Promising start -artistic and beautiful, yet the romance gets annoying after
The first few episodes were so great, they introduce a fresh, new, and an amazing fantasy storyline. From the cast itself, I knew that the acting will be marvelous and they show cleverness in acting as I expected but sometimes Ahn Hyo Seop forgets that he’s supposed to act as a blind man. I already watched a lot of Korean historical drama and most of them bored me at some point, the same goes with this drama but I’m grateful to witness a historical inserting magical powers and believes that make the story more colorful.The best part of the show is how they highlighted the traditional skill of drawing and painting. The gathering or competition among many painters was my favorite episode of all time. The way they executed the variety of brushing techniques, the sound of papers and brush, the big factor of being able to draw an art that has different kind of impression, and the quality effects of each drawings was really a masterpiece. I have so much fun watching the episode so much plus the three best friends call sign is so hilarious and cute (troublemaker, nuisance, and frown).
The early episodes were light and comedic but then it gets serious and dramatic. It was during EP12 when I started to hate the romance from the story. Obviously, they failed to emphasize the love story in a more pleasant way. Perhaps it became another cliché story that let either one of the lovers affects the people around them just because of their undying love on each other. The girl does risky things even thou she or her beloved people can be killed any minute. Then the boy sudden change of heart is odd, I hate it when he’s loyal subordinate man sacrifices his life just to save the father of his girlfriend. Where is the years of planning for vengeance? The same goes with the girl, the antagonist was right when he called that the reason why her father was killed was simply because of her desperate love for his boyfriend.
On the other hand, I love how the second and third prince rivalry story were given an open ended story. The second prince shows explicit facial expression on acting as an antagonist, it was good. The third prince was one of my early favorite because of his cuteness and innocent character. Every royal family in a drama always have to fight for the throne all the time. The demon and all other mythical creatures explicit in the show is something I am really happy about.
Another part of the show that I love the most is the music (OSTs, background songs). Byun Baekhyun proves that he is one of the most incredible singer in the industry. Hearing his song is a beautiful perfection fit for the concept and cinematography of the show. All of the music are cool, especially the background song plays when the characters are painting during the competition, a soothing and elegance vibes.
Overall, it was really good but only the romance during the last few episodes affected my enjoyment of watching. The ending is okay as well as the epilogue. The cast are the reason I started to watch the show but I fell in love with the story which was a great experience for me as a viewer.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It's good
I initially started this drama because it's An Hyeseop fr. It's good it has a straightforward approach with the plot instead of flashbacks. Im not sure if I appreciated that because I like to wonder "oh what could be the cause of that" "how did he end up like that " but they just put it right at the beginning.What I dont like with the story (episode 1 to like the mid of ep 16) is that one of the main characters is always at a disadvantage, but ig it's okay.
The whole demon thing and the 2nd Prince felt underdeveloped and rushed. They should've spent more time on them. Because honestly there wasn't the full effect there like "okay they're there, they are obviously not going to win or achieve anything" i love when the villains give me anxiety tbh It's much better because the ending is more satisfying 💯.
I also felt that the main characters' chemistry was kinda lacking in some ways dont know how to explain that. The only thing that they got going for them is their history
Overall, it's a good drama, not the best I have watched but far from the worst.
Was this review helpful to you?
Enjoyable if you have the right attitude
It's a mistake to take a supernatural saeguk too seriously. Parts of this were so hyper that it was quite funny. I kept wondering what the Ha Ram script looked like as he turned into various manifestations of the demon - what are the stage directions like? The changes certainly kept the makeup people busy. And how many times did Painter Hong say abeoji in this drama? Good grief. I'm very fussy about CG, and all the CG effects were well done.This is possibly the most over the top historical I've ever seen, to the point that it became absurd. But it still provided pretty good entertainment. The cast did a great job, the writing wasn't annoying, it was a little over-long but not horribly, and even the music did not offend. It was fun to watch, and you could spend your time in a worse way - like watching Squid Game.
Was this review helpful to you?
so much potential
Great cinematography, great actors, really handsome ML, powerful beginning. After the first two episodes I was totally in love with this drama. I love fantasy and I love romance, it was perfect for me. But man they throw it away... Half of the show is good but the other half is so bad that in the end i don't recommend anyone to lose time with this. The problem is that each episode is half good and half bad: after each major scene there is endless time where the characters involved in that scene explain to all the other characters what just happened, what does it means, what they have to do next. Then they do that and the routine begin again.Half of each episodes is dragged from the beginning to the end of the show.
Another big problem is that the rules of magic in this world are a bit confused. It is not really clear when Ma Wang manifest, how strong are his power compared to the others and how powerful are the magical items. The magical spirits are cool but in some ways not so convincing, in particular the white guy and the green guy.
Last but not least the plot in the end is a bit weak and you can really feel it because of all the useless scenes.
