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Korean iteration of Chinese Drama 2011. Great Music. Great Acting. Fanboy vibes strong.
Plot: Overall the I didn't have problems with the plot progression other than the fact I am biased against a weak female lead getting pushed away by the main lead and antagonist but I guess it can't be helped with the treatment of women during that historical era. The plot made sense considering that. This is a remake of the 2011 drama from China so forgive me if I wasn't WOWed by the story this time around. It's a great story that was unfortunately inhibited by messy poor editting and pacing. They could've fleshed it out a bit more with more episodes. This is a bloody political mess so get ready.Acting: Their acting was definitely great however. You feel the chemistry and emotions with the male leads. Supporting cast were great as well but I could have enjoyed it just as much with them removed. Seohyun's acting never really captivated me so that was alright.
Music:
The ost tracks and themes are lit. Always been a fan of Taeyeon.
Tbh I was brought here by the review of a user who went to Eternal Love's review and bashed on the quote "crap" drama for getting a 9.0 while comparing it to this one which she thought should've gotten a higher score and gave it a 1.0. For future reference, people shouldn't review dramas and tag other ones if they have no relevence. And remember, no drama is ever a 10. That is impossible.
Luckily I had already watched this drama prior so I do not have any inclination to hate so rest assured.
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From mother complex to wtf is happening? Sorta
Probably writing this review is not very fair since I had mixed feelings while completing the series. Overall I am very biased towards Lee Joongi and I really, really, liked the first half(?) of the show.The cast and production and all their clothing make this a great one (I love their dresses and robes). While also, that one episode deserves to be purged for eternity and made me hate this show so much. Together with the fact that the female lead did some very questionable stuff (she is not likeable for a female lead).
Anyway, it made me curious about Goryeo and its history. It is entertaining albeit I did lose some of my braincells. Lastly, Lee Joongi eye candy is spectacular.
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This review may contain spoilers
Definitely worth a rewatch !
This series was in my list from a long time now , I wasn't able to watch it coz of its inability in my region ! Finally got my hands on it ! ExcitedI have been a Lee Joongi fan , and totally appreciate his ability to be versatile and get into the skin of any character he plays ! But he is not all this series has !! A bunch of good looking SMLs , all with different roles and characters ! I totally appreciate the star cast and how they all stood out in large or brief roles they played ! To be accurate I loved every character on this show , even the court lady oh , IU's maid everyone played their parts so well ! The OST is amazing and heart whelming too !
The story and the characters , were very well developed , so much so that it was too real to be a fantasy ! While I was on it , I laughed with them and cried with them !! Only after having finished it , I had regrets , only for 2 things :
1 . While all the characters looked positive till episode 10 , There was a dirty of positive characters after that . I would really like to hold on to few of the positive characters ! The only positive character I felt was BaekAh , and Wook's first wife ! The rest all were backstabbing each other ! Even the FL backstabbed ML .
2. The ML was misunderstood for 90% of the series , it would have been great if atlast Jung would have accepted his good deeds , and realised how he actually tried to protect his brothers !!
But that's just me !! The reason why I have those regrets , is also because it all felt so real !
There is no reason not to watch it !
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This review may contain spoilers
Well uhm!Okay I won't be mean because this kdrama isn't actually that bad but holy shit is the ending grim.
Im kind of still pissed about how IU's character left almost every brother heartbroken like damn it felt like I was watching some kind of a cliche Fanfiction where every remotely attractive guy falls for y/n lol..
4th Prince falling for her was actually so beautiful and I hate how they ruined it in the end. I get she would've had to return back to her normal life eventually but was the depressing ending really necessary? Gah damn.
I also kinda shipped her with the 14th prince, I'm so happy they got married and he's the one who got to raise her kid. I was also pissed as hell that they didn't allow him to keep her ashes...Like yeah 4th prince and her were the ones in love but cmon he literally gave up on her and he gets to keep it? Asshole.
Well. I also shipped her with wangwook because aghhhhdiwhwahoaisjxcjkds the romance in the beginning and the tension between them ARE U KIDDING ME ISDIDAHDSO THE CHEMISTRYYYYY WOOOHHH...
Lowkey wishing they were the main couple but wtv..Good drama to get invested in.
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Amazing Watch!
"Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is a captivating Korean drama that seamlessly blends historical elements with romance, intrigue, and political drama. Based on the Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin," this series takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through time and offers a refreshing twist on the time-travel genre.The story revolves around Go Ha-jin (IU), a modern-day woman who finds herself transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. As she adapts to her new surroundings, she becomes entangled in the lives of the royal princes, each with their own ambitions, struggles, and love interests. The complex web of relationships and the political power plays add layers of depth and excitement to the narrative.
The highlight of "Moon Lovers" is undoubtedly its ensemble cast, featuring a mix of established actors and rising stars. IU delivers a remarkable performance as the spirited and resilient Go Ha-jin, capturing the essence of her character's emotional journey. Lee Joon-gi shines as Wang So, the fourth prince with a tragic past and a magnetic presence. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, making the romantic relationships and conflicts all the more compelling.
The production design of "Moon Lovers" deserves special mention. The attention to detail in recreating the Goryeo Dynasty is commendable, from the ornate costumes to the breathtaking palace sets. The grandeur and richness of the historical backdrop enhance the overall viewing experience, transporting the audience to a bygone era.
Furthermore, the drama effectively portrays the political landscape of the Goryeo Dynasty, with its intricate power struggles, alliances, and betrayals. The writing skillfully weaves together historical events and fictional elements, maintaining a good balance between romance and political intrigue. The pacing, although occasionally slow, allows for the gradual development of characters and relationships, building up to intense and emotionally charged moments.
However, "Moon Lovers" does have a few flaws. The large number of characters can be overwhelming at times, making it challenging to give each one the depth and development they deserve. Some viewers may find the narrative complex and convoluted, especially if they are not familiar with Korean history. Additionally, the ending leaves certain storylines unresolved, which may leave some viewers longing for a more conclusive wrap-up.
Despite these minor drawbacks, "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is a mesmerizing historical epic that will leave viewers spellbound. The intense performances, intricate plotlines, and stunning visuals make it a feast for the eyes and the heart. Whether you are a fan of historical dramas or simply looking for a compelling and emotionally charged series, "Moon Lovers" is a worthwhile watch that will transport you to a world of love, power, and destiny.
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I remember when this kdrama came out in 2016, there was high expectations not only because it was a remake of a famous Chinese drama, but more so because of its star-studded cast. At the time I didn't like sageuks, especially ones where the lead actress has multiple love interests. I only gave in now because of my conversion to being an EXO-L. Lol. So I watched because of Baekhyun, stayed because of Kang Haneul (at least during the first half), and reluctantly finished the series because of Lee Joongi, who is truly too good for this problematic production.
The story was all over the place. It picked up at ep 11, went back to being messy from eps 12-14, improved from 15 onwards but ultimately plummeted to a lackluster finale. What a disappointment. And to think that this was a pre-production -- meaning the writer(s) could have better written the ending.
Despite the bad writing, plot holes, unanswered questions, and unsatisfactory acting (from anyone but LJG), the show had its fine moments, namely its death scenes. Every death, at least the ones that mattered, was designed to make the viewer cry. Once that "death soundtrack" plays, the waterworks inevitably begins.
I can't overly state just how impressive Lee Joongi's acting is. He was consistently good. What a waste of talent. Can't say the same for IU, or even Kang Haneul, but I do think the actors are not solely to blame. I can also understand why many criticized Baekhyun's performance here but his final moments were unforgettable; he stepped up when it mattered.
TL;DR -- I don't recommend watching this. Imagine investing 20++ hours of your life and getting that ending. ???? If you just want to see good performances of these actors, they have plenty of other shows which won't disappoint you.
