This review may contain spoilers
starts strong but falls apart
I'm not the biggest fan of historical dramas out there, but I had to give this a go because regardless of what my other review says, I did want to watch an LJW show. Considering how I already knew the plot of the novel, I'm very happy that it stuck to the original ending. That being said, the show still left me unsatisfied. Only fake-Hongrang's character stayed with me after I finished the 11 episodes.
What I liked about the show was the cinematography, the music, and the characters of the Grand Prince, Min Yeonui, and fake-Hongrang. The fighting scenes were solid and entertaining. The creep factor and the dark themes were interesting. It was an interesting story and I'm glad they stuck to the webnovel ending.
What I didn't like was, first and foremost, the romance. It was uncomfortable and even downright disgusting to watch in some scenes. I understand it's supposed to portray the characters' moral and ethical and psychological turmoil, but I couldn't see it from that perspective. Especially the scene in the forest where Fauxrang sucks on Jaeyi's finger hours after confirming to her that he's her brother. The development felt off to me but perhaps it was how the two characters mirrored each other and could relate to each other that made the feelings so strong in such a short time. Nevertheless, I will never be a fan of the fake siblings trope. None of the romantic moments were heart fluttering to me but I managed to watch it anyway.
Jaeyi's character was a big disappointment. I'm not the biggest Cho Boah fan, but I felt she was okay in Destined With You. All she does in this show is cry and stare as if her eyes are about to pop out. Jaeyi is meant to be a stronger character and clever when it comes to business (webtoon+novel). Seeing how she survived for so long in such a terrible home, with Min Yeonui hanging over her like the devil, I assumed we'd get more from Jaeyi instead of seeing her be rescued every episode. I couldn't sympathize with her or Mujin's character as I found the acting funny in certain parts.
The Snow Man was an interesting character and I would've liked to know more, but I understand he was only a side character.
I thoroughly enjoyed Min Yeonui, from start to the way her story ended.
All in all, good effort. Not a show I would recommend but not one I'd discourage from watching.
What I liked about the show was the cinematography, the music, and the characters of the Grand Prince, Min Yeonui, and fake-Hongrang. The fighting scenes were solid and entertaining. The creep factor and the dark themes were interesting. It was an interesting story and I'm glad they stuck to the webnovel ending.
What I didn't like was, first and foremost, the romance. It was uncomfortable and even downright disgusting to watch in some scenes. I understand it's supposed to portray the characters' moral and ethical and psychological turmoil, but I couldn't see it from that perspective. Especially the scene in the forest where Fauxrang sucks on Jaeyi's finger hours after confirming to her that he's her brother. The development felt off to me but perhaps it was how the two characters mirrored each other and could relate to each other that made the feelings so strong in such a short time. Nevertheless, I will never be a fan of the fake siblings trope. None of the romantic moments were heart fluttering to me but I managed to watch it anyway.
Jaeyi's character was a big disappointment. I'm not the biggest Cho Boah fan, but I felt she was okay in Destined With You. All she does in this show is cry and stare as if her eyes are about to pop out. Jaeyi is meant to be a stronger character and clever when it comes to business (webtoon+novel). Seeing how she survived for so long in such a terrible home, with Min Yeonui hanging over her like the devil, I assumed we'd get more from Jaeyi instead of seeing her be rescued every episode. I couldn't sympathize with her or Mujin's character as I found the acting funny in certain parts.
The Snow Man was an interesting character and I would've liked to know more, but I understand he was only a side character.
I thoroughly enjoyed Min Yeonui, from start to the way her story ended.
All in all, good effort. Not a show I would recommend but not one I'd discourage from watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
