This is one of those shows where the secondary characters shine so much you forget about the story of the main leads.
This drama has a nice backstory and although it's quite typical and it has been repeated a lot in other dramas and movies, keeps you interested.
I loved the funny moments and the most appealing thing for me was the story and relationship of the two brothers as well as the backstories of all the supporting cast, moving, deep and painful but very beautiful.
Also, what an amazing, refreshing and shocking twist at the end! Didn't expect it and I loved it!!! Well done to the writers!
93 Reviews
Breaking to you Gently
nikkiurs3 April 2021
Though the Title seems familiar, some says common and maybe very similar to other Kdramas before. This one, hits amazingly different. Uncomparable. Aside from the fact that I'm a Lee Dong Wook fan, who led me here. I managed to read the storyline on Netflix, A Man version of a nine-tailed fox this got captured me first, then I watched the preview which then I played the very first episode. I thought at first its a progressing story but no. Its 16 eps already completed. Nobody can't stop me, neither myself from watching undisturbed why? The revelations were given with the right mix of a little suspense, thrill, romance and surprise. It makes click, Next Episode, because you would want the next scenes asap!! The last two episodes made me cry like I never cried before. I love the chemistry of the actors. All of them!
AMAZING!
sanafyz30 August 2021
I was not a lee dong wook fan at all. No reason for it. Just didnt like his vibe. Randomly started this show. And damn was it captivating from the first episode. Like wow. From the oldest actor to the you youngest. All of them did an amazing job. Became a lee dong wook fan after this show. His role and character was something to drool over tbh. Anyhow.
Cinematography: 8/10 Would have preferred more graphics and animation for a fantasy show. Like transition from human to nine tailed fox graphics etc.
Musical scores: 10/10 Best i have seen in any kdrama so far! Just amazing. Mesmerizing. Beautiful. Sad everything. The scores were unbelievably good. Like more than the actor i am fangirling over this shows OSTs. Lol.
Acting: 8/10 Felt some character gaps in lee dong wook character when he is supposed to be acting all goofy and cute. Like it didnt feel real. Like it felt like he was acting. Usually in other scenes he was so engrossed in the character it felt like he is his character. This lacked kindof. Boah's acting was good too. Like it was average. Lee rang ( kim beum) emotional range was limited because of the character but somehow his acting seemed like it had more depth than main actor. Dont know why. (Not because i had the second lead syndrome. This drama gave me a very strong first lead syndrome lol. Nothing could overcome LDW role in the show:D ) Side characters acting was also good.
Main lead chemistry : 8/10 (could have been more from female actress side.
Storyline/ Plot: 7/10 there were obvious plot holes like big ones. So thats why the rating is an 8. Else it would be 9. The last episode twist and turns seemed an overkill thats why it never became a 10 star for me.
Script: 8/10 good dialogues , witty and on spot. Suited the characters arc.
Character development:10/10 All good if we exclude acting and plot gaps from role development of actors here.
Overall: 8 BUT still it is a MUST MUST WATCH.
Cinematography: 8/10 Would have preferred more graphics and animation for a fantasy show. Like transition from human to nine tailed fox graphics etc.
Musical scores: 10/10 Best i have seen in any kdrama so far! Just amazing. Mesmerizing. Beautiful. Sad everything. The scores were unbelievably good. Like more than the actor i am fangirling over this shows OSTs. Lol.
Acting: 8/10 Felt some character gaps in lee dong wook character when he is supposed to be acting all goofy and cute. Like it didnt feel real. Like it felt like he was acting. Usually in other scenes he was so engrossed in the character it felt like he is his character. This lacked kindof. Boah's acting was good too. Like it was average. Lee rang ( kim beum) emotional range was limited because of the character but somehow his acting seemed like it had more depth than main actor. Dont know why. (Not because i had the second lead syndrome. This drama gave me a very strong first lead syndrome lol. Nothing could overcome LDW role in the show:D ) Side characters acting was also good.