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An Unforgettable Drama
This drama absolutely Broke me. I feel Like I will NEVER recover from this show. I Loved it, I Hated it, It Hurt, It completely Broke me But the Love was EVERYTHING. I binge watched this entire show of 20eps in one go. It left me a crying sobbing mess. I cried an ocean of tears. Let me say I went into this Drama knowing absolutely nothing . I wish I would have known beforehand that it wasn't an HEA (by MY Standards), Because then maybe I could have better prepared my heart for all this damage. ( My Drama BFF recommended it to me and ohhhhhh man I should charge her for emotional damage lol) I give it a 9/10 That cliffhanger ending just wasn't fair, I definitely needed more. This ending absolutely destroyed me and I will never be over it or forgive them for doing us this dirty. This Drama pulled so many emotions from me. And for a show to really have such a huge impact on your emotions, to bring out all these feelings an have you so immersed, it's a 10. The Love was pure and unconditional, The relationships were unlike anything I've ever come across. (these bonds were just so special) you really feel the friendship and the love that each of the princes had with HaeSoo, it was very remarkable. The Drama... The Drama was overwhelming and unmatched! The anguish left me broken beyond repair. Y'all this seriously broke me! I was not okay for days. Initially it was a show that gave me a "I can't say that I hated it but I can't say that I loved it" because it seriously put me through a $hit show of emotions. I had the biggest hangover/hangarround from this show, I couldn't get into anything for a bit. It was unforgettable, this show and these characters are just so memorable, and their love will leave a lasting impression on your heart. It's definitely a MUST watch. I highly recommend it. It's a top drama for me with a HUGE Emotional damage warning.Was this review helpful to you?
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Time travel, palace politics, and heartbreak
🔹 When a modern woman leaps into a Goryeo body, she gets swept up in love and fierce succession battles.🔹 Would I rewatch? No
📕 Overview
🔹 20 episodes, historical fantasy
🔹 Adapted from the novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua
🔹 IU plays Go Ha Jin / Hae Soo, a woman from today who becomes the 16-year-old Hae Soo in Goryeo
🔹 Lee Joon-gi plays Wang So, the brooding 4th Prince with a scar and a hidden heart
🔹 Ha Jin is swept back to Goryeo by a solar eclipse, where she befriends princes, gets caught up in palace intrigue, and encounters an irresistible love.
🌸 How It Felt Watching
🔹 A sweeping mix of romance and sorrow that grabs you from the start
🔹 Hae Soo and Wang So share a beautifully tragic bond, expressed through gestures and longing looks.
🔹 Some moments felt rushed in how they were pieced together, but the story’s heart still carried through
🔹 Themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and fate that leave a lasting ache
✨ Cast & Acting
🔹IU plays Hae Soo, showcasing a mix of tenderness, bravery, and a range of emotions from joy to despair.
🔹Lee Joon-gi plays Wang So, a super intense and emotional character who's unforgettable with just one look.
🔹 The princes brought humor, rivalry, and tragedy to the palace, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
🎵 OST
🔹 For You by Chen, Baekhyun & Xiumin (EXO)
🔹 Say Yes by Loco & Punch
🔹 I Love You, I Remember You by I.O.I
🔹 Forgetting You by Davichi
🔹 All With You by Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation)
🔹 Can You Hear My Heart by Epik High feat. Lee Hi
🔹 A Lot Like Love by Baek A-yeon
🔹 I Confess by SG Wannabe
🎞️ Production Style
🔹 The palace sets, costumes, and landscapes were stunning and created an immersive experience.
🔹 Lighting sometimes leaned dark, but it gave the show a moody and dramatic vibe
🔹 Overall, it felt rich and atmospheric
☕ Tea Notes
🔹 What I loved most was how their love, even though it felt doomed, was unforgettable
🔹 Would I rewatch? No
☕ SpillTheDramaTea rated it a solid 9 out of 10! It had a ton of flavor, and I really loved it!
As SpillTheDramaTea, this drama felt like a warm, flickering flame shining under the beautiful moonlight.
✨ Which scene broke you the most?
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I mean it. If you have watched the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin) you will know that this is like 10x worse in terms of the storyline details. It failed to portray the important massages this story supposed to give, unlike the Chinese version. Honestly, there's so much holes and missing gaps in this. What I did enjoyed more in the Korean Version than the Chinese version is the quality of production. I mean like every scene in this drama is absolutely beautiful, the costumes, the sceneries etc were really pleasing to the eyes. And, yes including the actors and actresses. (lol I'm quite shallow, but those bald head in the Qing Dynasty was like a big no no to me..)
Storyline:
I gave it a 6 out of 10 because of as said above.
