7.1
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The Return of Iljimae
2009·Show
·24Episodes in1Season·
The Return of Iljimae fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Thrilling and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
- Adrenaline7
- Fast Pace7
- Tension6
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Hopefulness6
- Catharsis6
- Coming of Age5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Physical Comedy3
- Situational Comedy2
World
History and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Intrigue8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighThrilling and fast-paced
Fast from start to finish.
The Return of Iljimae is thrilling and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumHistory and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics5Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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| Episode 1 |
About
The Return of Iljimae is a 2009 South Korean historical action television series, starring Jung Il-woo in the title role of Iljimae, Yoon Jin-seo, Kim Min-jong and Jung Hye-young. It aired on MBC from January 21 to April 9, 2009 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 24 episodes.
The series is based on comic strip Iljimae, published between 1975 and 1977, by Ko Woo-yung which was based on a Chinese folklore from the Ming dynasty about a masked Robin Hood-esque character during the Joseon era. MBC bought the rights to the comic strip for their adaptation, which was to star Lee Seung-gi in the title role of Iljimae. However he pulled out and was replaced by Jung, which makes him the third Korean actor to play the hero following Jang Dong-gun and Lee Joon-gi for Iljimae.
Joseon EraHistorical ActionMasked VigilanteKorean DramaSocial JusticeHeroic QuestIntriguing PlotMartial ArtsUnderdog Story
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Return of Iljimae
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Return of Iljimae worth watching?
57
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 58/100 (IMDb 7.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Return of Iljimae rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How many seasons does The Return of Iljimae have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 24 episodes.
Is The Return of Iljimae based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a comic.
When did The Return of Iljimae air?
S1
It ran from 2009 to 2009 and has ended.
What language is The Return of Iljimae in?
Korean
It was made in Korean. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch The Return of Iljimae?
36
+22
+22GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Return of Iljimae in 36 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.