Actually, I have't watch the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart. I have read so much reviews about it but due to the fact that I'm not really a fan of Historical Dramas, that's why I don't have any idea of the flow or the story of Scarlet Heart (Korean version).
The story is enough proof of the adaption but nevertheless it gives identity to the korean adaption. The story was fantastic. It highlights not only revenge, love, friendship but also the history-drama itself. The actors was well picked. The main lead (IU and Joon Gi) have a great chemistry tho even I really like Hae Soo and Wook but after the next episodes, I begun appreciating the chemistry between the two main leads. IU, as the main female lead, was a brilliant actress. She portrayed her role very well as Hae Soo. I was affected on her scenes. There's too much words to say how I love her. As for the 4th Prince, he delivered his role well. I love the fact that he calls Hae Soo "my person" lol. I feel sad for him through out the story for how his mother hate him that much but the fact that he love him that much even though he's always left out.
The cinematography and the scenes was well prepared. It seems that everything was in place. The music adds, creates and builds emotions in the story. The music was fabulous. The background songs used in the scenes makes me cring, laugh, smile, shout, cry and cry again.
I may say that my love for Moon Lovers was 100/10. There's too much words that I can't explain on how Moon Lovers can catch your heart, just like what happened to me.
YOU MUST WATCH IT!!!
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this drama will leave you traumatised
i don't know why i did this to myself by rewatching this drama as i'm now traumatised for the second time and fuming with anger. the end is so heartbreaking and unsatisfying. the least they could do is at least show us a snippet of wang so and hae soo meeting each other in modern life and being happy but NO... it had to be a sad, heart wrenching ending.wang so swore to never leave hae soo, he said the throne was nothing to him if he couldn't live without hae soo but in the end, he also became deluded by the idea of being on top of the world. had he not made this choice in the first place, he wouldn't have lost hae soo at all and they would have lived together, away from the palace, happily ever after.
also, hae soo crying in modern life and apologising for leaving wang so alone? WANG SO was the one who abandoned YOU. if anything, he should have felt all the regret, not her.
and most heartbreaking to me of all was the death of wang eun and his wife. i will never understand why the writers chose to do something as cruel as this. they didn't deserve and ending like that the slightest.
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Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a VERY complex drama. And therefore, it left me with very confused emotions in the end.
For start, the entire plot of the drama had incredible potential. But somehow it got weary in the middle, ultimately losing its charm. I love a good tragedy and this could've been a good one. But the drama's failures and flaws outweighed the good ones and ended up with a quite mediocre output.
Lee Joon-gi as the male lead was on-point. He fit the character so well you couldn't imagine any other actor to play Wang So. He was mainly the reason why I stuck up until the end of the drama. The way he delivered all sorts of emotions in a still, close-up, continuous shot is just pure brilliance.
IU as the female lead was likeable. She was adorable in the beginning. However, as the plot thickens and the drama unfolds, her repetitive sad, longing puppy-dog eyes became too exhausting to watch.
The premise of the drama had a bit of a fantasy, which I personally liked. The concept of time-travelling was loose but easily grasped. However, there were no further explanations on why IU travelled back in time. And as the historical part of the drama rolls, soon the concept of time-travelling faded away into the background and the drama completely forgot about it.
The drama was obviously a reverse harem intended for viewers, mainly women, who can swoon over the gorgeous princes through the entire drama. But the charming faces of the princes weren't enough to compensate the plot's shortcomings. The subplots became repetitive, with all of it being an "ordinary woman falling for the high prince but ended up tragically because of that unrequited love" story. Although, there were two of these subplots that definitely moved me, namely Lady Hae & Wang Wook's complicated subplot and Wang Eun & Park Soon-deok's growing yet bittersweet love. Other than that, everything else was a lackluster.
Also, one flaw that I wasn't able to fully ignore was that countless time jumps in the middle of the drama. A few would've been okay. But with it continuously leaping through time, it felt like that drama was playing in fast forward that we couldn't catch up to the story and the emotions it was trying to convey.
With such a dynamic story, it was very hard to pinpoint the direction of the plot. It was so inconsistent all throughout that I couldn't decide if it was a story of Hae Soo's journey from the modern time to the past, her star-crossed love story with Wang So, The Wang Princes' complicated brotherhood and the harsh reality of the monarchy that tore it apart, or the all the romantic links Hae Soo forged in every prince (which I personally think was a bit unrealistic).
Overall, Moon Lovers was quite a ride to watch. It wasn't perfect, to be clear, and had some obvious flaws. A promising plot of a cheesy, forced reverse harem, with a bucket full of flaws and a bunch of bitter, over-repeating endings. But it was a drama you wouldn't want to miss just because of all the emotions you can get by watching it.