Main lead chemistry : 8/10 (could have been more from female actress side.
Storyline/ Plot: 7/10 there were obvious plot holes like big ones. So thats why the rating is an 8. Else it would be 9. The last episode twist and turns seemed an overkill thats why it never became a 10 star for me.
Script: 8/10 good dialogues , witty and on spot. Suited the characters arc.
Character development:10/10 All good if we exclude acting and plot gaps from role development of actors here.
Overall: 8 BUT still it is a MUST MUST WATCH.
Must-watch!
helloeponine25 October 2020
This is my first time writing a review, I had to write this because it's been a really long time since I last watched such a beautiful drama!
Only 6 episodes so far, but it's getting better and better, and a lot of secrets are yet to be revealed. Lee Dong-wook has really nailed the role, he's just the perfect actor for Yeon's character. All the actors have played their roles very well to he honest. I never for a second got bored or thought that it's going slowly, I'm enjoying all of it. It's already one of my top 5 favorite kdramas. It's very sad, yet heartwarming... it will make you smile, laugh and cry. I only hope that it won't have a sad ending, because I really can't get over sad endings.
Breathtaking!
Nikkdramafan28 November 2020
Just finished watching episodes 13 and 14, and I am astonished at how mesmerizing this series is...
I'm not always a huge fan of fantasy... it has to be very well done for me to be even moderately interested. So many fantasy shows are just cheesy and poorly executed. But this... this is incredible!
It is so well - written and tightly plotted...the story just slays, it is so fresh!
The direction is perfectly handled, giving room for the story and the actors to breathe... production values are amazing, and the acting is exceptional for a fantasy series...
The actors' chemistry is on fire, not only between Lee Dong-Wook and Jo Bo-Ah, who play the lead characters, but also between each of them and Kim Bum, who plays the half-gumiho, half-human brother... I have read that there is also some improv happening, which just completely blows my mind! If the director is allowing/encouraging that, then you know you have some superbly talented actors in the production... Supporting actors Hwang Hee, Kim Yong-Ji, and Lee Tae-Ri are also putting in stellar work here. Character development is everything, and it is not lacking anywhere... If you happen to be a music lover, you may find yourself exploring the work of the artists on the soundtrack... Blue Moon, by Kim Jong-Wan (NELL), is the perfect theme: moody, intense, and soulful...
Granted, there are 2 episodes left, so I suppose things could spin massively out of control, but having not once been disappointed by anything this far in, I think we're good...
This is everything to love in one amazing package... Is there anyway possible to do it again?
Must Watch
akashpriyanka4 December 2020
I never review but...
abumchi-s10 June 2023
This is a brilliant show - not sure how they got it so right, but they did. The storyline, the casting and the production quality are all so impressive. I mostly watch Western and Nollywood, but hadn't watched a Korean show before this one so I wasn't sure what to expect. Oh my goodness, I'm hooked. Watch it, WATCH IT.
Who are these actors and where have they been all my life?
Lee Dong-Wook, Kim Sang Bum, (the mini-series: Tale of the Nine Tailed: An Unfinished Story was too cute), Kim Yong Ji, Hwang Hee, Ahn Gil-Gang and Jung Si Yul are now my favourite actors.
(Thank You So MUCH Amazon Prime, more of these types of shows please)
Who are these actors and where have they been all my life?
Lee Dong-Wook, Kim Sang Bum, (the mini-series: Tale of the Nine Tailed: An Unfinished Story was too cute), Kim Yong Ji, Hwang Hee, Ahn Gil-Gang and Jung Si Yul are now my favourite actors.
