Many Joseon era dramas these days feel like they are just recycled over and over again. It's a shame as I enjoy the dramatic situations available to historical romances, and due to the premise I was willing to give this show a chance.
The scenario that the woman is in the 'high power position' compared to the man is refreshing. But, it doesn't result in more tension or difference in dynamic compared to your standard gender bending (changing clothes, bathing etc.). There's lots that could be done to truly flip your expectations, but so far not much has happened.
Six episodes in, we are still at the show synopsis stage. You could read the summary, pick up at episode six and know exactly what is going on. There's now been episode after episode of long looks, and speculative glances with no real character development or real dramatic tension.
This is a competent effort, but does not add anything new to the genre. At this stage I couldn't figure out a reason to continue watching.
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This review may contain spoilers
I Loved It Until About 1/2 Way Through
I loved it until about episode ten-eleven. I was completely with it, loved the pacing, the sets, the storyline, the acting, and the costumes. And then I got about half-way and my brain just got completely derailed by the plot.So here's a guy who spends about 4-5 hour long episodes coming to terms with the fact that he loves a man, and may not even be hetero, willing to endure that conclusion in a time that no one accepts that kind of thing and BAM!
"This is my secret!" I have breasts! Lmfao I'm sorry, but that just annoyed me so much because they made such a big deal of him coming to terms with everything, and then WHAM! I've got lady parts! Do you know how upsetting that would be? I mean, sure, bend the gender normative stereotypes -- but dang, that would be a REALLY uncomfortable turnaround for SO many people.
Also -- why doesn't she tell him that she's the court maiden he's been looking for RIGHT THEN? Like, BAM, I'm a woman, AND I'm Dam-yi! It's ONE sentence. Just Darth Vader it.
"No, _I_ am Dam-yi!"
Also, he recognized the Crown Prince AS A WOMAN the VERY next time he meets her/him -- and YET, for some reason just nixes that entire idea with the slightest nudge, even though he SAW her.
No? No. Okay, anywaaaay...
The bodyguard, who is the strong, silent type (and takes his job VERY seriously -- seriously, that scene where the four of them sit down for drinks together and he chases Ji-un around the danged table - HILARIOUS) -- is the only man in the entire kingdom, the entire palace, no, the entire danged SHOW with bangs/fringe in his hair or a memorable talisman on the sheath of his sword -- and yet, he wears a mask while trying to hold up the king at sword-point. All I kept thinking was, "Dude, I don't think your mask is going to do much." Albeit, let's face it, the bodyguard's lack of talking really made some points truly hilarious. Funny.
I truly loved the Crown Princess' eunuch. He was hilarious and adorable all in one. The cast made everything enjoyable even though I lost my mind arguing with my danged television at some points at the stupidity of some moments. It actually annoyed me so much I didn't think I could continue. However, I _am_ on episode 14 (only six episodes/hours left) -- so I'm trying to stick in there. Will update when I finally finish it, if I can.
P. S. I'm still giving it a seven, because even if I ended it right then (which really, you COULD do) -- hey, dethroned, left the palace, managed to connect with Ji-un again, and BAM - happily ever after, free to live her life with the man she loves, show OVER. Honestly, I could walk away right now and just pretend the rest didn't happen and be content.
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um that the main character lee hwi (played by park eun bin) is gorgeous and i can't get over it :)
WELL PARK EUN BIN IS SO GORGEOUS AND IM A SIMP. (especially her smile sjbfjsbf so cuteeeeee) but honestly this drama is MWAH I can't wait for the rest of the episodes to release! I'm so fucking excited, waiting week after week... but it's worth itttttyk I was doubtful at first but I'm like that about all dramas i watch, but yk watch 2-3 episodes (or well more if you'd like and if 1 episode is quite short then, like get ur head in the storyline and see) if you still don't "like" it then drop it. can't say much more cuz yk we all have different taste and thoughts so might love it but someone else might not like it all cuz it's not their style but yeah well this is a really good drama for people who like kinda foreign Korean history with love^^ and dramaaaa (obviouslyyyy)
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Had potential till it didn't
I loved it so much and then it just went for too long and became far too political. Disappointing.Ost is great, got the good feels
ML is hot and just so good (loved him since Extraordinary You), he was adorable and so cuteeeee and sweet.. FL convincing as a male.. loved the reversed gender roles. I applaud them for writing this so either male or female works playing the roles!!
But why 20 EPs, you could have finished by 16 sigh...
I only finished because I really wanted to see the ML smile and be happy..
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Great one and time worthy to watch
Seriously I don't like historical theme dramas but because of rowoon I watched 2 episodes and now I can't wait to see the next episodes they were really great also the OST was so soothing rowoon really did the great jon and also the casting of child actors representing the younger version were so on point that I kinda felt that these actors will definately be look alike of each other in near future. Time worthy please watch it. Also the storyline is great and kinda uniqoeyso Im hoping that it'll grew more interesting on future episodes so I'm really satisfied with the series and will follow it till the endWas this review helpful to you?