I'm so disappointed, the premises were really cool.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Compelling story with a good heart, great acting, and magnificent effects
I just finished Lovers of the Red Sky and cannot understand the number of very negative reviews generated by this enjoyable and beautiful drama. Perhaps I am more easily pleased than most but I found the story to be compelling and fascinatingly multi-faceted with a good heart beating under its skin. I enjoyed the complete acceptance of interaction between humans and immortals without a trace of skepticism to be refreshing. And art at its very center - the power of art, the divine gift of a great artist to be a beautiful unifying thread. The power of art to overcome evil, to bring joy, beauty, harmony to life is a powerful undercurrent to this well told story.The acting was good across the board though I've never been a fan of the twitching lips and nostrils that seem to be cliche motions for the bad guy! More importantly, the chemistry between the artist and the astronomer was powerful, poetic, and palpable. It was wonderful to see their love blossom and them living happily ever after.
The ambiguous ending with the forces of the good prince and his evil brother attacking each other reminds us that the battle between good and evil does not end and even as our hero and heroine live happily and happily far away from the strife in the capitol, that battle still rages and at some point may even touch them again.
It's a beautiful story, worth telling, worth experiencing.
Was this review helpful to you?
It was a painting show disguised as a supernatural drama.
It was a good drama, just not that great. The first 3 episodes suck you in because you're like "Hey, this is a cool supernatural drama." Then from episode 4 to 11 it lost all its steam, became draggy, kept repeating lots of plot that we've already been told about in the first few episodes and becomes a painting show. They seemed to forget that they were battling an evil spirit and when they DO remember, it's sprinkled in randomly in some scenes.It picks up after episode 11 and finally gets back to being a supernatural show, but then everything is rushed and they just start throwing so much random stories at you. It had the LONGEST revenge plot, which makes sense why it took so long because of the plot twist they throw at you in the end. It had the dumbest "overthrowing the king" plot line that all came to an abrupt, end when the king decided to put his son in time out. There were two random characters that had NO sort of explanation as to why they were in the series and involved in the revenge story (I'm talking about Ha Ram's right hand man and the Courtesan Lady) but we do get a little bit about the right hand guy for about 5 mins.
Then there was Ha Ram who you weren't quite sure if he was blind or not. The dude kept following people with his eyes and ANSWERING TO SILENT NODS, which made me think he was faking (he wasn't) and was pretty much the Korean Daredevil.
In terms of romance, you get one kiss in episode 6 or 7 and two in the last episode. It was pretty minimal because whenever these two were together Ha Ram was trying to kill her soooo.....there's that. You have a Second Lead (The Prince) who stood NO chance what so ever, so there were no love triangles, just the one that was in his imagination.
Finally the last episode came and everything was rushed, but you get the HAPPIEST of endings. (time skip) It's set up for a season two between the brothers, (with one of them coming again with another long ass revenge plot) but I do not care because the leads got their end and that's all that matters. I will not be watching it if they decide to do one. Does this warrant a re-watch? Yes, if you're into just staring at Paul Ahn in all his tall, red eyes, handsome glory. If not, nah, but it's good for a first watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Sweet fairytale fantasy romcom
I think Hyo Seop did a great job as the HaRam in this drama! his character is a sensual hero who, despite the fact that he is blind, is trying to take revenge on those who made him like that and also takes care of Cheonggi .. there is no great ostentatious passion, but only sensual tenderness and love ..inexpressible pain in the eyes of the Haram .. such a huge heartless pain ( u can feel it ) (due to the lenses, yes aha ) but nevertheless, the image perfectly conveys what the character feels because of the inability to see, live fully, be more open in his actions .. Hey Seop did an excellent job !
very sexy (this is all Hyo Seop ahha) turned out to be the image of a demon performed by him lol so much passion! straight wow ahha his make up looked like Johnny Depp's makeup from the movie Lone Ranger*
it was a pity for the prince YangMeon, a rather interesting character who, despite his love for Chungi, nevertheless let her go( from his heart and no lol ) and helped her and Il Wolseong, in their plan , although I’m sure he loved her throughout the drama, even after she and the HaRam got married)
it turned out to be such a sweet fairy tale, but in the last episodes the events unfolded rather quickly, as it seemed to me, probably due to season 2, ( if he will ) , but the drama is not finished, this is unambiguous.so I hope will 2 season )
this drama very interesting and topic about the demon , and into what these cases turned then , so I advice to watch it and rewatch also coz drama easy going , no are boring moments )
Was this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece Drama with it's thrilling Background Score
Omg what a masterpiece this drama is. after watching two ep i can say that it's gone be one of the best history fantasy romantic drama of all time. Honestly i literally get goosebumps while watching, what a masterpiece background score, its editing & bgms is superb ,you can literally get excite by listening the music. And the acting is on top notch the little kids hold the acting till the last and the older one's are also hold it tightly. I'm not wrong if i say ahn hyo seop gives his best performance till now as well as kim yoo jung but the little kids are really brilliant.Can't wait for next ep.
