The start of this amazing drama has a lot of familiar faces we have grown to love seeing together that are the usual "child stars". I love seeing each of these great "kids". They are amazing actors and actresses, so whenever I see them start in a drama as the "child" I just know its going to be a good drama, as their agents have done them a solid and only cast them in wonderful dramas that I dig. That being said, the buildup is several episodes. It took me longer than the average amount of time (1 year) to get past episode 4, however when I finally did - the rest flew by in 3 days (I also work full time! lol). Please do not read through any comments and allow them to sway you from watching this real gem of a drama.
With a splash of the metaphysical and a splash of reality, this drama combines perfectly. The storyline is one that I dont want to describe because I truly feel watching it all the way through is the best way to give it justice. I cheat sometimes and read Dramabeans, as I love her reviews but even for this one - I just allowed myself to watch and not read blogs until after. This drama has a merry-go-round of several lives and to watch the rise and fall is beyond captivating. I am glad I didnt watch it when it was airing, as I would have died to watch each week! Binge this one, you wont be disappointed.
The cast? Just, wow. Unlike others - I liked the casting of the female lead. I think what they were trying to prove with her and her acting, is how demure, well-kept and classy the child actress was/is. I think they tried the best they could to not fit the child with the adult, but the adult with the child. Its hard to find strong likeness, as each of those actors have their own striking features, which is why they are the go-to veterans of the drama world when it comes to child actors (not child so much anymore, hey guys? Almost adults now, but ive been watching you all for a long time!) Lets get real, having LSH and JIW is a dream match up. That is an easy sell. Seeing LSH in the gonryongpo has me sold before I even know what the drama is about. There is eye-candy galore. As usual, the palace is amazing and they throw in a the Korean Heritage Location several times. Cool.
Music - long before I saw this drama, I had the ringtone to the main song as my alarm tone. So, everytime I heard it - I thought it was time for work. lol. At any rate, its very classy, catchy and I like that they didnt overdo it with the OST. Simple, classic. Nice.
Rewatch? Well, I have yet to this day ever rewatch a drama. I dont care if its my number 1 or 10. Never. Not even a movie. So, to me this is a 1. If I could go lower I would, as it is N/A for me. However, I am not sure id recommend it anyway as rewatch so I would still go with 1-4 if trying to sell someone else on it.
Do yourself a favor and watch this drama. It was all the rage when it was airing, and it still is - 3 years later. Still cant believe its taken me this long to watch and/or complete but. Glad I did. If you dont think you can get into Sageuk, I say watch another gateway before this one. However, its in the top 5 for Sageuks to watch when you are a historical beginner. :-)
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