Acting/Cast:10/10 Wow! An amazing cast(so many handsome and cute princes and IU(Hae Soo) is just so cute with them :D)This was my first Lee Joon Ki drama and I was just amazed by his role of the 4th Prince(Wang So).He is an amazing actor!!Also the 3rd Prince was perfect as Wang Yo.
This was also the acting debut for EXO's BaekHyun(as the 10th Prince).So EXO-L's don't miss out this one.P.S I love EXO
Overall acting by each character was very good :D
Music:9/10EXO-CBX(Chen,BaekHyun and Xiumin) have one of the tracks as their OST(For you).
My favourite one would be My Love by Lee Hi
Rewatch Value:9.5/10
I've fallen in love with Wang So and Hae Soo
Overall:10/10 Well directed, well produced drama ; great dialogues ,great acting and an amazing cast!Definitely one of the top 3 dramas of 2016. Also,I would look forward to more Lee Joon Ki dramas in the future!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Scarlet Heart Ryeo. It's packed with an amazing cast, a storyline that just makes you want to scream at your screen, and the soundtrack that could save Goryeo itself. Let's start with the main couple: Hae Soo and Wang So, the couple that ruins you. One is a time traveler essentially that is stuck in Goryeo where power is constantly yearned for by the royal family, or the group of blessed children I like to call. Between all of the handsome brothers, there's the black sheep of the family, Wang So. It may be your casual black sheep with the pretty girl, but Hae Soo's motives turn into the story of the land. Her relationship with Wang So is complicated and tested through their lives. Wang So also struggles with his family that he basically hates. All together, it makes the perfect historical drama with power struggles and a bunch of cupid arrows. If you're into historical dramas, watch this, if not, still watch it because it's that good. I'll admit, this story didn't captivate me until after it aired, but it's a story that's forever embedded into my mind. I highly recommend anyone to watch this drama and give their own opinion of how they liked (And hated) this story of Goryeo. NOTE: I would recommend tissues, just a heads up. (I went through quite a lot unexpectedly cause I didn't read the reviews before watching.)But... I must point out parts of this drama that should probably only be read if you want to read them.
>
>
>
>
>
!SPOILER ALERT!
>
>
>
>
>
Let me start with how bitter I am about that cliffhanger. I know the 2nd season (if they ever had one) is suppose to revolve about them meeting in the modern world which was truly a heartbreak for me when I found out it wasn't happening. Wang So and Hae Soo probably could've had a happier ending, but that's what made me cry and love about this drama so much. The cliffhanger was supposed to be continued with a second season I'm sure but it sucks for fans of the series that probably were petitioning (I know I did) and fighting for them to properly end this story. I will admit, I had some second lead syndromes here and there, but was overall a pile of salt when I realized Wang So's tragic ending. More than anyone, I think he got the short end of the stick. I mean after all, he lost the girl he loved because of a whole misunderstanding and didn't even know about his daughter, which also by the way confused me. I interpreted it as him assuming the kid wasn't his, but rather the child of Hae Soo and Wang Jung. All in all, the ending sucked and I wished there was a second season.
Was this review helpful to you?
I'll admit I was iffy about the story - I figured this would be like Splash Splash Love, which was cute and all but 20 episodes of that would have bored me sooner or later. At first, it actually does have the same feel about it but it doesn't stay that way for very long! Oh god, I wish I would have enjoyed those moments too because this drama really takes a turn! And it's for that very reason that I fell in love with it!
I think this was a smart drama in how they let the storyline progress from "Oh, I'm a 21st century woman stuck in Goryeo era, what will I do?!" to her adapting to her surroundings and truly fighting for survival in this era.
If you like heartbreak, watch this drama. If you're like me and enjoy characters who have a dark and good side to them, where they continuously seem to fight their worst parts, watch this drama. If you like cute, bickering male leads and bromance, watch this drama.
One of my favorite things about this drama is seeing each character develop and change with the course of events that occur in their life, and it's one of the most heart breaking as well.
