21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Pride and Prejudice
The Red Sleeve refers to the official hanbok worn by the court ladies of the Joseon Dynasty, in which its sleeve cuff has been dyed crimson red. I’ve watched many sageuk dramas over the years but this is the one production in which I’ve truly taken the time to appreciate the beauty of this simple traditional Korean clothing, the hanbok. It comes in many iterations and colours in this drama that does justice to the appropriately named title.
This drama is a “faction” sageuk (mixing facts and fiction) that heavily romanticizes the life story of King Jeongjo and Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong, as well as their ensuing romance, through a narrative that spans a number of decades. Countless other real life historical figures are present in this drama but the events that transpire, including the depicted themes, are very much fictionalised.
The only MBC sageuk released this year that is directed by Jung Ji-in and Song Yeon-hwa, it is based on a screenplay written by Jung Hae Ri (The Emperor: Owner of the Mask) that is adapted from the 2017 novel, The Sleeve’s Red Cuff by Kang Mi-kang. This is a live-shoot production which began in May 2021 right through to 21 December 2021, with principal photography taking place entirely at the famous Yongin Daejanggeum Park. Initially planned for 16 episodes, an additional 17th episode was added due to overwhelming popularity reflected in the ratings spike during its run. Prolific composer Noh Hyeong Woo serves as music director.
In the recent 2021 MBC Drama Awards, The Red Sleeve took home a plethora of trophies including Top Excellence Awards for stars Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Lee Deok Hwa, the Best Couple Award, the Best Supporting Actor Award for Jang Hye Jin, the Best New Actor award for Kang Hoon, and the Best Screenwriter Award.
What I Liked
The story. I won’t comment on the accuracy of the history or the presumably anachronistic nature of the storytelling and characterization (which is present in various forms in most, if not all, faction sageuk anyway). For the most part, I’ve enjoyed the many elements and themes incorporated in the story that makes the drama eventful, engaging and interesting. In addition to the usual court politics involving power struggles between different factions, there is a strong focus on the cultural background and role of the Joseon court ladies aka Gungnyeo (literally "palace women"), a Korean term referring to women waiting on the king and other royalty in traditional Korean society. I think the last time I’ve seen such similar emphasis was in Jewel in the Palace several decades ago.
Even the romance feels quite extraordinary - the depiction is ahead of the times because there is a profound feminist tone to the trajectory of the FL and the push-pull relationship dynamics of the leads. Most historical dramas reflect the sense and sensibilities of the setting which lean heavily on repressive hierarchical structures and Confucian teachings, particularly on women. Here, the FL draws many parallels to Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet. Independent, resilient, cool-headed and sensible.
The production values. This drama is one of the most beautiful sageuk productions I’ve seen in a while. There isn’t much to complain about because every technical aspect is very well executed and plain to see. The cinematic visuals, gorgeous cinematography that involves a variety of framing techniques to breathe life into the atmospherics. Praise of course goes to the art direction of the set designs and the beautiful costumes. Unsurprisingly the women outshine the men in terms of fashion. The action is few and far between but no less decent, with one major battle sequence occurring during the first half of the drama.
Although the drama starts off with lightheartedness, it eventually settles on a consistently more serious tone. I didn’t particularly enjoy the moments of levity which I found jarring when interspersed among the intense moments but fortunately they did not last very long. I think the dramatic tension is much better portrayed and credit goes to the cast for the delivery. My first time seeing Lee Jun Ho and what a performance from him as King Jeongjo aka Yi San. He basically grows into the role where the momentum progressively builds as the story unfolds. He imbues the character with a remarkable duality with such finesse which gloriously reflects the range that he actually possesses. I honestly thought at times he steals the limelight from Lee Se Young who plays the FL and love interest Sung Deok Im. That’s not to say she underperforms because her role which reflects the uncharacteristic modernity in the characterisation is richly layered and complex in and of itself. However, IMHO, her interpretation isn't at the same level as Lee Jun Ho's nuanced articulation, especially in the second half of the drama.
The SML Hong Deok Ro is played by Kang Hoon. Among all the characters depicted, this is quite literally the most theatrical. I really have to applaud his performance because it well and truly matches the dynamic character trajectory as it is written into the sequence of events in the plot. One bit of astonishing cliche lies in his character developing facial hair, in part to manifest the passage of time but mainly to afford him a more nefarious facade. In contrast the ML remains clean shaven, young and handsome amidst the transformation around him. Quite the juxtaposition there.
Veteran actors make up the bulk of the supporting cast to deliver some of the more dramatically compelling moments. I have truly relished the performances of Lee Deok Hwa, Park Ji Young, Kang Mal Geum, Jang Hye Jin and Jang Hee Jin, despite their limited amount of screen time. Lee Deok Hwa certainly demonstrates the gravitas for the role of King Yeongjo while the others provide the perfect display of women with substance and mettle.
The music in The Red Sleeve is exceptional, a key aspect which most viewers should come to expect of a sageuk by now. The original score complements the entire production by subtly enhancing the ambience of many powerful scenes with its orchestral BGM. Likewise the soundtrack, featuring a total of nine original songs of which most are love ballads. My personal favourites are I Wish and Let Go of Your Hand.