I'm strongly recommend this drama . I'm sure you will be loved by it's visual effect and screenplay
Thank U🙂
After finishing the drama i can say that it's quite good and well manned finished.
You can absolutely consider this drama at once.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Powerful Magical Fantasy Drama - Joseon Period
Of demon Ma Wang, of deities Samshin, Goddess of Life, of Ho Ryeong the Tiger Spirit, of curses, of revenge, of Josean royalty brother fighting for the throne, of divine painter Cheon Gi, of gifted astrologer Ha Ram…… magical characters in an absolutely entertaining fantasy dramaLovers of The Red Sky is a magical fantasy drama set in the Joseon period. Action and drama from the get go. First episode witnesses how a Palace Shaman (a spiritual high priestess) removes the Ma Wang demon residing in the body of King Yeong Jong locked into a divine painting. In that, the demon curses the country to a long famine and drought. When young Ha Ram is discovered to bear the Water Element, he is used in a ritual to attract rain, putting and end to the curse.
At the same time through a series of event between two young princes, demon Ma Wang is released and enters the body of Ha Ram. The only way to extract the demon residing in Ha Ram’s body is by seeking help from talented divine painter Cheon Gi. They fall in love and Cheon Gi is determined to complete the painting in time for the day of ‘Sealing Ceremony”- on a date, month and time when the sky turns red making it the most opportune time to lock the demon again and have Ha Ram return back to his normal self.
The story is well told, the special effects, cinematography, costumes and music were perfectly laid out and shared throughout the drama. Not a boring moment, plenty of action and moments of love and affection between the two leads. Ahn Hyo Seop (Ha Ram) proofed his acting versatility by portraying Ha Ram, a blind astrologer as well as Ma Wang, the demon. As for Kim Yoo Jung, she really shines in period costume roles from Love In The Moonlight to Lovers Of The Red Sky. Kudos to the entire cast for bringing us a really good drama which I enjoyed thoroughly.
Epilogue in the finale chapter gives a strong indication that there will be a part 2 and I really do not mind to watch a continued story of ambitious and evil Prince Juhyang and his kind and wise younger brother Prince Yi Yul with new character and love story thrown in.
What a good drama, highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WORTH WATCHING
There were no cringey extra scenes like nowadays kdramas even the historical sounds were soo powerfulllll i felt goosebumps i even cried multiple times truly worth watching but ill say its only my opinion 😙for me it’s masterpiece just watch it and you’ll see i am truly shocked by the low ratings but still people have different opinions or the people who watched this tv series neither did not fully understand what happened in the film nor watch it patiently and feel what is happening something like that but still the acting was good aaaahh it was amazingWas this review helpful to you?
Creative; yet underrated
I was at first hesitant to watch this drama as I had just finished the 2021 drama ''Nevertheless'' and was left drained. So, I had gave this drama a try not really knowing what to expect.Story/Plotline: At the first the prologue was very confusing as they were trying to explain the history of the demon (Ma Wang) {I guess, couldn't really remember as it was forgetful.} It was as if they were trying to pull a Eternal love of dream with the explanation of whom Ye Hua was., yet failed. Furthermore, it just felt like they were trying to do a deity Chinese drama but realized they didn't have the runtime for it. On the other hand, I actually like the overall story and it wasn't hard to understand. A lot of the "plot holes" that everyone is talking about maybe because they didn't fully pay attention. The plot wasn't complicated or anything nor required a great level of thinking. The drama was very bubbly with some fantasy and politics to expand the storyline. However, I wished things were fleshed out more with the relationships of the characters as to why they are helping Ha Ram (ML). Then, the ending left me thinking that we may get a second season, since it ended off as a cliffhanger.
Acting/Cast: This was the first time watching both of the main leads, they were both very good at portraying their characters. A lot of people complained about how terrible/ mediocre the characters were which I felt like okay but don't blame the actors. This was how the writers wrote the characters so they only could work with what they were offered. Nonetheless, I would enjoy seeing the other actors in other works.
Music: I really didn't care for the music since it didn't really grab my attention what so ever.
In conclusions, the drama wasn't bad it was really light hearted with some added politics and it was fairly short compared to what I am used to. I would actually re-watch this, especially if their is another season to it finally getting rid off the bad guy once and for all.
Was this review helpful to you?
Entertaining and Gripping - I want more!
This is a 10 so far. LOVING IT!! The first episode is gripping. I love Kim Yoo Jung, so I've highly anticipated this series for awhile. She hasn't disappointed. Her character is bold and independent and caring. The ML is so mysterious and cautiously curious about the FL. The secondary cast is great, too. I enjoy seeing Jo Sung Ha play a non villainous role because his character in 100 Days My Prince was irredeemable. Kim Kwang Gyu who plays the headmaster is comic relief...I laughed out loud in his scenes through episode 2. Besides the great cast, the visual effects are so impressive and beautiful. I wished I could wait to binge watch, but I'm too addicted to the cast and story, I'm living for the next episode. So well done.Was this review helpful to you?
