History in Films

After Jo In-sung's role in A Frozen Flower, he comes back in a historical movie as the famous Yang Manchun, commander of Goguryeo's Ansi Fortress, in The Great Battle. The Great Battle in Ansi Fortress was one of the decisive battles that shaped the Goguryeo-Tang Wars. Goguryeo was in its waning years and was suffering from domestic problems and the constant threats from Silla and Baekje. The Ducal Family of Li had overthrown the Sui Dynasty and has unified China. The 2nd emperor, Taizong, set his eyes on Goguryeo, with plans of absorbing the Liaodong Peninsula. Yang Manchun was the commander of Ansi Fortress during the 1st Goguryeo-Tang Wars. Yang was in a direct, personal conflict with the generalissimo Yeon Gaesomun, who snatched State powers away by killing King Yeongnyu and installing King Bojang on the throne. Yang was one of the dissatisfied leaders and did not support Yeon on his coup. Due to this, Yeon Gaesomun was not keen on saving Ansi Fortress from Tang...

As I was searching for another historical drama to watch, I came upon a set of good reviews and comments about a recent C-Drama that took Asia "by storm." Having the penchant for historical dramas, I decided to peek about this drama. The Story of Yanxi Palace may be the typical story of a young woman going up the ranks in the imperial harem, but it is also a story which anchors on history. Set during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the drama series is focused on the life, love, laughter, and loss of the Yanxi Palace Mistress, Wei Yingluo. Wei Yingluo's character developed from a simple-minded person trying to inflict revenge against her sister's killers, to a person becoming embroiled in harem politics due to her loyalty to the Empress and finding love within. Her tragic lovestory with Fuca Fuheng and unexpectedly joining the harem, this 70-episode drama would give you the feeling of 'kilig,' sorrow and even the satisfaction of prevailing...