I really hope there's a season 2 because I am definitely not ready to let this story go! And I don't think the characters are either! So, here's hoping!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Its a great drama with talented casts and eargasm OST's!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is one of the rare times that I will actually say that the drama NEEDED to be longer. AND that I totally believe the writers could have pulled it off. However, how could they have with this being pre-shot? They took a gamble with 20. That's the drawback of doing that, it did make the storyline and pacing pretty awesome. A show with no filler is all my heart truly yearns for. Sadly in Korea from what I Googled later episodes never took off, so I'm sure the people backing it are happy they only did 20 episodes. Which saddens me as it looks else where it had “favorable response”. What's up Korea? (I will not get on my soap box. I will not. ^_-) Apparently one of the bigger reasons for the lack of interest and ratings was due to the actors. Actually, I really only heard grumbling about IU and Byun Baek Hyun. Byun Baek Hyun plays the cheerful and child like 10th Prince. IU the lead female Soo Hae. For me I thought they did a great job, in fact the whole cast was stellar. There wasn't a single performance that didn't move me in some way.
I will address IU. This is not my first time watching her. Nope it's my second. I first watched her in Dream High and I enjoyed her. Clearly it was her first gig, but I enjoyed her and have always meant to see her in some of her other roles. Even in Dream High I knew she would make a great leading lady. The vast difference from her first acting gig to Moon Lovers was awesome. I think IU is a fantastic actress and she had wonderful chemistry with the entire cast. Most importantly all of the Princes. I believed the ones who fell in love with her, how could they resist?
It's hard to emphasis how amazing the actors are. I will make some highlights. Ji Soo as Wang Jeong (14th Prince) was awesome and I loved him with Baek Hyun, they were such a wonderful duo. I do feel like poor Ji Soo's character got back seated again. Kang Ha Neul as Wook (8th Prince) was really good. I'm a fan. Kang Han Na as the 8th Prince's sister did such an amazing job! She may have been more villain, but I did find myself cheering her on. Even if it meant beloved characters got hurt. However, my new actor obsession has been born. Lee Joon Gi. He was A-mazing to watch. His character was so complex that I was blown away by how Lee Joon Gi pulled it all off.
The story at times was predictable, but many times it surprised me! Which I loved. As I mentioned I felt like it could have been longer. Due to how much AWESOME things are in here I felt like certain aspects were overlooked or not developed enough. The one powerful thing about Moon Lovers is that the character development is off the charts! Whether they're "villains" or the good guys. In fact, a lot of times the good guys became villainous. You could understand where everyone was coming from.
There are A LOT of time jumps! Besides the jump to the past!! Ha-ha. Those 20 episodes cover a huge span of time. There are no rooms for fillers. The writers knew the story they had to cover and tried the best they could to convey where everyone was at the times. I was impressed. Sometimes it was hard to tell how much time was actually passing for the non-time-jumps. So that felt a bit off.
There were some annoying tropes used. The first kiss of a certain love pair actually left me feeling hollow and disappointed at first. Yet every time the writers saved it. Some of the characters are so complex and while even in a trope you understood why that particular character would do it. So it eased the blow.
What I loved most is that while the era is romantic and lovely, it's brutal. For a K-drama I thought that the reality and harshness of the time period was done well. Characters die and are even tortured/maimed. I was a little disappointed by when the Princes finally started dying, but only because the show was short did it feel late. In truth I was happy for the time I had with my princes. (No I won't say who goes first or anything. Avoid all spoilers I tell you!)
The romances are so complex and wonderful. I love that Soo Hae doesn't just have one romance. Life is messy and the heart can (and will) fall in love and grow many times. I also love how the writers emphasis all the kinds of different loves there are. Betrayal, choosing who to trust, bravery, courage, kindness, and so on. I love it when things are complex.
The music was a bit odd at first. Like this electronic feel to it mixed with classical Korean. After a while I was quite fond of it and it fit the series well. The OSTs with vocals were wonderful as well and I loved whenever they were utilized.
Will I rewatch it? Um, yeah. In fact, I started rewatching episodes as they aired. More than once.
