Made me smile like a Cheshire cat
Despite a film's story, if I'm smiling like a Cheshire cat from one ear to another, it's a good film and this is no exception. A little cracker. Funny, a little sad at times, heartwarming.Episode 2 has a cute reference to 'Goblin' complete with the red scarf. Very clever.
And what's with the "Boom bop jiggy" between man and woman - is this where we get the saying from 'having a bit of jiggy'? That was hilarious.
Brilliant cast, beautiful settings, costumes etc. And at just 12 episodes perfect to watch parallel with another drama (if you're anything like me - with five dramas on the go at the same time ;-)
Thoroughly recommend. Now.. back to Untamed :-)
Was this review helpful to you?
Cheesy Drama with Forced Elements of Modern Comedy.
I give a warning to those of you who want to watch this drama. This drama is a fairly chessy drama with forced elements of modern comedy.The touch of the modern world, modern behavior and thinking which is quite strong makes this drama feel quite unreal.
Personally, it's quite difficult for me to digest, especially the first 3 episodes. The behavior of a king is often out of character. As well as FML's behavior as a royal servant. This is actually quite excessive for a saeguk themed drama. Especially it appears in comedic scenes.
Don't get me wrong,
I personally am not against comedy elements in saeguk but here, it feels presented excessively and inappropriately so it doesn't feel real. However, after the first 3 episodes, the unreal element begins to decrease (although it is still slightly present) and the drama begins to be enjoyable.
Apart from the problems above, the romantic scenes and intense scenes are shown well. I blushed when the romantic scene started to appear. The plot and writing of this drama are actually simple and not too deep. But enough to be enjoyed until the end. The acting is also quite good even though it's not memorable.
Was this review helpful to you?
A good historical rom-com
It was a nice historical rom-com. They kinda make mention of “future” dramas and doing “future” practices but it was funny to see them all.The comedy part made it more fun to watch.
I always like watching and hearing Kim Young Dae slightly lisp…find it cute anyways. Both leads had great chemistry and even it’s always the norm in these dramas to see an outgoing FL and a more sticker ML, it was still interesting to watch their dynamics.
I lowkey felt bad for Lee Shin Won but oh well he still got his happy ending.
Love the bonus with the 2 kids….I am assuming that the boy is Shin Won’s son and the girl is for So Rang….
How cute would it be if they had a spin off.
Was this review helpful to you?
A cheap drama that makes it hard to move on!
Imagine, in the Joseon era there were pornographic comics! How do you multiply it? In that era, they did not know about printing presses, nor did they have electricity.But yeah, it's a joke. Reminds me of the Korean drama Mr Queen, which both use a sageuk/kingdom theme and make a play on contemporary culture that makes me laugh.
The sageuk theme has its own charm. Many sageuk lovers watch without caring about the actors/actresses and story ideas, including me. 😀😀 Almost all sageuk-themed Korean dramas, I devoured them.
Adapted from the webtoon "Geumhonryeong: Joseon Honin Geumjiryeong" (금혼령-조선혼인금지령) by Chun Ji Hye (천지혜), connoisseurs of this webtoon will surely laugh and be curious about the continuation.
Likewise with the Korean drama: The Forbidden Marriage, many scenes invite smiles and laughter. The early episodes seemed to flow smoothly. Park Ju-Hyun's acting as Ye So-Rang is maximally explored.
No wonder, together with Kim Young-Dae (King Lee Heon), Park Ju-Hyun won the 2022 MBC Drama Awards – as Excellent Actress. Even though this chubby-cheeked actress is new, in the Korean drama ‘Mouse’ she only appears as a supporting actor.
It's a shame that the final episodes of the Korean drama: The Forbidden Marriage are a bit loose. But it's still fun to enjoy. The music that makes up the whole scene, the adorable chemistry of Park Ju-Hyun and Kim Young-Dae, and the slick cinematography, make this drama audience not mind rewatching.
The next review can be read here: https://www.maria-g-soemitro.com/2023/01/forbidden-marriage-review-drama-korea.html
Was this review helpful to you?