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Is really amazing mix between cast (of course handsome boys, good actriz ) , the enviroment (amazing scene beautiful castles, lakes, forest all of them with specific details) and story ( drama, romace, politics).
With each episode you will feel catcher, always I want to watched more and more ...Probably I watched this drama in 3 days, I was trapped since first episode I was interested in every character all of them have different personality and between them are complement.
The story is dramatic.... My heart was broken around 2 times, especially in last episodes.. I'm more romantic I want pink end but its ok.
Interaction between actors was incredible, natural situation, funny ; Hae Soo and all princes are such a family and at the same time they suffer a transformation ones good and other really bad , is interesting to realize that
However I want second season PLEASE!!!
Of course I recommend this drama you can cry with them and laugh with them (I did).
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If you are looking for a well written review, I don't think this is it. I suck at writing reviews as I cannot fully put my thoughts correctly into words. ALSO, I MOST LIKELY MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS. SORRYI know that this drama had a lot of potential but it seems like all of that was neglected as the show was approaching its ending.
For me, all the complications that were all piled up instead of getting resolved was kind of disappointing and it made me wonder if I am still watching the drama for its plot or whether my remaining hope for the two main characters is what's making it bearable. (But alas, the ending broke my heart into dust) Maybe because it was pre produced and the editing was not enough to salvage some parts of the plot but towards the ending, a lot of scenes didn't make any sense to me. Maybe I was just being stupid for not understanding and if that's the case, I'm really sorry.
As for the characters, 4th Prince Wang So really caught my heart. I like that his character was concrete and was not easily swayed by the palace's and political affairs. He stayed true to what he believes, does a reasonable and responsible decision even though sometimes, it was kind of stupid. But what I really like about his character was that no matter how strong and independent he appears to be, he is just like a child yearning for some love and companion and you'll realize how vulnerable his heart is. I could understand how he always claims Hae Soo as his and always refuses her to leave, (heck he managed to dodge every friendzone remarks Hae Soo made), when he got mad when people were doubting him being the appointed king and when he selfishly stayed by his mother's side alone without letting Jung into the palace. Everytime his mother makes hurtful remarks about Wang So, my heart aches with him. I just wanted to give his character a slow clap for being loveable not only because of his sweetness towards Hae Soo but also because I could fully understand his character. It is rare for me to find a character like this as most of the times, character build up in dramas tend to be confusing with too much back-and-forth with their feelings. I cried hard in the ending scene especially the one where he was standing alone. The realization that his happiness only lasted for a short while and that he was again left with no one on his side, tore my heart into millions of pieces. His character did not deserve that kind of ending. I just wanted him to be happy that in the ending scene, I just wanted to give Wang So a big loving hug. For our heroine, I liked how she was presented as a refreshing character from the start and as she slowly get used to living in Goryeo, I could see that she has learned a lot and has matured. I just found it a bit lacking how she seemed to not worry about the real her, Go Ha Jin, and the only time that we saw her was when she cried with Lady Hae in the praying stones. I was also disappointed about what happened to Hae Soo's character that after all the promises that she made towards Wang So, she ends up doing the exact opposite. And of all the struggles that they have gone through, they couldn't have the happy ending that they deserved. Although I could not really blame the ending on Hae Soo's character, I feel like her sorry in the ending was unfair for us viewers. Finally, the other characters that contributed a lot to this drama. At first, I thought Wang Wook would make a significant role all throughout the drama. I was disappointed that his change of character was just used to make the plot more complicated than it already was and I feel like he was slowly cast aside and appeared only when more complications needed to happen. I applaud Lady Hae and Court Lady Oh for being so selfless. They were the only two characters who were not selfish even though their circumstances are. It was hard not to love these two. To Queen Yoo and Princess Yeonhwa, I don't know why you guys are so greedy. I think that if they have been born as men, they'd kill each other for the throne. I didn't expect that I would pity the 3rd Prince in his last moments. I blame it all on his mother. Lastly, can we just give 14th Prince Jung a big hug? He was really selfless and he kept his promise to Hae Soo even if he received nothing in the end (he wasn't even able to confess. Poor Jung).
To all the actors and actresses that gave life to these characters, Thank you! I believe they all played their part very well. Lee Joon Gi is amazing in playing the part of Wang So. His facial expressions always get me. It is amazing how he is able to express those emotions very clearly. (even though my friend says otherwise). Also, I don't know about you guys but, I really liked IU's acting here and of course, to the other actors and actresses that we have come to hate and love like Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo, Kang Ha Na and many more.
