Boooooooooring. The story line was weird and basically didn’t make really sense. That lead actress, her character was extremely annoying. She lived her whole life as a boy and cannot do anything at all?! Well that’s pretty lame.
Honestly the whole plot unraveled in less than an episode so there’s that. I do not recommend this. Unless you’ve watched all the dramas in the whole world ...
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Beautiful Costumes And A Wonderful Cast, But Overrated For What Its Worth...
Since its original airing in 2016, ” Love In the Moonlight ” ( based upon the successful books Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, which was serialized online in 2013 and then published as five separate books in 2015), was a phenomenal success in both South-Korea and amongst the international drama watcher community, drawing particular focus upon the talents of its cast ( particularly Park Bo Gum being critically-acclaimed by netizens for his acting quality) and South-Korean culture. Yet whilst the series is undeniably still popular, there’s something which honestly must be addressed forthright about screenwriters Im Ye Jin and Kim Min Jung’s adapted premise; it is a fairly predictable storyline, anticlimactic in parts and certainly cliche-ridden.
The premise of the drama is set during the 19th century, Joseon era, where female lead Hong Ra-on (played by Kim Yoo-jung), crossdresses as a man in order to support herself. She has multiple jobs but is still struggling with debt. Due to both romantic and comical circumstances, Ra-on comes to meet kind-hearted nobleman Kim Yoon-sung (played by Jung Jin-young) and the seemingly childish and spoilt Crown Prince (played by Park Go-bum).
Due to being sharp-witted, Yoon -sung immediately figures out that she is a woman. The prince is fairly oblivious to Ra-on being a woman , however, after Ra-on is sold to the eunuch’s training academy, she befriends the Prince and his close confidant and personal bodyguard Kim Byung-yeon (Kwak Dong-yeon). As events begin to lead to another, Ra-on finds herself conflicted between Ra-On and the Prince, whilst the Prince begins to feel uncertainty for his growing feelings for the seeming eunuch.
Against all odds of its surreal premise, ” Love In The Moonlight” did follow the typical cliches that you can expect with a cross-dressing scenario, however, it did not prevent the series from being oddly entertaining with a setup mirroring ”Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night ” in a fairly lighthearted way. Ra-on is brazen in her attempts to escape the palace and get back to the city outside by imitating and joking like her male associates in an often over-the-top manner.
Whilst it easy to dismiss the acting of Kim Yoo-Jung, Park Bo-Gum , Jung Jin-Young and Kwak Dong-yeon as an ” ensemble of good-looking people” rather than by their acting alone, the quartet certainly did give an all-around good performance , alongside main stylist and designer Lee Jin-hee’s exquisite artisanship ( especially within the styling of hanboks) perfectly reflecting the time setting, characters and moods of certain scenes.
The second-half of the drama notably shifts towards the political setup behind closed doors. Whilst undeniably intriguing, the biggest problem of this shifted focal point in the series boiled down to pacing and a shift away from developing the characters and their relationships (by regressing in some cases).The heroine Ra-on quickly goes from an intrepid, outgoing heroine to being a demure, angst-ridden soul who is nearly always subject to needing a saviour from a situation.
Then of course there’s the biggest issue with the drama’s long-held and complicated friendship between of the crown prince, his bodyguard, and the prime minister’s grandson ( to clarify Yoo Jung). It is important to add this is a fictionalised romance drama where enmity between male leads is not uncommon and is used to add fuel to the fire of drama and tension. However ( without spoilers), considering the intimacy of the trio during childhood as well as the potential at times towards the characters being able to set aside their differences or at least develop respectful mutuality , was often upturned in favour of enmity at times between both male leads over Ra-on as well as widely forgotten about in the second-half.