(Thank You So MUCH Amazon Prime, more of these types of shows please)
Okay
elsamirre9 December 2022
I had high expectations, as most of the reviews were really enthusiastic. Besides I like most of the actors. Truth is this drama is very good. The scenery, the acting, the plot, the music, everything is very good. I have no idea why I still got bored. So much so that I managed to go to bed without problem, without trying to scrape even a second. I even managed to watch several other dramas between episode 10 and 14. Not once did I feel the urge to go back to this one. I only finished so I could add it to my list.
What in the world happened? I think too many twists and turns, and side stories, and no real development of the romance. The chemistry was bad if you ask me. Same girl in Bulgasal, OMG! I didn't like Bulgasal either, but whenever the leads were near each other, I couldn't stand still. Their chemistry was phenomenal. In this drama, it felt like the real love story was between Yeon and his brother. That was actually what kept me interested. A bit.
The last scene is mentionned nowhere in the comments. How come? It ruins everything. (assuming there was something to ruin) Because of it, the great love feels like a scam, Yeon comes off as deceptive and manipulative (several time throughout the story actually).
So. Everything was good, but apart from the bromance, it left no impression.
What in the world happened? I think too many twists and turns, and side stories, and no real development of the romance. The chemistry was bad if you ask me. Same girl in Bulgasal, OMG! I didn't like Bulgasal either, but whenever the leads were near each other, I couldn't stand still. Their chemistry was phenomenal. In this drama, it felt like the real love story was between Yeon and his brother. That was actually what kept me interested. A bit.
The last scene is mentionned nowhere in the comments. How come? It ruins everything. (assuming there was something to ruin) Because of it, the great love feels like a scam, Yeon comes off as deceptive and manipulative (several time throughout the story actually).
So. Everything was good, but apart from the bromance, it left no impression.
He Finally Got The Role That Embodies Him!!!
Chaokage19 December 2020
I cannot be happier for my buddy Lee Dong-Wook for this part. I watched him in Touch Your Heart but the part really did not suit him at all. This series, finally, made my wishes come true and showed me what I wanted to see. You can even see his personality shine through his character. I enjoyed every bit of this series and the finale was so emotional with an amazing ending scene that will excite, thrill and confuse you. This series ticked everything I wanted to see from romance, comedy to melodrama. Congrats to Lee Dong-Wook.
I expected a bit more
Misss2525 January 2022
This drama is about a nine-tailed fox and human girl love. In this drama, the nine-tailed fox has been waiting for his love for 600 years who he killed with his own hand earlier. So, why did he kill his love?
This is the first drama that presented side characters so beautifully, they didn't look or felt less. I love their brotherhood, it is so amazingly shown. I wished for some time if I had a bro like Rang for some time. Besides,Shin Joo's greatfulness amazed me most of the time. But, I don't like the female lead and the male lead chemistry , dunno why?
I love Korean fictional dramas, they are funny, and are eye-catching. But, I feel like something is missing. How can so powerful fox be so helpless? And why, whenever any problem arises, there is no way to solve it? Like they are just dragging. I felt bore at the end. I never feel that way while watching a Korean drama.
This is the first drama that presented side characters so beautifully, they didn't look or felt less. I love their brotherhood, it is so amazingly shown. I wished for some time if I had a bro like Rang for some time. Besides,Shin Joo's greatfulness amazed me most of the time. But, I don't like the female lead and the male lead chemistry , dunno why?
I love Korean fictional dramas, they are funny, and are eye-catching. But, I feel like something is missing. How can so powerful fox be so helpless? And why, whenever any problem arises, there is no way to solve it? Like they are just dragging. I felt bore at the end. I never feel that way while watching a Korean drama.
Ep 15 & 16
friga_sr4 December 2020
These episodes offered the best among others. You'll be surprised how the story being twisted and really ended. Prepare your tissues as the story will tear your apart between sadness and happiness.. Yet, this is the most satisfying korean drama ending ever seen for me.. Good job!
AMAZING
scarlletdoria4 December 2020
Get out your mint chocolate chip ice cream and binge.
