Let me start off with a warning: you should NOT watch this show if it will be your introduction to period C-dramas, because it will give you a skewed perception and ruin your enjoyment of other c-dramas within this genre.

The drama builds momentum slowly for the first 3-4 episodes, almost as though to test how willing you are to stick it out. If you do get through the first few episodes however, you will be in for a spectacular ride. Every new character that appears is intelligent, well rounded, and important to the story. The attention to detail is unrivaled by any other C-drama I have seen. There is meaning behind the eyes of a single glance and a question asked in casual conversation. Symbolism can be found in a cup of tea, a chess piece, a butterfly, etc. This drama places heavy emphasis on reading between the lines, and as other reviewers have mentioned, it treats its audience as intelligent beings. Once the story picks up, it is very easy to miss vital information if you are not giving this drama your undivided attention. This is not a drama that you can put on in the background while you do house chores, homework, and what have you (trust me). The music is great and aptly chosen, but you don't have to take my word for it, you can watch the drama's opening intro and determine that for yourself. If you're one to cringe at lower quality CGI, fret not, the worst of it is over within the first ten minutes of the drama, and from there on out it hardly ever makes a reappearance. The cinematography is beautiful, and as far as acting goes, it is superb, but you'll just have to see it to believe it.

This drama holds up extremely well to rewatches. As mentioned above, there is so much symbolism and reading between the lines, you will be delighted to discover new content the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time around.

Seriously though, stop reading the reviews and go watch the drama already!

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