A Refreshing Take on the Regular Historical Drama
From excellent acting, a refreshing story, perfectly fitting music, and more, the Forbidden Marriage was a great drama, packed full of comedy, chemistry, and dramaStory:
Throughout the drama, the writers put a splendid spin on a somewhat obvious story. Though the story itself wasn't anything special, taking all the obvious turns and using many cliches. However, the writers managed to put refreshing snippets into the show, ranging from period-style TikToks and quirky sound effects, somehow giving the drama a modern relevancy through relevant topics and modern dialogue.
In addition, because the Forbidden Marriage was only 12 episodes long, there wasn't much unnecessary dragging out of relationships. The shorter length allowed for a more brisk pace and quicker character development. Plus, it also had a very satisfying ending that didn't feel too rushed.
Acting/Cast:
Because this was such a different and new perspective, the Forbidden Marriage needed some great actors to pull the scenes off. And pull the scenes off they did. Park Ju Hyun and Kim Yong Dae's comedic delivery, emotional depth, and chemistry with the other cast members (especially with each other) shined. Additionally, though it is hard to showcase without spoilers, Kim Woo Seok, Yang Dong Guen, Choi Deok Moon, and every single supporting actor provided some solid performances enhancing the drama.
Each of the characters they played was lovable and real while the villains were also aptly portrayed (*spoiler* shout out to the nice Queen Dowager, one of the rarest breeds there is in the Kdrama world).
Music:
Finally, the music was fun and really reflected the mood in many of the scenes very well. It provided some unique OSTs into a more uniform industry. There were also plenty of sound effects that enhanced the viewing experience.
Overall, the Forbidden Marriage was a very enjoyable watch that I will rewatch at least a couple of scenes of. It was fun, quirky, and refreshing, jam-packed full of excellent acting performances and memorable scenes.
I definitely recommend everyone to check it out!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I hereby award this drama one of my very rare “loved ratings”…
Using my personal rating system of "loved," "liked," "meh," & "nah," this is a “loved”.What I liked: Thank you to the writers, directors, etc. for opening this with a disclaimer that was the equivalent of “in a galaxy long, long ago and far, far away…”. Setting this up as alternate reality gave everyone more freedom to enjoy this drama since it, in many ways, had nothing to do with historical reality. So if you’re one of those complaining about the lack of historical accuracy, I respectfully refer you back to the first five minutes of the first episode. Kim Young Dae is just as adorable in period costume as in modern attire. He did a great job of portraying a range of human emotions without ever overdoing it or making his character seem inconsistent. The character of Ye So Rang was great. She was funny and smart—and best of all, stayed that way throughout the entire drama instead of suddenly becoming dumb to make the ML look good. Lee Shin Won was adorable from start to finish and I love that, at the end, they hinted he would get to be in a relationship with an amazing woman, too. I loved the head lady and head eunuch—they were fun to watch, as well as the shaman. In fact, I pretty much loved all the supporting characters, except of course, for the evil ones (is it just me or did the main evil guy always looked stoned!?). There were some great scenes, too, that I had to rewind and watch at least once more: the scenes of the boys reading erotica for the first time (and the one of YSR jumping up and down to get all of the books out from under her skirts…lol!), when the King went to rescue YSR from jail, any scene where the King was being awkward or unsure, when LSW rescued YSR first and they’re both all “aren’t we missing someone?...” and more.
What I did not like: There was not really much. I was not interested in the side romance between the writer and the waitress at the tea shop—though his side kicks were hilarious—but that’s a just personal “meh”. Any objections I would normally have with a lack of historical accuracy were solved by the opening disclaimer and since I prefer fantasy over reality in dramaland, I was relieved not to have to worry about it. I did wonder how such an independent woman like YSR would take to being queen (like I did the FL in 100 Days My Prince), but they even addressed that on her wedding day so I was satisfied. Other than that, nothing horribly obvious comes to mind.
Would I recommend this? If you’re like me and prefer period costume dramas over historical drams, then yes. If you like a happy ending, then yes. If you cried during the Red Sleeve and need to make it up, watch this. If your cup of tea is gritty, dark reality, then no, this will just make you mad. :D
Was this review helpful to you?