Bernie444410 March 2024
First of all, warning, this critter is only in Korean voice. Ther are English subtitles, but you will have to choose the subtitles or the picture as everything is moving so fast. I chose the pause button. The only problem with this is I was watching on Amazon TV and the Amazon extra information covers up the subtitles. So, you will have to get used to the pause and back buttons. Watching on the computer does not have the Amazon problem. Spanish, French, or German you can tell if the subtitles are correct. However, with Korean you will just have to trust them. Every once in a while, English creeps in; so, I wonder if English crept into the language? It looks as some of the episode ending credits have English titles.
The nine-tailed fox (Chinese: pinyin) is a mythical fox entity originating from Chinese mythology.
The show starts out with a quote similar to: "When a fox is fifty years old, it can transform itself into a woman; when a hundred years old, it becomes a beautiful female, or a spirit medium, or an adult male who has sexual intercourse with women. Such beings are able to know things at more than a thousand miles' distance; they can poison men by sorcery, or possess and bewilder them, so that they lose their memory and knowledge; and when a fox is a thousand years old, it ascends to heaven and becomes a celestial fox." - from the book "The Cult of the Fox: Power, Gender, and Popular Religion in Late Imperial and Modern China" by Xiaofei Kang
Back to the series, this appears to be a soap opera with a tad of magic tossed in. Ther seem to be a few leaping lizard scenes like that of the Matrix. And it did not take them long to use the flashlight gimmick where no one knows how to use a light switch. Many of the scenes are darker than they need to be (not evil dark, not enough lighting.)
We are starting to get a few flashbacks as fillers and reminders. Ther are some nice twists and turns as we are figuring out what is happening and why.
Eventually many loose ends will be tied.
Be prepared as there are only going to be 16 episodes in season one. Then you will be scraping the bottom of your mint chocolate chip ice cream container.
It is nicely wrapped up. No wait what is this a season 2 who knew?
Yep 12 episodes of the same thing. If you like the same thing, you are in for a treat as it does not let down. If you are expecting a revelation forget it the first season is enough.
The nine-tailed fox (Chinese: pinyin) is a mythical fox entity originating from Chinese mythology.
The show starts out with a quote similar to: "When a fox is fifty years old, it can transform itself into a woman; when a hundred years old, it becomes a beautiful female, or a spirit medium, or an adult male who has sexual intercourse with women. Such beings are able to know things at more than a thousand miles' distance; they can poison men by sorcery, or possess and bewilder them, so that they lose their memory and knowledge; and when a fox is a thousand years old, it ascends to heaven and becomes a celestial fox." - from the book "The Cult of the Fox: Power, Gender, and Popular Religion in Late Imperial and Modern China" by Xiaofei Kang
Back to the series, this appears to be a soap opera with a tad of magic tossed in. Ther seem to be a few leaping lizard scenes like that of the Matrix. And it did not take them long to use the flashlight gimmick where no one knows how to use a light switch. Many of the scenes are darker than they need to be (not evil dark, not enough lighting.)
We are starting to get a few flashbacks as fillers and reminders. Ther are some nice twists and turns as we are figuring out what is happening and why.
Eventually many loose ends will be tied.
Be prepared as there are only going to be 16 episodes in season one. Then you will be scraping the bottom of your mint chocolate chip ice cream container.
It is nicely wrapped up. No wait what is this a season 2 who knew?
Yep 12 episodes of the same thing. If you like the same thing, you are in for a treat as it does not let down. If you are expecting a revelation forget it the first season is enough.
Cloying and sentimental
ellenj-1157315 December 2023
Way too sentimental-sometimes the writers didn't seem to know how to add variety to the plot. Having not one but TWO reunions with the parents was a bit much-even if one reunion was a fantasy. Jia seemed childlike and one-dimensional-and it wasn't believable that she was the object of Yeon's fascination for 600 years. I did appreciate the fact that Yeon wasn't your standard pretty-boy Korean hero, and that he had a unique look.