Acting and Casts:
I gave this an 8. Most is credited to Lee Joon Gi. I'm not at all a fan of Lee Joon Gi but his acting in this drama was superb. He was able portray his character very well, it was realistic, believable and I enjoyed seeing him on screen. He is after all a veteran actor and I would love to see more drama with him in it. IU on the other hand, let's put it as she is not the best. IU is very pretty and don't get me wrong I am her hardcore fan as a solo artist (the reason I watched this). Though she wasn't the best she was able to played her character well enough that it was believable. Her acting get better after each episode! Another thing that I gave high rating for this is the chemistry between all the casts and specifically the main couple. I also love the casts for the villians and side characters (eg. Jisoo, Nam Joo Hyuk, Kang Haneul, Hong Jong hyun etc). I also love seeing idol turn actor/actresses in this drama as well (eg. Seohyun, Baekhyun)
Music:
10 out of 10. It was great. The music are all beautiful and touching and fits the mood well. Sung by many well-known talented singers. It was also very memorable and I legit have a playlist for all Moon Lovers's OST. Like when you hear the music you can feel the emotions etc. It's that great!
Rewatch Value:
I gave this an 8. Though for me personally I wouldn't rewatch this, most of the time I never rewatch any drama twice anyways and I don't have that much time on my hands. But for everyone else, I think the this drama's rewatch value is around 8 because every scence was pretty enjoyable despite the storyline not being that great. I didn't often need to use the skip botton at all which is a very good thing. (might be because I watch it when it first aired and so the episodes are scarce).
Overall:
I gave overall an 8. I would have given it lower if I were to compare this with thousands of other drama watched. Either way, this drama is okay. The casts and music saved the storyline. I personally enjoyed time travel (unless its rightdown cliche) so I gave it an additional points. Since I watch a lot of historical dramas I tend to judge it with very high standard. And since, I LOVE historical drama I enjoyed it either ways. :)
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Bad ending
how can the story end being bad for soo. All he did is want love, and be wanted, but at the end everyone abondaeded him and even his own kid, he never knew haesu had a child with him! Very disappointed with the ending, i mean u killed FL off at least make the ML reunite with his kid eith her, But nooo u still made him the villain 😭😭😭😭😭Was this review helpful to you?
One of ZE BEST historical dramas!
Every now and then I come across one of the osts of Scarlet Heart, and all the feelings I had while watching it start gushing out with tears in my eyes. I was so invested emotionally with this drama, everything in it was painted in the most moving way to get us caught in it's story forgetting the real world and drawning just like IU in there ~The production work was great, acting was extremely good, and the settings were beautiful.
I loved IU's acting since this was my second time watching her after Dream High. She might have not reached her best performances yet but she conveyed her character's emotions in the most neat way I could imagine. I cried whenever she did and felt happy whenever she smiled.
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This review may contain spoilers
I recently just finished this drama in a span of 3 days. I was never a big fan of dramas which is set during the ancient times, but I decided to give this a try. The overall plot of the story is very entertaining although there are some plot points that should have been more developed. For instance, Hae Soo's adaptation into the new foreign world she entered into was not developed well in the drama and thus it creates the impression that it is irrelevant and does not possess any crucial importance to the overall plot of the story. The plot line also follows the typical 'kingdom' drama plot lines such as the competition to become the crown prince and to take down the king. But it incorporates interesting plot points as well such as the abandonment of a child and sibling relationships.To me the strength of this drama is the characters. There are many princes in the drama that have very distinct personalities with one another who have great chemistry as well. The relationships between the princes and the main character as well made the drama more enjoyable. Particularly, the chemistry between the leads were very good which is one of the main reasons why I did not stop watching this drama. The actors were perfectly chosen for the roles I believe as each and one of them were able to bring their characters personalities in such a believable way. Each of the prince has their own charms and a good background story that allows the audience to understand their characters a bit more in depth.
When talking about Scarlet Lovers, we can't avoid talking about the ending. (Spoiler alert) Many might hate the ending, but to me, the ending was the best part. It was so heartbreaking and unexpected that it creates an emotional scar within the audience that makes it memorable. As much as I want a happy ending, this ending gave the plot so much more excitement and emotional moments especially during the last 4 episodes. Although, deep inside I still feel upset with the fact that they did not end on the note that they meet each other again in the 'modern' world.
Overall it was a good and entertaining drama to watch. I would want to rewatch it but I believe it will take a few more months for me to forget all the plot points and emotions I have after watching this. Although it might be too dramatic for some, I still recommend for you to try and watch it.
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