Seondal: O Homem que Vendeu o Rio (2016)

After seeing this movie so many times, I can say that I fall in love with it!
The story was quite simple but very enjoyable, the three main characters have a great chemistry which is one of the reasons you’ll probably not get bored during those 2 hours!
Yoo Seung Ho (Kim Seon Dal) suit so well historical character and this time wasn't an exception, he did an amazing job portraying this character. Go Chang Seok (Bo Won) on the other hand was hilarious: a good buddy that only goes with funny as his surname. Ra Miran character and "Gyon" were what I would call the "peaceful ones”, they brought this vibe that make you feel just fine. I really appreciated those two characters for their simplicity.

To sum up, if you want something to watch not too complicated that doesn’t require to be fully focused, this is for you! This movie has funny, serious, sad moment and bring its share of emotion.

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Being the first Korean movie I've watched in my time, Seondal: The Man who Sold the River had a lot to live up to. I had high expectations, told by my friends that Korean movies had a certain charm to them within their storytelling. Of course, being a fan of EXO, I decided to start with Seondal, with the guest star of Kim Minseok [Xiumin], who played Gyeon.

From the start of Seondal, I found myself hypnotised. The storyline played out beautifully, fully capturing your attention from the start. With a harrowing beginning of war and loss, it's hard not to feel for the characters at the start. The first thing I noticed was Seungho Yoo, playing the main character - Kim Inhong aka Kim Seondal. His acting as our main character shows within the first few minutes as his honourable character begins with his protective nature and charm. Seungho really creates a character that is likeable from the beginning - even though we know Inhong is written out and scripted, Seungho brings a truly amazing feeling to the character and truly makes Inhong his own.
Following on from Seungho as Inhong, there is also Kim Minseok as Gyeong. An idol that I have grown to be quite fond of over the past year, Gyeong was a character that I was very much looking forward to meeting in this film, and my expectations were definitely not let down. Kim Minseok brings to Gyeong a side of the character that felt playful, but still serious. Along with his own heroic and honourable actions, it's hard not to fall in love with this misshapen small family of crooks.

The storyline itself of family, loss, and revenge truly shows the spirit of this film. A storyline that's often overdone in a lot of genres and in many countries nowadays, this film truly brings to light how it all connects together. It's been a while since I watched a film about family and it was as connected and well done as Seondal is. There's a connection between all the characters, and as well done as the film has been made, it's obvious that they all had a lot of fun filming it. When you can see this, I believe it truly makes the film even better, showing that the actors truly enjoyed themselves.

Overall, this film truly has a lot of charm to it. With its mix of comedy but yet darker storylines, innocence and the ruining of innocence, and the reminder of war throughout, this touched my heart in ways I never expected this film to do. I found throughout this I felt every emotion that the producers wanted us to, and I found myself in tears numerous times. If you've never watched a Korean film before - I recommend this is your first one. If you are looking for another film to watch, I recommend this. It's a work of art, and I will definitely be watching this plenty more times in the future.

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It was okay.

This was confusingly dark but ended up really simplified into a traditionally dichotomous good guy vs bad guy story. It was interesting how they portrayed capitalism and its far-reaching impacts on war, modern slavery and corruption. All that being said, it didn't reaalllly make a stand of any sort. Just a passing glimpse at a bigger picture. Honestly, I think that's what happens when the comedy tag gets attached, but it's better than a vapid, toxic romedy that put the women's movement 20 years behind.

The acting was entertaining and the visuals were nice. Just turn off your brain and enjoy an enjoyable sageuk.

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everyone is besotted by Kim Seon Dal, which i get - he is a good looking guy (personally though cute), but Gyun stole my heart, he wasn't just naïve - he was too pure for that period in time, surrounded by bad ruthless guys. only someone with tougher skin would survive. after the initial meeting (the 3 slaves meet) whenever i saw him again, had a gut feeling he was gonna be "sacrificed" so we would cry our eyes out. didn't guess wrong.

btw the letter Kim Seon Dal gave him, misleading him into thinking it was for the tailor, wasn't translated so could only guess what was written, from what followed. which was a shame. but it is what it is. and didn't get Kim Seon Dal logic, yeah Gyun needed to be protected, but sending him off on his own with money, when everyone in the gang knew he was a sweet hearted push-over, who couldn't really defend himself. how that work?!? no logic there.

interesting funny take on a period piece, other then the ML and Gyun liked the King, Hyo Jong (who even though didn't have much screen time, wasn't a pushover puppet King that the advisers used however they wanted). also liked seeing Lee Wan (Jun Suk Ho) the commander of the kings knights , remember him fondly from Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

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When plot is just as good as the visuals you get a certain sense of satisfaction in believing that every reviewer was perhaps actually rating it based on the plot, lol.

Anyhow, the plot was actually pretty good, how it played out or was delivered was also pretty good. Characterizations were good and endearing all in their own ways. Casting was good and none too focused on visuals.

The cinematography was good. Basically, it was overall a good movie to watch, and I'm glad it was a movie because if it were dragged out in a drama it would've failed miserably. Pacing was good for a movie.

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This is such a good movie! Great rewatch value. Just funny, and touching and so adorable. Xiumin is super cute as the lackey Gyeon to a group of swindlers led by Kim Seondal (Yoo Seung-ho) who is infamous for his wit and intelligence. It's so much fun watching them trick people out of their money but when Seondal robs tons of tobacco from some dangerous people is when the trouble begins. Excellent casting, and even though it gets pretty dark at one point it's still overall not as dark. The tone remains light. But it's so funny and Yoo Seung-ho and Xiumin bromance is the highlight of the movie for sure.

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Great movie! This was simple, easy to follow, but also smart and the characters are also quite complex.

The story is quite simple, and it is well paced. The time is spanned out well.

I absolutely loved and adored the characters within the movie, especially our hero - who is just so beautiful might I add. The guest star of the king also made this movie better.

The music score was excellent and set out the pacing and overall mood of the story perfectly.

The only negative thing about this movie is that the ending seemed a little rushed, despite the excellent pacing of the story from beginning to end.

There is little to no romance involved - so I’d you’re looking for historical romance, this ain’t it.

However if you want a feel good movie (with quite a bit of action, tragedy and fighting) then this is the historical movie for you!

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I tried to watch this movie because of Xiumin but unexpectedly it is a really good movie. The story is well written and great plot of course. Im very satisfied with the ending and the closing. I love the swindler tactics. The cast is good too, i love their characters also good acting. The only minus for casting is the cabaret girl. I don't like her since she appeared then she appear again and again. I I rarely give nice score and nice review because im not watching many drama but this one is worth the time. My heart breaks one time. Will watch it again when i have free time.

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