Special effects were lacking. If you're going to do a series about a nine-tailed fox, the audience should catch a glimpse of him looking like an actual fox now and then. Same goes for the serpent. Endless, endless threats to the lives of Yeon or Jia throughout the series made the ending a tedious anticlimax. Too much concentration on food in scene after scene. Whenever one of the bad guys was supposed to be in "evil" mode he/she smirked constantly--an overused device. The background music was saccharine without being moving and effective. Seemed like a fairly low-budget production.
Special effects were lacking. If you're going to do a series about a nine-tailed fox, the audience should catch a glimpse of him looking like an actual fox now and then. Same goes for the serpent. Endless, endless threats to the lives of Yeon or Jia throughout the series made the ending a tedious anticlimax. Too much concentration on food in scene after scene. Whenever one of the bad guys was supposed to be in "evil" mode he/she smirked constantly--an overused device. The background music was saccharine without being moving and effective. Seemed like a fairly low-budget production.
Really enjoyed but also confused
madskmace16 December 2020
I really really enjoyed this drama, up until the very last scene of the entire series. I didn't question a lot as it's a fantasy, and we know how carried away the writers get with fantasy dramas. There were some amazing characters in this, most notably Lee Rang and Ji Ah, and i really enjoyed their respective character arcs. But the last scene had me scratching my head as to why they ended it that way??
A Must Watch!
Nikkdramafan19 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was right! Episode 15 & 16 were even better than hoped for... True, there are bittersweet moments in this series, but that's what breaks your heart and makes you appreciate the good, just like in life... Also, the surprise at the end was perfect! and completely unexpected...
There have been a number of excellent shows this year, but this one, for me, really was a standout! Massive appreciation to everyone involved in this series, in a year when so much of real life was a trash pile...
Episode 8 and 9!
faritanahar11 November 2020
These two episodes are mind blowing. Very thrilling and emotional. Didn't expect the twist at the end. I think Lee DongWook did a great job. He's quirky and good looking. Looking forward to rest of the episodes. Let's hope there's more thrill and romance.
Lee yeon and lee rang were highlight of this show
atefeh_kv21 March 2023
Literally everyone i know that doesn't like this show agree on the fact that the romance and how narcissistic the main couple were, are the problem.
I could only watch it till the end cause of lee rang and his relationship with his brother At first lee dong wook's Character, lee yeon, was really annoying but it got better as the show went on I couldn't tolerate Female lead because it looked like she has nothing to offer except a sad backstory and being a love interest Looking forward to season 2 as it is promised to focus on lee rang and lee yeon Hopefully the writers did a better job this time.
I could only watch it till the end cause of lee rang and his relationship with his brother At first lee dong wook's Character, lee yeon, was really annoying but it got better as the show went on I couldn't tolerate Female lead because it looked like she has nothing to offer except a sad backstory and being a love interest Looking forward to season 2 as it is promised to focus on lee rang and lee yeon Hopefully the writers did a better job this time.
Well, not my favorite
grivoula19 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I expected more from this drama. I am a little dissapointed. I will start with the goof stuff :
a) Winsome cast, b) nice acting from Lee Dong-Wook and Jo Bo-ah(quite a match) ,c) bromance between the two brothers and the vet(which gave the show a comedy touch) , d) it becomes better at the end. However the scenario didn't win me. It has lots of gaps, such as how Nam Jih ah grew up by herself (she was only 9 years old and her uncle let her alone at her family's house ? ) and when Yeon and Nam Ji-ah got so close with each other at first place . At the begging of the series, some episodes are rather weird, for example the episode with the fishermen (what the hell was that?). Moreover while I was watching the first episodes, I couldn't catch up with the story and I was really confused. Nevertheless the 8th episode cleared the air for me by bringing up the whole story . After that, it became boring in some episodes and Nam Jih ah and her fate overshadowed the rest story.
