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It will squeeze your heart
If you are uncomfortable with a drama which is senseless and illogical one than this is not the one. If you only enjoy the episodes without thinking too much than definitely you can try this.Even though this drama is portrayed like old history type but they invested less for that, but given more weightage for love, romance and family story type of things. They have just tried to attack the viewers emotionally.
I started to watch this drama because of my love IU and from the first episode itself I started to enjoy but after some episodes it started to squeeze my heart. Too much emotional and a heartbreaking one. Even though sometimes I felt like it is senseless and not syncing but I couldn’t control myself to continue with it. A very nice story, new concept, good cast, background music and acting but really sometimes I felt it is executed badly and immature because sometimes some small issues are portrayed seriously but seriously or big issues are considered very carelessly according to their comfort to continue the story. Yet it is worth to watch, if you are think you are a cold hearted person try this drama but if you have blood pressure problem watch this with precautions.
After watching this drama what I learned two things “IF YOU DO MISTAKE IN SELECTING A RIGHT PERSON AS YOUR SOULMATE NOT YOUR LIFE BUT YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WILL GET RUINED”
And
“A GIRL OR WOMEN IS THE MOST POWERFUL CREATURE OR CREATION OF GOD, SHE IS CAPABLE TO DO ANYTHING, SHE CAN TURN ANYTHING INTO A DIAMOND OR THE ENTIRE MINE INTO A DUST”.
In this genre I think “ONE AND ONLY” a Chinese drama is much better than this.
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After the opening episode, I was left disappointed by the poor editing and camera choices - I am a technical nerd, forgive me - and found the acting and writing to be “hammy”. The writer, Jo Yoon Young, had struggled to convincingly introduce the characters and background. The humour wasn’t totally spot on, although it had its moment. However, those thoughts simmered after a strong second episode that was able to interject life and humour into all the characters, and while there are some minor things, such as the So’s eye being covered up by make-up and the we are led to believe that no one else would’ve had the idea to, especially when it was stated that cosmetics were popular of the time period, the story did progress and effortlessly turn a comedy ensemble into a true tragedy - one that I expected to see in the first place. Continuing on with plot developments that I found flawed, I didn’t think that the 3rd Prince Yo’s fake death was necessary. It felt like a cliff-hanger to draw ratings rather than proper development. Self-imposed exile sounds much better to me; realistic, also.As for the positives of the drama, it is a strong, gripping experience. It lulls you into a tale of romance and brotherhood but soons into a tragic tale of palace politics, for all involved. The first half of the drama was absolutely crucial for both setting the stages for what was to come, giving each prince a clear motive for each and every action throughout. Unfortunately, despite almost every one of the brothers trying not to fulfil the history of the King needing to kill all male rivals, that tale was inevitable (almost). Honestly, I’ve seen plenty of sad dramas but some of the deaths were tragic, even for my cold eyes. What was the most crushing? Honestly, it might have been the Crown Prince’s. He was the prince that the drama showed the least of but he was a tragic figure, plagued by illness (natural and otherwise) and the way he died was…well heart-breaker. Most of them were, but something about him really touched me. Of course, we may talk about the finale. A not so surprising death was Hae Soo’s. It was fitting of the drama and quite frankly, a needed one. I can often struggle to finish shows, not for any reason but it is a habit of mine. Often, I’ll wait for days or weeks before I do but the last episodes did their job of hooking me as a viewer.
Lee Joon Gi got snubbed at the 2016 SBS Drama awards for his nominated award but Kang Ha-neul won his. I won’t say who deserves what but the acting of the two does warrant praise. Lee Joon Gi was able to be the dark hero - murderous and vengful to the end but I was taken away by Kang Ha-neul’s silent anger. It radiated off the TV screen in such an intense way. Plus, his chemistry with IU was stronger than Lee Joon Gi’s in my opinion. Not that I disliked theirs. And his relationship with Park Shi Eun’s Lady Hae was perhaps the strongest of the show. IU’s acting seemed to get mixed reviews but I think hers was good. Likewise to Lee Joon Gi and Kang Ha-neul’s characters, her character changes to a more reserved one. IU is cheerful and full of life in the first half, in the second she has grown into a true Court Lady, stoic, full of grace and pride. Her acting suited the character. So I don’t see her as a weak link. The weak link was Byun Baek Hyun’ Eun but no one really cared when he was a wonderful bright spark. One that you missed when he was gone.