The romantic setup becomes overly predictable with forced marriage for the would-be crown princess Ha Yeon (Chae Soo Bin), tormented puppy dog glances and chaste kisses or pecks on lips out of seeming modesty( despite the characters often not batting an eyelid towards the entering private and more intimate spheres of their chambers as well as the more sexualised jokes in the beginning ) which does slowly begin to grow irksome in parts. In addition to this, flashbacks become an incessant feature in later episodes, leading to a formulaic and repetitive structure ( which soon grows a little tiresome). Sadly, not even the soundtrack is entirely spared as the eclectic OST from earlier episodes, begins to shift to pretty the same couple of K-Pop ballads during every pivotal moment or heartbreaking scene.
The ending undeniably will always have mixed reactions among watchers. Some will appreciate the sweet ending as well as denying the cliches of Ha Yeon being unlikeable or vilified as the second female lead whilst others may rise eyebrows at the anticlimactic finale ( and to some extent logical incoherency).
Ultimately it is wrong to suggest that " Love In The Moonlight” is by any means a dire or unwatchable drama, however, inherently it was not entirely common in K-drama’s either; a sweet and intriguing story, but peppered with cliches, and slow-pacing near the final part of the second hand which sometimes felt a little out of place. Nevertheless, it was a fairly enjoyable drama with interesting characters, a phenomenal cast and an oddly heartfelt romance. Entertaining for the most part," Love In The Moonlight" is worth watching if you’re fan of romantic dramas, or simply looking for something to binge-watch and pass the time.
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Story: 8
The story wasn't really great, in Historical Dramas they are more complicated, but this one was was like read a Fairy tail, or a Japanese manga. It was magical, and made me dream like a baby. The couple story was totally my style: a secret "impossible" love. Totally my style. The story wasn't so complicated, there was just a few of questions, but they give a response to all them, so I'm happy that there wasn't holes.
Acting/Cast: 10. Amazing cast and amazing characters. I think that rarely I end up a drama loving everyone, second lead girl too. Everyone was really fit for its own character.
- Park Bo Gum was charming, and his facial expression was pure gold... he can tell so many things with only the eyes. He reminds me so much Song Joong Ki, another actor that I love. His character is one of the best of all time, expecially since he never become weak, he's always ready to fight with his smart brain.
- Kim Yoo Jung has always been an amazing actress, but in this one she totally sparkled. Her first true main role in a k-drama, and she did an amazing job. Her character wasn't annoying like usual main girls, she was just a cute puppy
- Jung Jin Young: even if I loved him in his previous dramas, I wasn't sure to see him in this drama. I mean, it's an historical drama, why put an Idol, but he proved that Kim Yoon Sung role was perfect only for him, doing an amazing job. I loved his character.
- Chae Soo Bin, I'm a little sad to see just so few of scenes with her, she was so sweet, I thought I would hated her, but she was so kind a weak, not an evil girl, but just a girl in love who wanna be a support for her love ones. If she was the main girl in another show I surely rooted for her.
- Kwak Dong Yeon, the Guard that stoled everyone's hearts. Even if he's really cute, in this drama he was really mature and reliable, with his mysterious aurea. I really loved him.
Music: 10
This drama's music was really beautiful, from its instrumental ones to Misty roads, Because I miss you, My dearest, Fondly Goodbye, Love is over, Love that shines like a star and more...
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This review may contain spoilers
I must say I was surprised by this underrated Korean drama. I watched it because I just needed to pass time while waiting for subs of ongoing dramas I’m watching. And I’m glad I started this. I knew acting will be top notch because of Park Bo Gum. His is one of the most beautiful Korean face I’ve seen, in men anyway. But oh boy, those cute eyes can deliver so much emotion with just one look. I giggle when he looks at the heroine and it makes me teary eyed when his eyes tear up when he’s hurt. Let’s not talk about his smile, it’s quite mesmerising. He played the role of the idealistic short-tempered but kind-hearted prince superbly. He is convincing in every emotions he projected. From being an arrogant prince to sweet lover, an abandoned son to being a smart and firm prince. I specially love the scenes where he confronts the sly villain, the old Prime Minister Kim. You can really feel his anger from all the hurtful things the villain and his minions have done to him and his family over the years.
I loved to watch the prince struggle as he was slowly falling in love with his eunuch. I also liked it that he always trusted her even when she was repeatedly framed up. No major misunderstanding between our lovers.