Unexpectedly Good
Che-rryS15 June 2023
I liked the first season but there were some gaps and the ending wasn't enjoyable for me, overall it was good, when I found out that the second season is coming and the trailer was pretty good I was so happy, the second season started great and ended amazing, I thought I will be kind of sad when it ends but unexpectedly I was truly satisfied and happy, the writing is amazing like the last episode was so enjoyable and great, if you like the genres give it a shot, I don't usually recommend but I kinda want to recommend this everywhere lol, maybe I'm just in my happy bubbly feelings after the last episode xD.
not bad just not for me
backnblack-0612331 January 2022
100% fun watch
mousey-manisha15 December 2021
Enjoyed it
wheatley-2023018 January 2024
Monsters and myths are not my usual viewing preferences, but I have sufficient faith in k dramas to give such stories a chance and so ended up watching this.
The love story at the centre of this series was sufficiently engaging to transcend my viewing preferences and draw me in. Both the actors playing those lovers give committed performances. Lee Dong-wook has impressed me previously, but Jo Bo-ah, who I have not seen before, was the heart and soul of this drama. I look forward to seeing her again.
So I watched this from start to end and did enjoy it. But it never quite hit the heights I hope for from a k drama. Perhaps that is because I could not invest in the non-human characters as much as I might have done.
The love story at the centre of this series was sufficiently engaging to transcend my viewing preferences and draw me in. Both the actors playing those lovers give committed performances. Lee Dong-wook has impressed me previously, but Jo Bo-ah, who I have not seen before, was the heart and soul of this drama. I look forward to seeing her again.
So I watched this from start to end and did enjoy it. But it never quite hit the heights I hope for from a k drama. Perhaps that is because I could not invest in the non-human characters as much as I might have done.
Just skip it all till the finale.
Mr_Avenger9 July 2021
I harldy managed to watch it till the end(It takes me almost a month to finish this drama). I am really shocked how come this drama was so positively taken! Episodes of the beginning were tolerable. But as the story grows, gap in the story surges. I am not a fantasy lover but this one was really confused and over stuffed. Moreover , everything in this drama happened just for saving the lead man.
The only positive for me was the last episode (it was the only not-boring episode) and the characters of Lee Rang ,Yoo-ri and Soo-oh. There are also a nice moral message concerning the love between family members and the mutual aid.
UPDATE after S2 : Season 2 totally worth to watch it! There are a lot of action scenes , fill with funny dialogues ,great costumes and interesting inside stories. Of course , it lefts many questions. But in contrast with the s1 ,that was a level up.
The only positive for me was the last episode (it was the only not-boring episode) and the characters of Lee Rang ,Yoo-ri and Soo-oh. There are also a nice moral message concerning the love between family members and the mutual aid.
UPDATE after S2 : Season 2 totally worth to watch it! There are a lot of action scenes , fill with funny dialogues ,great costumes and interesting inside stories. Of course , it lefts many questions. But in contrast with the s1 ,that was a level up.
The eyebrows have it
chilligrrl14 March 2022
I was wondering what part of this tall skinny main guy was appealing, and it took 15 episodes to realise it's his eyebrows. They have their own beat and express so much and pretty much tell the whole tale! The story was good with lots of twists, turns, good, bad, evil, food, animals etc, but I could have done without the initial puppy scene which was a bit upsetting to me.
It's an interesting fairytale meets real world scenario, a bit unrealistic if you want to apply it to our current world, but hey, this is tv and let your imagination just run with it and enjoy the show and forget about life for a while.
They've set the scene for a follow-up, whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but somehow I think I'd watch it, these foxes are cunning!
It's an interesting fairytale meets real world scenario, a bit unrealistic if you want to apply it to our current world, but hey, this is tv and let your imagination just run with it and enjoy the show and forget about life for a while.
They've set the scene for a follow-up, whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but somehow I think I'd watch it, these foxes are cunning!
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