Iljimae

Iljimae

• Title: 일지매 (一枝梅) / Iljimae
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Episodes: 20
• Broadcast network: SBS
• Broadcast period: 2008-May-21 to 2008-Jul-24
• Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Synopsis: Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Yong acted as a hooligan in the marketplace by day but at night he was a thief who robbed corrupted government officials to give to the poor. After each robbery he left behind a painting depicting a plum tree branch to make his mark and was thus named Iljimae. His main purpose was not so much to rob but to search for the owner of a specially designed sword which he saw as a child was used to kill his father, a loyal subject of the emperor. Eun Chae is a government official's daughter who despite her upbringing has a lot of empathy towards the poor. She met Iljimae by chance and couldn't help admiring him for what he stood for even though she had never seen his face.

My Comments: This was my first historical drama and I was reluctant to give it a try. But, I am VERY glad that I did. Iljimae was unlike any drama I've watched before. The characters are so interesting and you cannot help but like them. The plot was highly intriguing and each episode had me glued to the screen. The storyline had a great balance of happy, funny, sad and suspense. While this drama is mostly a sad one, in that the characters go through so much in their short lives, their humor offsets the sadness, so that you not completely devastated throughout the whole drama. I really enjoyed this one and finished it entirely in a single weekend! The ending however, was a little disappointing, but still works. It's one of those most-hated open endings. Where you are simply left with the clues to figure out what happened, but you're not blatantly shown. However, it is still VERY much worth watching!

Looney Express gives Iljimae a 4/5.