Mickey
Offered a fresh perspective to an overused royal politics-type sageuk
Was instantly hooked after the tension-filled episode 1, and was looking forward for what it has to offer. From that moment, I knew that this will not be a typical sageuk despite having the same cliche-filled elements.
The first few episodes tackled on stories that were not even present on previous sageuks. Not only that it was refreshing to watch, but it made me curious what would happen next. Each episode on the 1st half really ended on a high note, making the endless plot-scheming, dirty tactics, and 3D chess by the Queen worth it.
Speaking of the Queen (Kim Hye-soo), she really was the star of this show. There was no other actress who could've matched the tenacity, bluntness, and boldness all at the same time, gradually showcasing the queenly mother vibe that she flawlessly portrayed. The Queen was really atypical for Joseon and maybe eccentric for the time period, but her progressive views and her deep understanding on her children, and later, towards the other princes and their concubine mothers, maybe the reason why the umbrella was constantly expanding, keeping everyone safe under her umbrella. Not to forget, the eyebrows were just phenonemal, as if it was another actor. The eyebrows alone were enough for her to be nominated for Baeksang.
Moreover, Queen Dowager Cho (Kim Hae-sook) was also a force to be reckoned with. She certainly was as dirty as a typical sageuk antagonist, but one thing certain for her was that it was all for her son, the King (Choi Won-young), or was actually for herself? Anyhow, she really pulled all the strings to stop the Queen from being her obstacle, and the two of them was almost yin and yang in terms of their energies. It was very gratifying to see them Queens bickering with each other upfront, rather than the subtle and silent "war" previous sageuks portrayed in terms of queen and queen dowager relationship.
On the other hand, I was not so sure with how it handled the "rebellion." It was mildly disappointing as the ones behind it planned it meticuluously and the build-up was greatly done, as if it would succeed. Its resolution was more on the anticlimactic side, and it was rushly wrapped. Because of that, it also rushed this show's ending in terms of its political aspect. However, the other subplots were given appropriate, sometimes fluffy but not cringe endings. Basically, this was my only complaint to an otherwise great kdrama, almost a masterpiece. Other than that, no pacing and direction problems. Topnotch.
The cinematography was another highlight. Its camerawork (most notably the first 2 episodes) was just masterpiece. It was very cinematic and it really captured the essence of the emotions and mood on those particular scenes well. The music scoring was great as well.
Overall, what an exhilarating watch! This might be the best Kdrama for 2022, and will just wait for it to garner awards. It deserves so since Under the Queen's Umbrella offered a fresh perspective to an overused royal politics-type sageuk.
The first few episodes tackled on stories that were not even present on previous sageuks. Not only that it was refreshing to watch, but it made me curious what would happen next. Each episode on the 1st half really ended on a high note, making the endless plot-scheming, dirty tactics, and 3D chess by the Queen worth it.
Speaking of the Queen (Kim Hye-soo), she really was the star of this show. There was no other actress who could've matched the tenacity, bluntness, and boldness all at the same time, gradually showcasing the queenly mother vibe that she flawlessly portrayed. The Queen was really atypical for Joseon and maybe eccentric for the time period, but her progressive views and her deep understanding on her children, and later, towards the other princes and their concubine mothers, maybe the reason why the umbrella was constantly expanding, keeping everyone safe under her umbrella. Not to forget, the eyebrows were just phenonemal, as if it was another actor. The eyebrows alone were enough for her to be nominated for Baeksang.
Moreover, Queen Dowager Cho (Kim Hae-sook) was also a force to be reckoned with. She certainly was as dirty as a typical sageuk antagonist, but one thing certain for her was that it was all for her son, the King (Choi Won-young), or was actually for herself? Anyhow, she really pulled all the strings to stop the Queen from being her obstacle, and the two of them was almost yin and yang in terms of their energies. It was very gratifying to see them Queens bickering with each other upfront, rather than the subtle and silent "war" previous sageuks portrayed in terms of queen and queen dowager relationship.
On the other hand, I was not so sure with how it handled the "rebellion." It was mildly disappointing as the ones behind it planned it meticuluously and the build-up was greatly done, as if it would succeed. Its resolution was more on the anticlimactic side, and it was rushly wrapped. Because of that, it also rushed this show's ending in terms of its political aspect. However, the other subplots were given appropriate, sometimes fluffy but not cringe endings. Basically, this was my only complaint to an otherwise great kdrama, almost a masterpiece. Other than that, no pacing and direction problems. Topnotch.
The cinematography was another highlight. Its camerawork (most notably the first 2 episodes) was just masterpiece. It was very cinematic and it really captured the essence of the emotions and mood on those particular scenes well. The music scoring was great as well.
Overall, what an exhilarating watch! This might be the best Kdrama for 2022, and will just wait for it to garner awards. It deserves so since Under the Queen's Umbrella offered a fresh perspective to an overused royal politics-type sageuk.
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