Web Show Review: ‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ - A Tantalizing Tale of a Romantic Fox

Source - Stanford Art

“History has a way of repeating itself. But if you are willing to change it, you can and you will.”

This 2020 supernatural Korean drama will blow your mind with its rich story line, epic cast introduction and much more. If you are looking for a drama that can give you the ultimate freaks and surprises then this is the one. If you are still deciding to watch it or not, here’s why you should.

Introduction

Show’s Name - Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)

Directed by - Kang Shin-hyo & Jo Nam-hyung

No. of Episodes - 16

Genre - Fantasy, Action, Romance, Drama, Suspense, Supernatural

Original Language - Korean (available with English Subtitles)

An Amazing Cast

Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yeon

Jo Bo Ah as Nam Ji Ah

Kim Beom as Lee Rang

Kim Yong Ji as Ki Yoo-ri

Lee Tae-ri as Lee Ryong

Hwang Hee as Shin Joo

Ahn Kil Kang as Hyun Eui Ong

Kim Jung-nan as Taluipa 

Plot

The tale is about a legendary creature called the nine-tailed fox who seduces the innocent in order to satisfy the craving for human flesh. Though very few in this modern age believe in the stories of the past and such creatures, like Nam Ji Ah (Jo Bo Ah), are convinced the legends of the old are true and full of facts more than fiction.

Determined to prove that monsters still lurk in their world, Ji Ah piles her talent as a television producer to create a show to do just that. During one of her pursuits she comes across Lee Yeon (the nine-tailed fox) and convinced there is more to this man she keeps a close watch on him.

A nine-tailed fox who has only recently settled in the city and fully aware Ji Ah is tracking him, he does little to arouse her suspicion. But soon his blood-thirsty half fox and half human step-brother, Lee Rang shows up. 

In his journey, Lee Yeon is joined by his vengeful step-brother, Imoogi (a mythical serpent), the traitor of the west, other foxes and mythical beings. A certain history has been repeating itself that involves Ji Ah and Lee Yeon. It stands to see if they will succumb to it yet again or will their fate change.

First Impression - Drama Review

The journey of watching this drama weekly has been worth it. As aforementioned the drama lives up to its epic and rich story line making it the best mythical drama of the year 2020. Watching such dramas often elicit interest in Korean mythologies and their grand presentation through wonderful performances by the cast.

Just knowing that Lee Dong Wook was back on the screen after his lead role in the drama ‘Touch Your Heart’ made me excited and that’s when I decided to watch this show even before it's trailer was out. The very title of the drama was enough to make people, especially Korean drama lovers curious. And I was just one amongst them.

For an actor nearing 40 he still has the very dashing and charming looks that he successfully portrays into all his characters. His iconic portrayal of a grim reaper in ‘Goblin: The lonely and Great God’ secured permission to go for a modern day nine-tailed fox with his arresting features.

The episodes beautifully present hints and build the plot as the story continues. While some relationships are complicated and entangled in the drama they do not disappoint the audience, in fact that’s what keeps us engaged and curious. 

Let me tell you one last thing, the drama is a blend of many evil characters like Lee Rang and watching Kim Beom play that character on screen made me crazily happy. He indeed was the ultimate fit to a role so diverse in its concept. 

Key Highlights - Spoiler Alert!

1. The Encounter - A part of Imoogi residing inside Ji Ah finally meets Lee Yeon. He is astonished and cannot make out which of his enemies from the past resides inside her.

Source - Meaww

2. Lee Yeon’s First Appearance with his Nine Tails

Source - Meaww

3. History has ways of repeating itself - 600 years ago.

Source - Soompi

4. Modern Day 1000 Year Old Fox is all about Mint Ice Cream

Source - KStarLive

5. Imoogi meets Imoogi 

Source - Dramabeans

6. Finale - Lee Rang’s Sacrifice (but there’s more to the story and I will leave that for you to watch it).

Source - Dramabeans

Personal Verdict in One Sentence

Apart from its absolutely immaculate story line the drama gives a proper ending to all its stories which is the best part and unlike most other mythical dramas that would leave the plot hanging.  

The Bottom Line

Though you may find many scenes boring and predictable as it goes, the drama has its ways of getting you hooked up. Hence, I suggest you give it a watch once. 

My ratings for the show - 5 on 5

You may watch the show on - Netflix 

For free, you can watch the show on - Viki

Written By - Umme-Aiman