Honestly, I couldn't think of a catchy title for my review.

When I started Asian dramas seven years ago, I couldn't handle the historical ones. Being from the west, it felt like the culture was so far removed from what I was accustomed, I couldn't grasp the storyline meaning.

Fast forward to the present and now I'm close to being obsessed with the history of the region, the court machinations, the people, their lives now hold my interest from beginning to end. I love how "River Where the Moon Rises" was based on a mixture of folklore and historical truths and the characters within are riveting; the main players are neither good or bad, display tempers, greed, love, compassion and petulance. That's what makes this drama so watchable (along with the acting) and I enjoyed the unfolding and character intersection to the very end. The two main leads are good, Kang Ha Neul absolutely lights up the screen, but Lee Ji Hoon as Go Geon made me never want to miss a moment with him in it. He loves, loses, mourns and regains through 20 episodes and the actor's portrayal had me living this character's emotions throughout.

I definitely recommend this storyline and controversy aside, it was a good, solid drama.