Like I said, the plot had a lot of potential. It was just kind of disappointing how it became confusing towards the ending, like they gave us so much complications and sometimes, it was hard for my mind to digest. Also, I still cannot get over the ending. My heart still aches. I am giving this drama a rating of 8.0/10.0 to give credit to the amazing actors and actresses and also to its production design and editing. I know saeguks really needs a lot of effort to make. This drama has been a rough ride for me, f rom the funny relationship of the princes with Soo, their cute brotherly times, evil eyeliner characters, Wook hate, and finally a heart crashing ending.
I hope my review was not as confusing as I think it is and I hope you get what I'm trying to point out if ever someone is reading this. I might have contradicted myself in writing this, I'm sorry. I do think that there are still some things that I want to include but I've already confused myself in writing this a lot. I'll try to improve in writing reviews in the future.
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A Tragic Love story full of AMBITIONS
Hi there!How have you been doing?
Hope all's well and fine.
Suggestions are welcomed.
Do comment and tell me where you agree and disagree with me.
BE CAUTIOUS, SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Getting to the drama~
Story: 9.0
I had decided not to watch it 2 times before finally watching it because it has a sad ending. I'm the person who likes happy ending and after reading the ending online, I had decided never to try this but because of both the main leads, I decided against it in the end.
It's plotline was fairly nice, except some things.
The nice part:
I liked how the relationship of Hae Soo and Wang So develop. The first king was overly misunderstood by his children over and over again but most of them understood his value in life when he died or later. Wang Wook turning evil was a gradual process and not that "NOW I'M GOING TO BECOME THE KING FOR THIS BLAH BLAH REASON". In most dramas, by the end of it it would show that all the princes are the villians except the one our goddess likes, but here I was happy to see Eun being innocent to the end, I was unhappy since he died but atleast before dying he expressed his feelings for his wife. Jung was being overly possessive of Hae Soo but he was still innocent till the end since he didn't turn against his brothers. I had hoped for Baek Ah and Woo Hee to have a happy ending atleast because none of them had done any wrong but atleast they didn't separate after misunderstandings. We still have no idea of what happened to Wang Moo's daughter but it wasn't shown till the end. Queen Yoo is evil but she's still a true lover. Chae Ryung also truly loves Wang Won.
The part I hoped would have been different:
Yun Hwa should have been nice and innocent instead of evil, she had no reason to turn so. Woo Hee shouldn't have committed suicide. Wang So should have met Hae Soo atleast once before she died. Eun and Soon Duk should have survived no matter what, they were the most innocent ones out there. Jung should have told So that the particular girl was his daughter.
Also, I hoped Wang So (his alike to be more precise) would meet Go Ha Jin. I read online that the ending earlier decided was that his look alike would hand Go Ha Jin a handkerchief while she's crying in front of the portrait, I hoped it would have been that way. I also wondered why Go Ha Jin didn't try to find a way back except one time. Also, who was the Bok Soon (Wang Wook's daughter?) Baek Ah met? Whom did Wang Wook marry?
One more thing about it that I could not understand was the change in history concept. Choi Ji Mong said that Wang Yo's future had changed i.e. he was born with the star of a traitor and not a king but even before Go Ha Jin became Hae Soo, Gwangjong was the 4th king and not the 3rd but according to what Choi Ji Mong said, shouldn't he have been 3rd and after Go Ha Jin came back it should have been changed from 3rd to 4th and blood thirsty monarch to nice and wise king. If someone can explain that to me, please do.
Acting/Cast: 9.5
⨠Lee Joon Gi as Wang So, he had the best character which was also portrayed in a very fine way. He was unpredictable even by his expressions as his character. The smiles were just so cute like it should have had been. He could easily make us cry in the emotional scenes.
⨠IU as Go Ha Jin/ Hae Soo, I didn't like her character that much but her acting was quite very nice as well. Her chemistry with Wang So was very nice but not so good with the other princes except Eun. She was unable to make me cry in most of her emotional scenes.
All the other actors and actresses performed very well as well.
Music: 10.0
It was not monotonous and that's what I really appreciate about it.
Rewatch Value: 10.0
I recommend this to those who won't be hung upon it for not having a happy ending for any couple.
Hope it wasn't boring.
Thanks for reading.
