I really enjoyed watching this drama. Usually I don't watch sageuk or medical genre, but this was an interesting story. This drama followed the time travel theme that seems to be all the rage these days, but this time I think it was executed really well.
Ok, the reason why I couldn't give this perfect scores is the execution of the directing. I felt like something was missing at times even though the acting and emotions and even the setting was good. I can't pin point what it was. It is just a feeling. When it first started I was really excited about the fantasy aspect of the story, but it was underused. I don't know if it was budget restraints or what, but this could have been better if they had played up the fantasy powers. How many times can someone get poisoned??? Ridiculous!!! Another thing was the romance between Choi Young and Eun Soo was really underplayed also. They were cute and had great chemistry. I don't know how many times I yelled at the screen for him to kiss her. What a waist. It was a drama that didn't have a love triangle/square so you would think they would capitalize on that and make it more mushy. Obviously the story was more about their romance and their faith that they could be together through anything. I really liked that part of the story. I also liked that once they decided that they were in love with each other, they didn't falter. The king and queen were too adorable and I really enjoyed their love story. I'm glad they didn't focus so much on them and focused more on Choi Young and Eun Soo. Too many times a director gives too much screen time to the supporting roles. I could care less about all the political junk and although there was some story concerning Choi Young's relationship with the king, I think most of the story revolved around Eun Soo. LOVE THE ENDING!!! It wrapped everything up and explained so much.
Now for the acting...I thought Kim Hee Sun as Eun Soo was great. She was quirky and strong. Yeah, she cried, but I never felt that she cried because of weakness or self-pity. I enjoyed her acting, because she expressed her emotions very well. Lee Min Ho has charisma as an actor. I felt Choi Young’s pain and happiness and was really worried about how he would react when Eun Soo disappeared. I believe that is all due to Lee Min Ho’s acting ability. Ryu Deok Hwan as the king and Park Se Young as the queen did an excellent job. It is really hard to express yourself when you are supposed to stay in control of your emotions. The Woodalchi were great also especially Kim Jong Moon as Dae Man. Although I was sad that Lee Philip had to stop during the drama for eye surgery (hope he is fine), I was glad they didn’t play up his part to be the second love interest of Eun Soo. He did well as Dr. Jang though and he is just too cute. I also like Choi Young's friends that were "bandits" or whatever. The "bad guys" are also good. Shout out to Park Yoon Jae who really made me hate Prince Deokheung. I wanted to strangle that guy.
The music was good, but sometimes awkwardly placed.
I would rewatch this if I was looking for something sweet. It really doesn’t have that much angst. I was never once worried that either main lead would die. Although I prefer melodramas, this is a refreshing change when needed.
Overall, it is a drama worth watching. Just lower your expectations from epic to sweet love story and you are set.
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