BOOORING
Very boring and long for a short story.I get it that there's a love triangle but why make such simple and short story sooooo long. The start was intrsesting but as time went on it got more boring to the point that I forced myself to finish the drama because it had only 3 episodes left
The main character is a average quirky country girl who still believes in love after the king prohibited it.
I didn't like the girl faked that she could communicate with souls.
Too much going back and forth between the guys. Boring and predictable ending.
NEVER would recommend it or rewatch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Funny, and Fun to Watch!
The camera angles in the beginning are just mind-blowing. I've never seen anything aside from a music video filmed like that. The introduction to the show had me hooked immediately. A spunky female street-rat lead with her stand-in father-like figure who can often see the future are where this story starts. Alongside this opening storyline, is a king who cannot sleep or eat well after the death of his first and only wife. As others are known to say, 'misery enjoys company' and within this time a marriage ban is enacted. No physical contact, no flirting, no love letters, nothing to do with love is permitted. The people of this Joseon romp are in a quiet uproar, holding hands in secret, and asking for compatibility tests is hugely against the law.However, not for the female lead, So Rang. After being thrown in prison for being an underground matchmaker, she pretends to be able to conjure up the spirits of those who passed away. The King keeps her by his side due to wanting to stay close to his deceased bride, but soon after -- love sparks between the two of them.
With hilarious AND serious side stories, and your typical second male lead falling head over heels for the female lead -- the comedic timing and filming are to be enjoyed. Think of it like the McDonald's of kdramas. It may not be particularly healthy to binge watch an entire 12+ hour show, but I guarantee it's filling, enjoyable, and you may only feel a little sick afterward. Lol
The actors are great -- I truly think that the head eunuch, the old man psychic, and the lead bad guy stole the show at points, but the chemistry between the king and So Rang was good. The sets are stunning and the rooms, WOW, are just beautiful. I loved the costuming, and it was the series perfect length. Not too long, and just long enough to get the story out without ruining it.
I enjoyed the whole show and definitely would suggest it to anyone looking for a fun, not accurate-at-all kind of historical drama. Enjoy it for the modern speech, the jokes, the romance, and the serious storyline that is easy to handle because it's obvious, and hilariously awkward moments. It has a happily ever after -- so enjoy to your heart's content.
Was this review helpful to you?
Unlike other histrocal dramas
When you think of a Korean historical drama 9 times out of 10 you think serious, heart breaking, and LONG. However this Saeguk was different.You have a King who has lost his wife and set a marriage ban until he remarries and So rang a girl who has lost her way, working as a swindler and now has somehow ended up in the Kings palace pretending that she has been possessed by the late Queen and yet this was was HILARIOUS. The comedy in this historical drama was literally a breath of fresh air. I started this drama while I was in a slump and omg it brought me right back to life. Of course, their is treason, scheming, murder all of the tropes that a Saeguk has but somehow it never felt that serious and always managed to make me laugh, Now, there is a love triangle and although I used to LOVE a love triangle Korea has manged to make me hate them! In the beginning, I actually was enjoying it surprisingly and then after 4 episodes began to quickly hate it as it turned into an overly persistent sml who can't take no for an answer. I have seen some people complain and say that the show lost its fun in the last third of the drama however I have to disagree. The show was more funny and light hearted in the earlier stages of the show, but there is still major plots that need to be resolved and can't help but be a little more serious as the show comes to an end, but the quality was always the same. Anyway, I still thought the show was funny and unserious throughout and was quite obviously not historically accurate.
THE MAIN COUPLE!! One thing that I will always love in historical dramas is the TENSION and omg was it great. The drama was the opposite of a slow burn and they came to like each other very quickly although the king took a little while to recognised his feelings. Their chemistry was so GOOD. I kept rewinding scenes while internally screaming because the tension and chemistry was hitting DIFFERENT.
The acting was up to scratch Park Juhyun is always a plessure to watch and was so good in the comedy genre and slayed her emotional scenes of course. Kim Youngdae, is literally so FUNNY, he has amazing comedic timing. I hope to see him in more romcoms soon. The supporting case were also great, some actors were doing their job a little too well because at times I wanted to punch the screen.