As Kim Yo-jung as Hong Ra-On/eunuch, she suited the character they wanted her to play. She was just really a supporting character to the prince which the story revolved around. My only complain is her character wasn’t that strong enough. She got bullied repeatedly, slapped several times and she did nothing but cry. I just wish they gave her character a bit of spunk, which would’ve been consistent with a girl like her who grew up mostly among men. But she was also like a love doctor thus the mild sensitive personality.
The rest of the casts’ acting was top-notched. One of my favourite characters was Byung-yeon played by Kwak Dong-yeon. He is the mysterious right-hand man of the prince but was also a spy for the rebels. He should be a lead actor in a series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this drama. It made me giggle, laugh, angry and cry. It didn’t drag and no silly misunderstandings between the main leads. The ending was what it needed, happy but open-ended. The soundtrack was beautiful too. I love all the songs. This drama has all the elements I want in a series. I would watch it again and definitely recommend to Asian drama lovers.
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This review may contain spoilers
I think the reason why this specific title had so much impact in my life, is because of the actors. No better choice could've been done for every single one of the characters, everyone knew how to perfectly convey the emotions of their own character and that was beautiful to see. Since I was a fan of the cast even before this was released, I was looking forward to it, and man, I had the highest expectations. And what this title gave me is beyond what I could've ever imagined. The simplicity and cliche of the story makes it so attractive and at the same time, it makes it unique. Not the first title involving crossdressing and definitely not the last, but the way Yoojung carried it out was wonderful.
Let's start with the story. A girl born daughter of a traitor who rebelled against the King, who falls in love with his son, the Crown Prince. Pretty cliche, isn't it? This story could've been either pathetic or the best of the best. You can imagine the latter happened. I think what stood out for me the most, is how our Crown Prince falls in love with a eunuch and not with a woman. He didn't know she was a woman, and in the moment he was about to confess his feelings for "him", he finds out he's actually a "her". Of course, 1800-ish, if right now which is almost 2020, we still have homophobes all around the globe, what can you expect from 1829? The love story is simply beautiful, the main actors knew what they were doing, you could feel the chemistry they had behind and in front of the camera.
That leads us to the acting category. WOW. Every single person here did an awesome job with their roles, from the main characters until that one eunuch with 2 lines. In scenes you were supposed to laugh, you laughed, if you were supposed to cry, you cried. They managed to convey every little expression and feeling through the camera and that was seriously unbelievably good.
Now, the music. Never in my life had I seen a title with such amazing OST. And I'm yet to see one right now in 2019. Every single track and the background music too is just simply marvellous. The singers for the OST were phenomenal and the bgm is something I keep warm in my heart.
I really love this one title and I think that's obvious as I've watched it for 42 times now, and I'm not planning to stop, NEVER EVER IN MY LIFE. MDBC said gay rights and amazing acting + incredible OST, a must watch !!!
Note: Remember this is my own opinion and you're very much allowed to disagree, of course. However I do not wish to discuss about my opinion with anyone else. If you disagree, keep it to yourself please, or idc reply to this but I will not answer.
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Everything is so perfect!
I loved the acting of Park Bo Gum and Kim Yoo Jung!
They have been amazing.
For the drama itself the strory is am perfect mixture of comedy, romance and deep themes!
I loved every second of it and i had so much fun watching. I really felt with the cast.
I loved the end it was soooooooo beautiful and fitted perfectly!
All in all i can recomend this drama to everyone!
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Kudos to all casts and crew!!.. Knowing they are all young and yet they made this series so perfect!!.. As well as those senior actors, bravo!!... This went up to my all time favorite saeguk, after Sungkyungkwan Scandal...
Both from KBS, a great network for delivering top quality Kdramas, and of course if it's from them the OST's are always top notch!!..
Surely will re-watch it again, and it deserves a high rating which actually 20% (+/-) is not enough, should be more than that!!
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Huh...