This is one of those Dramas you will know right away whether you're in or out! Honestly I don't think I can explain enough or write enough about how awesome it all was for me. Character depth and growth, great interactions, writing that most of the time blew me away, even if some tropes were used they were well used, and the princes weren't just man candy. The female characters are amazing and so well developed. Tragically awesome romances and just a heads up: the last episode will probably destroy you. You will cry! So don't late night binge that because you may not function for the next day. Give it time to soak in. Though I would suggest watching this when you have time to binge most of it! Because once Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo grabs hold of you it won't let go. Enjoy the addiction.
(Now I'm super curious about the original drama! Oh, and FYI I actually really liked how it ended.)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
the worst
The storyline was great from the beginning especially with fourth prince . Its just that it took so many detours and so many unimportant scenes just to make iu fit into the story. Omg this is the worse k drama i ever watched . I wasted so much time to watch this . The plot for the brothers are ok but with su ? Omg i cant even put into words how i felt about her character. First of her character was acting way too innocently, like too much of being a cutesy to the point that its so irritating. Second, she was actually causing the brothers to fight . So useless. She acts like a martyr omg . Wth .The final episode , omg they had to make the ending “tragic” but they could have thought of a better way to end it or perhaps the whole developer of the story. In the end the Brothers fought still because of her in the end . Is she the only woman in goryeo???? I would understand if she was . A love triangle is fine but what almost all the princes hahah too much . The story of the brothers was ok but they couldve executed it much better so many scenes that could have been scraped off including the king marrying haesu ??????? So many insignificant scenes to make it longer which i think 12 episodes would have ended the kdrama not 20 . Such a time waster . I am so disappointed. The only saving grace was wanting to know how each prince ended .Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Lee jun gi/ wang so- perfect role and everything. Heard of him before but havent watched anything with him. Now im gonna stalk him. That mask though it just made him hot and unforgettable. Played the character well
IU/hae soo- she got better as the show progressed. Her googly eyes looked like puss in boots, 4th prince was melting each time
Ha neul/wook- seen a couple of his shows but he never really does it for me. Hes a great 2nd lead and this character was good for him
Wang yo- the villan, though he was ruthless and scary, he was hot. The eyeliner added to his appearance and u just cant help it
Wang eun- the baby prince from my favorite band exo was so cute and playful.
General park- i just love this guy, everything hes in is just awsome. Hes a comedian and his voice is unique
My favorite ost forgetting you by davichi. Played each time something sad or crucial or love scenes appeared. It added to the feels esp last episode, i was balling
Great drama, the whole cast was amazing and the princes were all flower boys.must see. Be ready to be taken on a goryeo ride
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A tragedy that would leave you longing for the pain.
It’s my third time watching this show and it still gives me the same intense feelings I got after my first watch. One of my faves of all time.First, the plot and writing was brilliant. One can easily discern how the writers thought hard and well about each part of the story, since unlike other dramas, I never found the need to skip any of the side characters. They were all equally playing their respective roles to the bigger story. Wow. The pace was also brilliant. Each episode gave you something and you’ll never really find the need to overlook anything. Totally binge worthy.
Acting. Ohmygoodness the acting. Lee Joon Gi and Kang Haneul were both so good in pulling off complex characters. You could feel their raw emotions and how they managed to pull off these unrealistic scenes, brilliant. IU was also equally good, but the two main princes were the main ones for me. Even the other princes were amazing, considering that some of them were acting for the first time for major roles.
Characters. Damn, never have I seen a drama bring two spectacular characters to life. So and wook, these two were the main dishes of this drama. Wook, especially got my attention. How the writers and Haneul were able to show an understandable shift from good to evil, wow. It was too amazing. Each of his actions were calculated well, and you can really understand his reasons behind everything. Probably one of my fictional characters of all time.
If there’s anything I didn’t like, they were the last two episodes. Despite how the writers were able to pull of complex character arcs, it was kind or frustrating to see Soo and So give up on each other for reasons that seemed petty. I believe there were deeper reasons that could only be explained through theories (such as soo leaving to save her child from the palace), but I wish they spared a few episodes to show these reasons so the whole drama could not have been spoiled. I mean, how can So, who gave way to Soo in so many instances (even to the point of forgiving her for her distrust that caused Eun’s death) and always understood Soo and even fought for her hard, suddenly become so immature about Soo’s past lover? I Just can’t comprehend.
