Based on a recommendation, and because of the cast, I had to watch this drama this week. I so wasn't sorry I did! The acting, story, costuming, and cinematography was great. And honestly, it already had alot going for it... it's a Hong sisters story, it has Jang Geun Suk, and it's a historical. Ticked alot of boxes for me.
Summary: In normal Hong sisters style, the laughs really don't stop. This one had me laughing through most episodes, even while crying. Only one or two episodes seemed to drag a bit, but the story wouldn't have been the same without them. Quite a few twists in the story, some I saw coming, some had serious shock value. The music fit very well, but only one song really stuck with me. Acting was superb, but with cast you should expect nothing less. This was a VERY enjoyable 23 hours... the 24th hour was spent crying myself silly until I looked like a raccoon or something.
Details: I'll talk about the acting first because, in my opinion, it was the best part of the drama. Kang Ji-Hwan and Song Yu Ri were both amazing and so believable that I fell into their characters immediately. You couldn't help but laugh, cry, and struggle with them. I swear, Kang Ji-Hwan has a talent of being one of the most believable men I've ever seen cry, it just tears your heart out. Song Yu Ri pulled off her role till I had to watch an interview with her to see what her true character is really like LOL. Jang Geun Suk, not only gorgeous, but his acting had really improved alot at this point and I would have fallen for him if this was the first time I'd seen him act. The one that shocked me the most, however, is Ahn Suk-Hwan... I knew he was a great actor but he pulled off being the mad king SO much better than I anticipated! He actually looks nothing like himself in his really crazy moments and makes you think that this is, indeed, what insanity does to a person. The rest of the cast were amazing as well, I can't really complain about anyone at all.
The story was refreshing. A little Robin hood, a little Love Story, and all Hong sisters. The puns, the comedic timing, all of it were excellent. They have a great ability to take several different stories, merge them into one, throw in the laughs and make it all fresh and new. I love that about these ladies. As always, there is a moral to the story and it truly makes you think once you've finished the drama. If you don't stand back and look around afterwards, I'll eat my hat.
Overall, a really great drama. The only downside I suffered was the ending was not as I expected, but that didn't make it bad. I cried a hell of alot more than I knew I would but wow. It also contained probably one of the most beautiful scenes of the entire show, and likely one of the top 10 scenes I've ever seen as far as emotional beauty.
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