The music was enjoyable so no complaints.
The forbidden marriage is the sort of drama you rewatch because you know you'll keep enjoying it over and over again.
I don't actually have any complaints other than the the love triangle but it didn't take away from the show.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and would recommend this romcom to any one who wants to watch a Saeguk that isn't gut wrenching but will instead a have you smiling and blushing.
Quick sidenote I have seem this drama being compared to the Cinderella trope but I would disagree it's not really rags to riches after you learn about her character.
Was this review helpful to you?
Delightful - made me smile, giggle and feel good no matter how things went. Sometimes you need that
If you're looking for an interesting story, romance, laughter, beautiful costumes, beguiling music and enough intrigue to keep you entertained but not drain your emotional battery...this could be the satisfying drama you're looking for. There's so much to love about this period romance and while the synopsis doesn't hint at how cleverly created & produced this drama is, it is visually stunning with a beautiful soundtrack.The photography/cinematography was great, although in a few places the look of actor's makeup suffered. The core story is actually tragic - as most Joseon period tales are - but the humor is great. Maybe over-the-top silly, and childish... I loved it. True to the writers intent, this is not a serious historic piece. Many traditional Joseon ideals are thwarted and replaced with 21st ideas and opinions. And it's certainly far from proper with use of erotic manwah as a way of enticement for all the male characters. There are also inside jokes about popular kdramas you' might recognize.
As I experienced it, Episode 1 of The Forbidden Marriage explodes with a prelude of eye-popping color and graphics, a literary disclaimer, intro to our scam artist So Rang who tries to make a living during the nationwide marriage ban in Joseon. Our 3 main characters are King Yi Heon, So Rang and Sun Won. Of these the King and So Rang are the funniest especially after they meet within the confines of the Palace. Both roles are exceptionally acted, and you can sympathize with their condition; enter into their feelings and empathize. The fact So Rang is a swindler is not really important, and neither is the elevated status of King Yi Heon, whose personality is laughable and allows for much comic relief. At times the humor is enough to make you stop watching to recover and catch your breath.
The soundtrack is excellent with so much diversity. One ballad I believe is Chinese and is lovely enough even without subtitles.
This drama came as quite a surprise to me as the synopsis didn't attract me. Also, its viewership was low for the genre. But Rom-Com type dramas vary widely, and this one is much more lighthearted; easy to watch because it's only 12 parts and takes an irreverent diversion from the more explicit cruelty of period dramas. I am delighted I watched it and hope more fans of Korean romance comedy will find it and add to its popularity. It might not be equivalent to The Kings Affection, Flower Crew: Joseon Wedding Agency or Lovers of the Red Sky, for its story presentation but is definitely entertaining and enjoyable without the emotional turmoil of a classic 16-24 part drama. I highly recommend it as such.
Summary:
For what it's worth, this lighthearted drama is well worth watching for the delightful story, beautiful visuals, mesmerizing music, comedic main characters and feel good ending.
Was this review helpful to you?
The king who wears his heart ❤️ on his sleeves!
This is one of the most underrated kdrama in 2023... it am surprised why this has not gained much attention that it truly deserves. But I'm highly recommending this for a lit of reasons:Timeliness - 12 episodes is just sweet perfection for me, I binge-watched this in less than a day and I am pretty much satisfied with how the writers kept it this short but without sacrificing the content.
Story - I didn't have to use up a lot of my brain energy to try and figure out how the story might end but I love the wit, the twists and how everything else fall into their rightful places up to the very end of this kdrama.
Chemistry - great casting! 👍 and i simply can't believe that a king have this much love!
Was this review helpful to you?
A done well job.
This is probably one of the best dramas I have watched. No hits were missed. This drama having 12 episodes is perfect, there are no boring or unnecessary scenes in every episode. It is very endearing in a way it just pulls you in for a coaster.The story was good overall, it's simple and eventful yet played and executed in a nice and beautiful manner.
The casts were amazing. Each presented their character well.
The only small thing I didn't like—was how they started liking each other, it felt as if it was just a flash.
But despite that this definitely deserves a great review. It was a very nice drama to try out.
Was this review helpful to you?