Putting that aside, I still love this drama and it will always be at the top of my list. I love how it’s unconventional. It steered away from your typical rom com that’s too afraid to go for a tragic ending. This story may be a tragedy, but its execution is the complete opposite of a tragedy, pure genius.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was it worth it: Absolutely.
What I liked the most: The pacing was spectacular.
What I disliked the most: The 10th price annoyed the crap out of me 85% of the time he was on screen.
Moment Meter: 6/10 – I’m torn on this one. A moment to me may not seem like one to others.
Other thoughts: This drama flew by for me. I was astounded to find I had less than a handful of episodes left when it felt like there should have been more. This is an achievement for a Sageuk. I swooned for Joon Gi as I do every time I watch a drama of his. IU also did an excellent job. The female characters had very active roles and remained vocal to the end; again, something that’s hard to find in a Sageuk and something that I value highly. I had a hard time finding the reason why IU’s character had to be a time-traveler, but it was made very clear at the end. There are a lot of characters, but not as many as you think, so try not to get too overwhelmed. All of the casting was spot on, and I actually downloaded a song from the show to put on my phone (Im Seon Hye – Will be Back). The ending was left wide open for a continuation, though I’m scared that it may not be as good and drag this one down.
Conclusion: The story moved along well and there was a little bit of something for everyone. Pro Tip: Don’t get emotionally attached to any of the characters. You will regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This drama is really great . It's a historical drama with the essence of love , hatred And the biggest of them all POWER AND REVENGE ! What extent people can get upto to attain Power ? The emotions in the layer stage could be hard to coupe with , they can be traumatising.
But it's a trap .
The initial target for scarlet heart is the female audience in every aspect . i.e It's a SHOUJO drama initially .
You could find this thing annoying as a male viewer though it may appeal to a female .
The initial direction is poor .
It's like watching Sakura throughout Naruto every 2 minutes ! Lol . . Yeah I said that it's horrible .
The start is not that great , it's below average I would say considering the plot they have decided i.e the historical saga .
The first 8 episodes are pathetic and aimless except some moments . 5/10
I could clearly see why this drama didn't do that good in Korea .
It's coz of the start . It's pathetic and you have to stick to this drama till the end to find it's interests .
Usually when the audience watches something weekly in TV , they want the start to be great .
The next 8 have a great comeback 7/10 It's like things take a total U turn
but the last 4 I swear make up for all the toying and reckless writing the writer has shown .
The last 4 are purely phenomenal , dumbfounding and outstanding to watch . 10/10
And ironically this is against K dramas as they start off great but turn pathetic at the end .
This one starts of pathetic and ends greatly .
Lee Joon Gi is steal the deal of this drama . His expressions , voice and firmness along with cruelty is mesmerizing .
As for soundtrack , it's again disastrous , totally off the track for how it should be in a historical drama except one song that I liked very much
Epik High (ft. Lee Hi)- 'Can You Hear My Heart'
This one song is really good .
Overall it's a great drama . I enjoyed it .
Could have gone better .
Overall
6.5/10
(Only coz of the last 4 episodes ).
Was this review helpful to you?
Stupidity and Nonsense
This drama is a real phenomenon! This is one of the worst dramas I have ever seen. A hopeless plot, a nightmarish acting and generally one big nonsense. I watched it to the end, unable to take my eyes off and not believing that it could be even worse in the next episode. It was worse with each episode. The stupidity and nonsense of this drama struck me so much that I remember it after many years, although I would like to erase this absurdity from my memory :(If I would start listing all the negative points of this drama, I would have run out of space. The only positive note is that Season Two never showed up.
This is the worst review I have given in my life, but seriously, whether looking objectively or subjectively, I did not notice anything positive in this drama. The worst of all was the acting, or rather the fact that acting was missing in this drama. There was only sighing and rolling eyes.
Was this review helpful to you?