Had me so hooked!
I hate historical dramas and by hate, I mean I have never fully finished one but this show had me so hooked from the first episode. I have only watched 2 episodes so far but its so good. They did such a good job with the casting because the FL is so pretty and the ML is so fine. I will surely be watching all eps of this drama. Netflix is doing a really good job with the kdramas that they've been putting out lately. I really recommend that you give it a try. I really think I won't be disappointed with the show. Every aspect about it is so interesting & I also like how the side characters have a huge impact on the overall plot.Was this review helpful to you?
Characters have new story to tell that will spice your interest
Well, the actors are really interesting since they have new roles to portray far for previous acting. It's visual is admiring and chemistry even for young roles is indeed nice. The OST also complements and creates wholesome mood. The flow of the story is clear and logical which fascinates the viewer to watch more and look forward for next twist. I am a fan of SF9 Rowoon, so I will definitely support this since he is becoming good in acting with a great actress Park Eunbin. This story triggers my interest on how it will run and end.Was this review helpful to you?
This is still a maybe for me, but concerned
So I’m going to be honest and withhold judgment for the moment and give it a chance to grow on me. I will admit the kids are charming. I’m so early in the series, I haven’t even seen them morph into adults yet. But, I will say that even though I know it’s a “fantasy” set an unnamed but concrete Joseon time period, the modern anachronisms are so jarring that they pull you out of the story. You end up thinking, “that’s impossible, never would have happened,” instead of just enjoying the show. And it’s only the first episodeWas this review helpful to you?
Animal Abuse Boycott
The King’s Affection openly abused the animals on set and they filmed it so you can see the abuse with your own eyes. The horse falling on its head in episode 1? How many takes did it take? How many times did they abuse the innocent and noble horses that we didn’t see? If you have any morals- boycott this Korean series!Was this review helpful to you?
PODIA SER MUITO MELHOR
Fiquei admirada com a atuação da protagonista, ele entrou tanto no personagem que quando eu contava para os outros eu ficava falando "Aí o príncipe, quer dizer, a princesa... A protagonista vestida de príncipe", com certeza o melhor da série é ela. Sei que a vibe dela é toda série por conta de ser forçada a ser um menino quase toda a vida, mas achei que faltou algum momento "feminino" dela sabe? Um olhar, uma risada, não sei... Algum momento onde por um instante ela pudesse ser ela mesma, no final tivemos um pouco disso mas foi tão rápido.Não houve um plot na história para agitar as coisas, não ri muito nem chorei, nesse quesito de emoção achei morno. Os secundários não despertam tanta atenção. Me apaixonei demaaaais pela esposa do principe/princesa hahahahaha... Ela é toda fora do padrão, engraçada, livre e apaixonada. Fiquei triste que no final não acharam um cara top para ela. Gostei do final, achei ele bem crível com a realidade do dorama, mas não fiquei com saudade.
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para aquecer o coração em dias chuvosos
Gostei muito desse dorama, achei que me lembrou muito de Alquimia das Almas se o dorama tivesse sido inspirado bo filme da Mulan.O estilo dele me lembrou muito da época em que eu comecei a assistir doramas, em meados de 2019. Parece muito, não sei se por ser de época, os doramas chineses que eu via nessa época no YouTube.
Achei bem curtinho, acessível — tem na Netflix — muito engraçado e bem fofinho. Só a trilha sonora que foi bem insuportável em uns momentos específicos do dorama, mas da pra relevar facilmente.
A protagonista conseguiu ser shipavel com quase todos os presos independente de quem ela estivesse fingindo ser. Muito bom mesmo, recomendo.
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Poca storia, tante noie
Mi dispiace definirlo così, ma è quello che penso davvero. Una buona storia di fondo c'era. I personaggi anche. Solo che, ecco.. hanno voluto fare troppo. Se si fossero limitati a scrivere una storia d'amore impossibile e anche un po' divertene/tragica come hanno fatto all'inizio l'avrei apprezzato molto di più. Hanno voluto aggiungere roba, su roba e il tutto condito con diversi momenti di pura noia. Momenti morti, flashback di attimi romantici ce ne sono a gogò.Anche se avessero lasciato la trama com'era, ma togliendo tutta la noia sarebbe stato bello, forse uno dei miei preferiti dell'anno. Ma ci stanno TROPPI momenti morti che dici madò e vai avanti!! Ammetto di aver skippato qualche puntata perchè troppo noiosa, senza saltarmi i momenti importanti.
Ho apprezzato particolarmente Ro Woon nella sua interpretazione, anche dico pure che l'ho amato. La musica tutto sommato ci sta, ma anche quella non è che aiuti molto nelle parti lente.
Giusto per spiegarmi meglio, non è che alcune parti le considero noiose perchè sono lente ma non servono a niente. Giusto per allungare il brodo.
Consiglio la visione cmq se non vi aspettate troppo. Alcune scene meritano di essere viste.
Nota bene: Non ho letto il manhwa, quindi parlo da ignorante che ha visto solo il drama.
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