"So why am I still watching this?" my mind asked."It's because Park Bo Gum looks freaking cute and adorable" my heart whispered.
These two lines are more than enough to describe my entire watching experience of Love in the Moonlight.
I started this drama because of Park Bo Gum, I continued it for Park Bo Gum and I finished watching it for Park Bo Gum. Apart from that one more reason for continuing this was because I have NDD (Never drop disease).
I'll say it in one sentence IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME.
The story was okay but not interesting. SML was super annoying. FL wasn't convincing as a male or maybe I didn't like her acting in general. 'ML is gay or not?' this question made everything even worse. Whether he is gay or bi or straight just make it clear to the audience. Why go around in circles?
Throughout the whole time, the only excitement I felt was in ep 16 and that excitement lasted for only one scene. While I am at it, I would say the only character who was totally likable in this drama was Kwak Dong Yeon's character.
This drama wasn't memorable in any way except for that off-screen bombastic dance of Park Bo Gum.
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I'm a big PBG fan so I hate not being able to give it a glowing review but I gotta be honest.
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A very pleasant and not-too-complicated historical drama
Moonlight Drawn by Clouds is very well-balanced. The story is not very complicated, but it's well executed. The acting is pretty good, too. Park Bo Gum is very charming in his delivery, the crown prince is totally swoon-worthy, being charismatic and kind, but also intelligent and harsher when needed. I was also impressed by Kim Yoo Jung's acting, considering she was very young when they shot this drama. Ra On was very likable, quirky and street smart, I just think her character was wasted towards the end, where she has little screen time and the crown prince overshadows her to the point I almost forgot about her. Also, considering who she trully was, they could've explored that so much more to make a great conflict, but unfortunately her heritage doesn't play that big of a role in the story.The main couple had a lot of chemistry and their scenes together are lovely to watch. I specially enjoy how the prince was ready to confess his feelings even before he knew Ra On was a woman. The ending, though, is kinda underwhelming. Still, I totally recommend this show to everyone, specially those who are not very familiar with historical dramas, since this one might be good to ease you into the genre.
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This review may contain spoilers
I cried, I laughed, and I get to experience all sorts of emotions!
Upon instantly watching the first episode of this series, I was immediately hooked. Hooked on the setting, hooked on the characters, hooked on the story and plot as well. It was fairly an interesting watch. To be honest, at first glance, I really thought that this series would just be like the other series wherein the FL pretends to be a man and that's just it. What I didn't expect from this drama is the endless twists on its plot. The moment I let my guard down and the moment wherein I think that was the big plot twist, another plot twist smacks me right in the face! That is what I really loved about this series. It's the perfect combination of light-hearted moments and heavy drama scenes. The plot is intricately woven together from the very beginning up until the very end. All my questions were answered and this drama managed to close its books on a positive note without forcing its ending at all!The only thing that I think this series lack is the development of the FL. Ra On is the daughter of a person who started the rebellion and ever since she was little, the series pointed out that she manages to get by on her own. She can protect herself and live her life day by day even though she doesn't have much. She even managed to survive in the palace as a eunuch! So, as you can tell from the way the writers are setting her character up, she is a strong and independent lady. What I don't understand is halfway through the series, she suddenly began to be a damsel in distress who cannot do anything. She just waits for everyone to save her and that's just it. I was really disappointed in how her character development was put aside to fulfill the "damsel in distress" persona which she wasn't in the first place.
Besides from that, this series also made me truly and really understand what the second lead syndrome feels like. Yoonsung deserves so much more and I can't understand why they decided to kill him just like that! I mean, the crown princess gets to live but Yoonsung didn't? He, all throughout the story, was experiencing so much pain and suffering. The pressure from his family plus the unrequited love he faces. And they really killed him in the end.... I mean I get that his death is meaningful since he died in the arms of his love but they could have let him live! He really deserves so much more and I can never stress that enough.
Anyways, I really enjoyed watching this drama! I cried, I laughed, I got mad and I get to experience all sorts of emotions. I hope you also loved watching this series as much as I do!
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