn (Ta Hwan ) and Lee Moon Shik as Bang Shin Woo (The Goryean Emperor’s sidekick). Ji was beyond awesome. He conveys his character in such a way that you can always see elements of your own self at work. The insecurities, the rush to make judgements without adequate investigation….anger because we are fearful we will lose an integral part of ourselves. I am not one to cry, even in extreme challenges….but I cried in sadness at the last scene of the movie. So much time we waste in life in negativity.

Lee Moon Shik as Bang, was like a light in the darkness. His ability to express great Joy and sadness, was really touching…and his character will remain in my heart as a guide. A guide to always try to express great caring for all life.

It was exhausting to watch this series…..there are very few “happy times”. No one wins….everyone loses something. But I am better for watching it. I will rethink these scenarios many times…..trying to find my own Victory’s of enlightenment.

I give a secondary heads up to Kim Jin Mo’s characterization of Tal Tal. You watch with such great compassion the choices he has to make and wonder what we would have done in the same situation. His portrayal is often gut-wrenching and visceral. Will we be Honorable, no matter the cost?