Lots of love <3
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I loved the acting in this drama. I love me some IU. She is a beautiful and talented person. She plays the part of Hae Soo with ease and poise. I'm not going to go through all the princes, except to say that in the original version I loved the 13th prince the most and that is still true. Hong Jong Hyun is just so cute too. I felt more for the 4th and 8th prince. I actually felt sorry for them this time instead of thinking they were fools. Kang Ha Neul and Lee Joon Gi are really good actors and I enjoyed their interpretation of the characters a lot. The other actors are good too.
The music is good.
I may rewatch this at some point.
I believe everyone can enjoy this drama regardless of seeing the Chinese version.
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I have had my thoughts to actually start watching this series as the plot seemed to be very common amongst fantasy dramas, however I gave it a go and from my view it was totally deserved to be watched. A very nice romance series in which a lead plays an important role amongst the princes their fate. The acting was strong, but to be honest when I am watching IU playing, I am basically sold already haha!.
Though I gave it a pretty low re-watch value as I am not a person who likes to re-watch such dramas as it will spoil the series when you know the story pretty much beforehand.
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Se prepare para chorar
🌟🌟🌟⭐⭐: O começo é MUITO divertido, mas aos poucos a história vai se complicando e terminei soluçando de tanto chorar. Tive um misto de sentimentos pelos príncipes protagonistas, a Hae Soo (Lee Jieun/IU) e o Wang Eun (Baekhyun) são meus protegidos. Não é um dorama que eu indicaria, mas eu gostei muito muito dele. Porém como quem não gosta de sofrer tanto duas vezes, não reassistiria kkkO final me deixou com a sensação de "quero mais" e as mortes destroçaram meu coração, foram poucas que eu não chorei. O romance entre os protagonistas me deixou numa relação conflituosa, alguns minutos eu amava eles juntos e em outras me incomodava contudo creio que era a intenção.
Como não têm segunda temporada, as vozes da minha cabeça afirmam que todos reencarnaram e são felizes no futuro! Enfim, como sempre adoro os doramas que a IU participa. A arte visual é perfeita, a direção fez um trabalho muito bom, gostei bastante da trilho sonora também apesar de toda cena triste ser A MESMA música (peguei trauma dessa).
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Pros: Acting and ambitious ideas/story. Cons: Everything else.
This is probably one of the most conflicting kdramas I've ever seen. On the one hand, we've got an all star cast and an especially stellar performance from Lee Joon Gi as Wang So/4th Prince (aka THE main ML among all the others), all despite quite a terrible combination of pacing/script/lack of natural character development and directing/editing. On the other hand, we've got a historical era full of Problems TM, mostly revealed through Toxic Familial Relations and power/throne takeovers. While not an expert regarding this particular era, I know enough Asian history to understand what they're trying to present, and those aspects are historically accurate (to a degree).However, it's hard for me to sit through what with the characters feeling like they're pulled straight out of the type of shojo that I especially dislike: the dialogue and character direction and pacing do not feel organic or natural: you've got strong and abused male lead but you've also got choking and plenty of mistreatment of the FL going on (guy has Zero sense of Boundaries), and there's some attempt at display of vulnerability but also at the same time that doesn't really shine through in a relatable way. All of this equals me unable to ship the main ship of the story (or even the first ship that much, for that matter), as there are not enough proper connection presented. Generally, too much antiship energy going on for the first two ships in the plot. Once I got to the third "ship" (not quite a ship), it was FINALLY a breath of fresh air.
I tried very hard to connect with Hae So. She is extremely sympathetic due to her admirably caring and selfless character. She did her very best to keep everything peaceful, yet at the same time she has zero agency or power to actually do anything. I also love her daughter-mother relationship with Damiwon's Court Lady Oh: their relationship is one of the few places where I really connected to the story and I cried.
(I DO ship her and Jung very much at the end, and felt for them both deeply. I also think they should have kept the ending as originally scripted rather than the final edit.)
Conclusion: I'm certain that there are better historical kdramas out there (full of Greek/Shakespeare level tragedy, bloodbaths, backstabbing, villains-galore ensembles, villains romance, corruption arcs, FL with almost no power/agency, doomed lovers - ugh doomed characters in general/Wuthering Heights vibes - although I will admit I have not yet seen one in the kdrama realm, more in the cdrama realm). I can see where this drama TRIED, and I can understand some of the ideas being conveyed here, but the execution on screen is, frankly, terrible (no fault of the actors). Not sure why this one is so popular among the English speaking kdrama watchers expect for perhaps the shojo manga wave has brushed off on them in a particularly heavy manner.
This has, sadly, turned out to be a tragedy in my kdrama watch history, as I'd wanted to like this so much! If you have a rec that has better execution of similar theme/plot, feel free to comment!
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