I was Captivated!!!
I think all reviews should always start with "Personally, I hated or I loved".Reading the low reviews, one would think this was a horrible drama. Quite the opposite. I absolutely loved this drama (and I don't like historical drama - at all). I was captivated from Episode 1 through to 16. I would have watched in one sitting, had it been possible. I would recommend you watch it and decide for yourself. If it's not your cuppa tea, that's cool. On to the next. Don't base your decision on somebody's else's preference.
I loved the cast, the storyline, the pace and the music, the music - absolutely beautiful. Purchased the soundtrack and its my current playlist.
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It is worth watching just for the main character
(Sorry if my English is bad)I almost dropped it first 2 episodes because it was kinda cringey, but after that I really loved it.
Jo Jung Suk is carrying this show hard. His character was the most interesting one and he was the best actor without a doubt.
This show did something I was always waiting to see - killing your enemy before they kill you, unappologetically and brutally. And the prince who killed being this warm-hearted, righteous man was so refreshing to see as people are not perfect nor perfection can get you far in real life.
Another person I would like to mention is Court Lady Dong. Love her acting, love her story and would like it if we knew a bit more about her.
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Some different aspects for a Sageuk drama
December 2024Overall, I loved this. It's a classic sageuk drama. However, it is never OTT and all the characters are really good. I didn't find any annoying, although many were absolute barstewards, with others being too easily deceived, and/or misguided.
It does have a gentle pace, but whilst it lacks the action of many other dramas of this type, the plot is clever and aspects were extremely refreshing. There is plenty of intrigue, and intelligent plotting, with those trying to control the King and that position, mistakenly underestimating the person on the throne.
The love side of things is very subtle, but integral to the story, and I found it very romantic at times. The kisses were not at all steamy though, ever. The final one especially, really should have had far more passion. Kang Hee-soo was like a board! Is that the actress, or the director? One really needs a pinch for that :/
It was also very moving on occasion, especially early on, when Jin-han returned from Qing.
There is understated humour from many recognisable supporting character actors, as well as from the King and his guard, Joo Sang-hwa. Two of my favourite characters.
I loved Jo Jung-suk in the lead role; his expressions and habit of slowly closing his eyes when things started to press in on, or anger him, was so good. I really love his acting and find him easy to watch. He rarely fails to draw me in and I've liked a lot of the dramas he's appeared in. Two Cops is still a big favourite.
I don't dislike watching Shin Se-kyung, but I do find her acting quite bland at times. She rarely expresses emotion well and displayed too little passion, which this role was really all about (not just romantic passion, butcthatcof a cause too).
The most annoying character for me was Kim Myung-ha (Lee Shin-young), whose behaviour at one point, coupled with that of his father, made his reasons for hating the King and seeking revenge, somewhat hypocritical. Such a pious character, when he had little reason to behave that way.
I also felt that later into the drama, Mong-woo (Hee-Soo) should have had more faith in the King... but then, these suspicions are needed for tension and added angst, I suppose.
I must say that the Gidaeryeong was much, much too feminine to be taken as a man, so that might marr viewing, a fair bit, for some. I could overlook it, but at the same time I thought the role should have been acted with at least a glimmer of masculinity. There are many pretty men, but their gender is still recogniseable and in this drama that was needed.
The ending had a number of gaps, but was acceptable, and the latter part of the final episode did feel rushed, in comparison to others.
However, I would still recommend this for sageuk drama lovers; overall, it does not disappoint and there are a few things different to the norm, which gave it that bit more.
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A series not to be missed
I was completely captivated by every moment of the "Captivating the King" series. The story is a fascinating journey through the realm of political intrigue and the royal court, and the king himself has become one of my favorite characters.Every time the king enters the scene, you can't help but admire his calmness and intelligence. The way he approaches every challenge with wisdom and determination makes him an outstanding leader. The actor playing him adds tremendous depth and authenticity to such a complex character.
The series leads us through a maze of political alliances and power shifts, giving us a deep look into the society and politics of the time. Each episode brings with it new twists and moments of tension that kept me glued to the screen.
If you are fond of Korean historical dramas, "Captivating the King" is an experience you should not miss. It will transport you to a fascinating world full of mystery and nobility, where you will be caught in a story that will fascinate you from the first moment.
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It's a captivating drama, boasting stunning costumes, cinematography, and a stellar cast.
