Netflix Quietly Released One Of The Best Western Shows In Recent Years With This 2023 K-Drama

Netflix quietly released one of the best K-dramas in recent years called Song Of The Bandits in 2023. Netflix is home to many exceptional K-dramas such as its most-watched series of all time, Squid Game, which returns for its highly anticipated second season on December 26, 2024. The rise in popularity of K-dramas and K-pop has produced several global phenomenons in music, film, and television. Some of the K-dramas with the highest budgets are also available to watch on Netflix.

Song Of The Bandits is a historical action western that takes place in the early 20th century. Season 1 of the series spans nine episodes, which were directed by Joon-Jyeok Hwang of Black Dog (2019) acclaim. Song Of The Bandits is set in the tumultuous period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea where a group of people end up in the lawless land of Gando. The Western aspects of the series are some of its most fascinating and immersive qualities. It stars Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, and Yoo Jae-myung.

Netflix Released Song Of The Bandits In 2023 – Why The K-Drama Western Is Worth Watching

It has high critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes

Song of the Bandits received positive reviews after it was released on Netflix on September 22, 2023. It earned a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86% and an audience score of 88%, making it one of the more successful K-Dramas currently streaming on Netflix. Stephanie Morgan of Common Sense Media wrote in her review, “Song of Bandits shines with a captivating setting and heart-pumping action sequences, made all the more fun with its playful soundtrack.”

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Although season 2 has yet to be confirmed, there is a strong push for the series to continue beyond its initial season. Critics also praise the undeniably great production value of the K-drama series. Jonathan Wilson of Ready Set Cut noted, “On a purely technical level Song of the Bandits is inarguably impressive, but it also delivers well-rounded characters whose plights you’ll buy into on a fundamental level.” The Hindu writes, “Fast-paced and filled with twists that carry forth an otherwise slow story, Song of the Bandits makes for an easy, entertaining binge.”

What Makes Song Of The Bandits Stand Out As A Western

It masterfully blends impressive action sequences and classic Western tropes

Song of the Bandits is worth checking out as a modern-day neo-Western because it masterfully blends impressive action sequences and classic Western genre tropes. Pierce Conran of the South China Morning Post writes, “With its dusty vistas, bleeding heroes and a hefty budget to realise its vision, Song of the Bandits has a clear desire to entertain, and it often looks the part. But what this tune is missing is a little soul.” Many of the performances, particularly that of Lee Ho-jung, are exceptional and are another reason to check out Song of the Bandits.