Athena: Goddess of War
Athena: Goddess of War

Athena: Goddess of War

2011TV ShowEnded2 SeasonsKorean

Athena: Goddess of War is a South Korean espionage television drama series broadcast by SBS in 2010 and a spin-off of 2009's Iris. Budgeted at ₩20 billion like its predecessor, the two series are among the most expensive Korean dramas ever produced. Starring Jung Woo-sung, Cha Seung-won, Soo Ae, and Lee Ji-ah, the series premiered in December 2010 after filming in a number of overseas locations, including Italy, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States. The series is set in the same universe as its predecessor, allowing for select characters from Iris to reprise their roles throughout the story.

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Kim Tae-heeGenres: Action, Romance, Thriller, Drama

Plot Summary

A high-stakes political thriller set against the backdrop of a fictional presidential election in South Korea. The story follows a brilliant strategist and a special agent as they uncover a conspiracy within the National Security Service, aimed at controlling the nation through manipulation and violence. Their investigation leads them into a dangerous world of espionage, betrayal, and personal sacrifice as they race against time to expose the truth and prevent a national catastrophe.

Critical Reception

Athena: Goddess of War received mixed reviews. While praised for its high production values, intense action sequences, and star-studded cast, it was criticized for its convoluted plot and sometimes melodramatic tone. The drama struggled to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, 'Iris'.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its slick action and cinematography.
  • Criticized for a convoluted and often illogical storyline.
  • The performances of the lead actors were generally well-received, though the characters were sometimes deemed underdeveloped.

Google audience: Audience reception was generally lukewarm, with many viewers finding the plot difficult to follow and the romantic subplots less engaging than the action. Some appreciated the scale and ambition of the production.

Fun Fact

The drama was filmed in various international locations, including Italy, Japan, and New Zealand, contributing to its high production costs and cinematic feel.

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