Would I watch it again? Yes. Absolutely. Not immediately, give me time to breathe. It’s one of those dramas. But I will.
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Lovely Chemistry between the leads
IU and Joong Ki does not disappoint! Scarlet heart:Ryeo was one of the dramas that I actually watched every episode as it released due to the cast.The pair's chemistry is amazzzzzzzzingly good, Joong Ki being Wang So and IU being HaeSoo. The producers did a fabulous job casting all the princes especially Hong Jong Hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo, honestly made me want to hate him to death as he was very dramatic and evil in his ways.
Rewatch value: I've personally rewatched this thrice and it really doesn't disappoint, You get a great cast with lots of chemistry, you get aesthetically looking princes and some funny moments in the drama with Baekhyun always being funny.
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YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!
This was one of my first historical drama with the BEAUTIFUL IU acting in it, also the first time watching her.... I have to say its amazing. The drama skillfully combines historical elements with romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, creating a rich and immersive narrative. The plot revolves around a modern-day woman who is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she becomes entangled in the complex relationships and power struggles of the royal family.Not to mention the amazing bunch of actors gathered for this drama is a cherry on top, its all so compelling, and you cannot stop watching.. stayed up all night watching this and couldn't even skip! (Except for the embarrassing parts because I cant handle those) Thats how good this was.
Furthermore, the show features breathtaking cinematography LIKE ITS GORGEOUS TO THE EYE!!! And elaborate costume design (IU looks good in everything!!!!, and even though its not historically accurate, it still captures the essence of the historical setting. The combination of a compelling plot, well-crafted characters, and visually stunning production values makes the drama stand out and contributes to its reputation as an amazing and memorable series.
The ending really shocked, I wasnt upset though, its understandable and its quite satisfying.... but I do feel like its in need of a 2nd season because.... I just feel it needs a bit more, I feel like they can pull it MAYBE ITS BECAUSE I JUST MISS IT TOO MUCH.
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Excellent acting & best story plot
I rate this 10/10 because this drama isn't only about a romantic lovestory. It's a 360° drama about love, family, friends and the saddest part is they show all the types of betrayal. Before watching it make sure your heart's ready to break into pieces because it's one of the saddest dramas yet THE BEST so far. It hurts so good.Plus, the excellent acting of all the actors made it more effective. Special mention to Lee Joon Gi as the main character, no doubt he's one of the veteran actors in South Korea he amazingly portrayed 4th Prince Wang So showing all his emotions: lack of love from everyone surrounding him and life full of loneliness.. I fell inlove with his expressive eyes from the very first episode of this drama!
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utterly frustrating to watch and yet i will still definitely rewatch it LOL
i absolutely loved the actors/actresses for this show i thought they all fit their parts very well (although the acting could get quite dramatic it IS a drama after all). the costumes were beautiful, and there were some really beautifully cinematic shots! my one major gripe is that some of the characters quite often made the most hair pulling frustratingly stupid decisions ever： ). i definitely prefer the deleted scene ending, but i will still definitely rewatch this because of the gorgeous actors + IU and great OST and because the romance is just top tier for me fjfnfnfbbfWas this review helpful to you?
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SPOILER BUT HONEST OPPINION
Still don't know how Hae Soo got pregnant by So. It should have been Jung's baby to make more sense. At the time that she should have become pregnant she wasn't married or engaged. Hae Soo was even shocked when So started talking about children and after the real proposal, which she denied, she couldn't have become pregnant. In the time before the proposal she already started to have doubts and started to fear/trust him less. It would have made more sense if the child was made oud of wedlock between Haeso and Jung because they actually got married. So could have wanted the child because he knew it was HaeSo's child. He loved Haeso so much that he would even take her child if he wasn't the father, as long as he could have a (living) part of her to remember her. And how can she be in a coma for 1 year while she lived in the past for 6 or more years?Was this review helpful to you?