Whee In (휘인) - I Wish (바라고 바라)
Ben (벤) - Star That Never Sleeps (잠들지 않는 별)
Jeong Sewoon (정세운) - You Are My Miracle (네가 나의 기적인 것처럼)
Minhyun (민현) - I'll Spend All My Days With You (모든 날을 너와 함께 할게)
Shim Gyu Sun (Lucia)(심규선) - It's Beautiful At Last (비로소 아름다워)
Jeon Sang-geun (전상근) - I'll Take One Step Back (내가 한 걸음 뒤로 갈게)
XIA (준수) - I'm Still (네가 불어오는 이곳에서 난 여전히)
Lee Seon-hee (이선희) - Let Go of Your Hand (그대 손 놓아요)
Lia (ITZY 리아)- I'll Light It Up Like A Star (밝혀줄게 별처럼)
What I Liked Less
The plot is quite straightforward yet holds much potential, especially with the infusion of a huge dose of fictional elements such as the emergence of an underground sisterhood of court ladies. The political aspects involving the grandfather, King Yeongjo and other factions vying for power initially appear quite intriguing as well. However, as the story progresses, each of these fascinating arcs falls by the wayside rather too quickly.
I wanted to witness more of King Yeongjo’s infamous tyranny but he comes across as an endearing yet senile old man engaged in a repetitive and destructive cycle with his grandson, Yi San. Reproach, incarcerate, forgive, then release him, and this sequence repeats another three to four times. Not that I blame him entirely because Yi San continuously partakes in pointless subversive activities through the secret organisation, Deongdukhoe, that produces little to no meaningful accomplishments apart from sabotaging his own legitimacy as Crown Prince.
Both the ML and FL share a repetitive cycle laden with angst of their own as well, which involves Yi San frequently expressing his love for Deok Im only to have his affections rejected time and again. The FL’s mental fortitude appears to be in a constant state of flux judging from her reactions each time she rebuffs Yi San’s advances. In any case, I understand and empathise with her wish for independence from regal constrictions and the vagaries that would no doubt ensue if married to the King. This miserable state of affairs takes up quite a fair portion of the later half of the drama.
Final Thoughts
The Red Sleeve is an enthralling watch mainly for the quality of its production and technical execution. The visuals are an absolute feast for the eyes while the performances of the extensive cast is quite exceptional. Despite my issues with aspects of the narrative, there is no doubting the intensity of the chemistry between the two leads. The bittersweet ending is somewhat consistent with historical records, although personally I wished that the story would have ended at an earlier and more positive juncture. All things considered, the pros outweigh the cons and if you are in the mood for a well-produced and well-acted romance sageuk, then this might be worth checking out.
This drama is a “faction” sageuk (mixing facts and fiction) that heavily romanticizes the life story of King Jeongjo and Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong, as well as their ensuing romance, through a narrative that spans a number of decades. Countless other real life historical figures are present in this drama but the events that transpire, including the depicted themes, are very much fictionalised.
The only MBC sageuk released this year that is directed by Jung Ji-in and Song Yeon-hwa, it is based on a screenplay written by Jung Hae Ri (The Emperor: Owner of the Mask) that is adapted from the 2017 novel, The Sleeve’s Red Cuff by Kang Mi-kang. This is a live-shoot production which began in May 2021 right through to 21 December 2021, with principal photography taking place entirely at the famous Yongin Daejanggeum Park. Initially planned for 16 episodes, an additional 17th episode was added due to overwhelming popularity reflected in the ratings spike during its run. Prolific composer Noh Hyeong Woo serves as music director.
In the recent 2021 MBC Drama Awards, The Red Sleeve took home a plethora of trophies including Top Excellence Awards for stars Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Lee Deok Hwa, the Best Couple Award, the Best Supporting Actor Award for Jang Hye Jin, the Best New Actor award for Kang Hoon, and the Best Screenwriter Award.
What I Liked
The story. I won’t comment on the accuracy of the history or the presumably anachronistic nature of the storytelling and characterization (which is present in various forms in most, if not all, faction sageuk anyway). For the most part, I’ve enjoyed the many elements and themes incorporated in the story that makes the drama eventful, engaging and interesting. In addition to the usual court politics involving power struggles between different factions, there is a strong focus on the cultural background and role of the Joseon court ladies aka Gungnyeo (literally "palace women"), a Korean term referring to women waiting on the king and other royalty in traditional Korean society. I think the last time I’ve seen such similar emphasis was in Jewel in the Palace several decades ago.
Even the romance feels quite extraordinary - the depiction is ahead of the times because there is a profound feminist tone to the trajectory of the FL and the push-pull relationship dynamics of the leads. Most historical dramas reflect the sense and sensibilities of the setting which lean heavily on repressive hierarchical structures and Confucian teachings, particularly on women. Here, the FL draws many parallels to Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet. Independent, resilient, cool-headed and sensible.