Great dramatic series. All the actors are superb, and the 💛 King Jo Jung-Suk...OMG, his performance is powerful, captivating, emotional, and intense as well as sensitive. I don't know what the top actors award is in S. Korea--Jo Jung Suk-- gives an Oscar-worthy performance🏆🏆🏆I think I have a crush ❤️ Shin Se-Kyung, is beautiful as well as, moving in her role. I have seen her in many k-dramas and enjoy her acting. Honestly hate to see the series come to and end! Well done! I keep replaying previous series and scenes!It's a captivating drama, boasting stunning costumes, cinematography, and a stellar cast.
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Will keep you interested til the end
There is so much to like about this drama. First their dialogues very well written and beautiful. our leads chemistry is so subtle, strong, beautiful most of the time their eyes talked. you can literally see the love in king lee eyes. King lee our main lead is an amazing king who you will root for til the end. Storyline is really good politics doesnt get boring. it will keep you captivated til the end. Each episode you will have something to look forward too. Also ignore the negative comments watch it then make the decision whether you like it or notWas this review helpful to you?
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Can't Complete It
I have a bunch of problems with it at this point. I hate that the FL is trying her best to bring the ML down when we all know her feelings, and I hate how cold and aggressive the ML can be towards her, making her unsure of his true feelings and doubt his intensions, and I also hate that she didn't have the sense to ever question his behaviour as king, or the situation he was in, she just suddenly listened to the gossip and couldn't trust anything she heard or saw from the ML. Before she was cast out she believed things the right way, but then she got scared and was dumbed down. I also hate huge lies, deception and misunderstandings/miscommunication in most dramas between the main pairings, and there's a lot of that in this drama.As a CP they're a mess, I really like the chemistry and the intimacies, but with what is going on between them it all feels a little wrong. I even love how they can communicate with each other and have a whole conversation just with simple looks. It's such a shame that the story stops them from being one of the best couples.
There is a lot of politics as well, and it's incredibly boring, I've had enough of it, it feels never-ending.
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A Captivating King…
As other viewers I felt ending was short. Waited for so much more. Although they gave us a happy ending (at least) it needed more substance. The kiss was awful! At least if it was as their first kiss it was good but that kiss? Why after all the trouble they can’t give a better ending, at least I would have been thrilled with a good kiss.Jo Jung Suk saved this drama. If it wasn’t for him probably I would have dropped it. As many others comments he CARRIED this drama. Deserves an Oscar! Don’t know if his acting diminished Shin Sae Kyeong or if she acted poorly next to him or the script. I will go with his acting was too much for her. All the emotions that he could convey in seconds were superb and those eyes said so much. Wow! I hope to see him soon in more dramas similar so I can see more of this potential. I have seen other of his dramas but here I felted he was intense.
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A Captivating Tale Between A King & His Favorite Baduk Player
Dynasty politics isn’t something new when it comes to Korean historicals. We always have a group of power hungry officials, who are either related to the Queen or the Queen Dowager, trying to force their opinions on the King. Corruption becomes the main subplot in these storylines; as such “Captivating the King” was no different. King Lee In/Grand Prince Jin Han ascends the throne when his elder brother (the former King) is poisoned. The only catch, King Lee Sun names his only son as the heir to the throne. Unbeknownst to others, Lee In masks this royal decree and ascends to the throne himself. While his power hungry mother and uncle barter for dominance, Lee In plays mind games with them to protect the young Prince (his nephew). Starring Jo Jung Suk & Shin Sae Kyeong in the lead roles, the show uses the backdrop of the baduk game as an intelligent ploy for the plot and the schemes, that the King devises to fool his corrupt opponents. Both main leads give exceptional performances, heralding the narrative in an intriguing direction. Let’s sit down to talk about their distinct portrayals!Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/05/captivating-the-king-series-review/
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Under satisfying end to an across-the-board amazing drama
This drama had all the factors going for it, an interesting plot, a believable reason for revenge and a consistent amazing acting quality from its cast. However, the way that my interest in the storyline declined in the final episode was astonishing. A lot of plots and reunions were missed in the drama, that I felt would've made the ending more impactful and added a lot of clarity to the reasonings behind people's actions. In fact, the reunion that they did explore at the end was extremely under satisfying as a watcher who was very engaged in their relationship. However, despite my nit-picking, this drama was across the board amazing. I loved watching it, and I would probably watch it again.Was this review helpful to you?