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AWESOME!
This kdrama was honestly really worth it. Although I've cried countless amount of times, the plot and everything was just amazing. I would love if they had a season 2. It's been years without season 2 but hopefully my wishes will come true! The acting and music was really good. I also loved learning about this time period. I just really wished that they didn't leave us with this type of ending. But it is what it is. Overall, I would definitely re-watch this kdrama once again if I had to.Was this review helpful to you?
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Unmissable heartrending story with amazing acting and fantastic arcs...
This particular serial is a darling for many Kdrama fans who live in false hope that a season 2 will somehow happen. Many have been waiting for years, which in itself can tell a potential viewer how valued and appreciated this is.I am told that Korean viewers did not love it as much as international fans did. It is unclear why.
The story is beautifully told, there is a wonderful balance of pathos, complexity, light relief and tragedy to make any true Kdrama fan happy. The story is slightly complex with many strands and an ensemble cast who have all done a stellar job. The tragic undertones and foreshadowing are always part of the storytelling. Yet it is a joy and a pleasure to watch.
Despite the Chinese vaersion having more than 35 episodes while this was 20 episodes, I found the pace appropriate and suspect I would have found more episodes tedious. The episodes were sharp and focused and moved forward the tale effectively. We are introduced to the backstory of Wang So the protagonist with dramatic flair, our hero and heroine meet in a suitably dramatic fashion, and our heroine struggles but learns to adjust to the new world she finds herself in. As happens in the best Kdramas, the leads are not the only ones with a great story, the other characters have equally deep and interesting story lines that progress. The change of tone and the journey of key characters from light hearted young people with nothing to worry them to being in the midst of battles of life and death, and political chess games that can and do cause death was riveting. In the end, the natural progression of life in a court takes place and it is a bitter sweet ending.
The final denouement does close the loops and show how the events of the story have changed our key characters and the world around them. It also tantalises the viewers with an open ending that shows future possibilities.
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Love, Power, and Tragedy Beneath the Crown
A sweeping historical romance that balances political intrigue, heartbreak, and destiny, Moon Lovers pulls you into the brutal world of royal power struggles while weaving a deeply emotional love story. The drama shines in its exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the heavy cost of the throne. The shifting dynamics among the princes are gripping, especially as trust turns into rivalry and strategy overtakes emotion.The romance is intentionally frustrating at times, driven by misunderstandings, timing, and prophecy. This adds to the tragedy rather than weakening it. The 4th Prince’s emotional arc is the most powerful...his transformation from rejected royal to feared ruler is both painful and compelling. The final episodes deliver devastating emotional weight, with a conclusion that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
The soundtrack elevates every major moment with haunting beauty, and the visual tone complements the melancholy atmosphere. IU brings emotional vulnerability to her role, embodying fragility and quiet resilience.
While the drama occasionally feels emotionally sparse in its detailing between major events, its core tragedy and performances make it unforgettable.
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I found Haesu stupid, she did not act like a modern women, her falling in love with Wook was understandable but I hated Wook for it, like how can he fall in love with his sick wife's cousin, after he started plotting I wanted him to die really bad. I really liked So but I hated that he changed after becoming king most probably because of his trauma, but he shouldn't have listened and married Haesu, even he changed like Wook, he thought if he closed his eyes then Haesu will be better.I almost cried when Eun and his wife were killed, I had really liked them from the start. But I did not understand why Woo hee had to die, I really wanted her to end up with baekha, he lost both his loves.
I really like Jung as a lover, I thought he would jeopardize Haesu and So's relationship but he did no such thing and respected Haesu, so like God's gift Haesu died in his arms and his wife and he raised Haesu's daughter. He was a perfect lover unlike So and Wook who thought about forcing their love on her.
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