The production values. This drama is one of the most beautiful sageuk productions I’ve seen in a while. There isn’t much to complain about because every technical aspect is very well executed and plain to see. The cinematic visuals, gorgeous cinematography that involves a variety of framing techniques to breathe life into the atmospherics. Praise of course goes to the art direction of the set designs and the beautiful costumes. Unsurprisingly the women outshine the men in terms of fashion. The action is few and far between but no less decent, with one major battle sequence occurring during the first half of the drama.
Although the drama starts off with lightheartedness, it eventually settles on a consistently more serious tone. I didn’t particularly enjoy the moments of levity which I found jarring when interspersed among the intense moments but fortunately they did not last very long. I think the dramatic tension is much better portrayed and credit goes to the cast for the delivery. My first time seeing Lee Jun Ho and what a performance from him as King Jeongjo aka Yi San. He basically grows into the role where the momentum progressively builds as the story unfolds. He imbues the character with a remarkable duality with such finesse which gloriously reflects the range that he actually possesses. I honestly thought at times he steals the limelight from Lee Se Young who plays the FL and love interest Sung Deok Im. That’s not to say she underperforms because her role which reflects the uncharacteristic modernity in the characterisation is richly layered and complex in and of itself. However, IMHO, her interpretation isn't at the same level as Lee Jun Ho's nuanced articulation, especially in the second half of the drama.
The SML Hong Deok Ro is played by Kang Hoon. Among all the characters depicted, this is quite literally the most theatrical. I really have to applaud his performance because it well and truly matches the dynamic character trajectory as it is written into the sequence of events in the plot. One bit of astonishing cliche lies in his character developing facial hair, in part to manifest the passage of time but mainly to afford him a more nefarious facade. In contrast the ML remains clean shaven, young and handsome amidst the transformation around him. Quite the juxtaposition there.
Veteran actors make up the bulk of the supporting cast to deliver some of the more dramatically compelling moments. I have truly relished the performances of Lee Deok Hwa, Park Ji Young, Kang Mal Geum, Jang Hye Jin and Jang Hee Jin, despite their limited amount of screen time. Lee Deok Hwa certainly demonstrates the gravitas for the role of King Yeongjo while the others provide the perfect display of women with substance and mettle.
The music in The Red Sleeve is exceptional, a key aspect which most viewers should come to expect of a sageuk by now. The original score complements the entire production by subtly enhancing the ambience of many powerful scenes with its orchestral BGM. Likewise the soundtrack, featuring a total of nine original songs of which most are love ballads. My personal favourites are I Wish and Let Go of Your Hand.
Whee In (휘인) - I Wish (바라고 바라)
Ben (벤) - Star That Never Sleeps (잠들지 않는 별)
Jeong Sewoon (정세운) - You Are My Miracle (네가 나의 기적인 것처럼)
Minhyun (민현) - I'll Spend All My Days With You (모든 날을 너와 함께 할게)
Shim Gyu Sun (Lucia)(심규선) - It's Beautiful At Last (비로소 아름다워)
Jeon Sang-geun (전상근) - I'll Take One Step Back (내가 한 걸음 뒤로 갈게)
XIA (준수) - I'm Still (네가 불어오는 이곳에서 난 여전히)
Lee Seon-hee (이선희) - Let Go of Your Hand (그대 손 놓아요)
Lia (ITZY 리아)- I'll Light It Up Like A Star (밝혀줄게 별처럼)
What I Liked Less
The plot is quite straightforward yet holds much potential, especially with the infusion of a huge dose of fictional elements such as the emergence of an underground sisterhood of court ladies. The political aspects involving the grandfather, King Yeongjo and other factions vying for power initially appear quite intriguing as well. However, as the story progresses, each of these fascinating arcs falls by the wayside rather too quickly.
I wanted to witness more of King Yeongjo’s infamous tyranny but he comes across as an endearing yet senile old man engaged in a repetitive and destructive cycle with his grandson, Yi San. Reproach, incarcerate, forgive, then release him, and this sequence repeats another three to four times. Not that I blame him entirely because Yi San continuously partakes in pointless subversive activities through the secret organisation, Deongdukhoe, that produces little to no meaningful accomplishments apart from sabotaging his own legitimacy as Crown Prince.
Both the ML and FL share a repetitive cycle laden with angst of their own as well, which involves Yi San frequently expressing his love for Deok Im only to have his affections rejected time and again. The FL’s mental fortitude appears to be in a constant state of flux judging from her reactions each time she rebuffs Yi San’s advances. In any case, I understand and empathise with her wish for independence from regal constrictions and the vagaries that would no doubt ensue if married to the King. This miserable state of affairs takes up quite a fair portion of the later half of the drama.
Final Thoughts
The Red Sleeve is an enthralling watch mainly for the quality of its production and technical execution. The visuals are an absolute feast for the eyes while the performances of the extensive cast is quite exceptional. Despite my issues with aspects of the narrative, there is no doubting the intensity of the chemistry between the two leads. The bittersweet ending is somewhat consistent with historical records, although personally I wished that the story would have ended at an earlier and more positive juncture. All things considered, the pros outweigh the cons and if you are in the mood for a well-produced and well-acted romance sageuk, then this might be worth checking out.
Was this review helpful to you?
