This review may contain spoilers
an unmatched, enthralling masterpiece
i don’t even know where to begin to describe how excellent this drama is. i knew i was going to enjoy it after watching an edit of it on social media, but i didn’t know just how much of a treasure it was going to be!as a history lover, i absolutely relished this excellent period work of art.
not once did i fast forward or feel bored during any episode. i felt sad as i was nearing the last episodes. and so, i enjoyed everything a little extra, not wanting to let go.
the longing and yearning is absolutely tear jerking and the romance worthy of swoons! as someone who leans more towards romance, the politics within Joseon and across nations were so interesting and captivating that i was curious to see how it all ended.
i love the feminism and patriciachial society themes.the FL & ML are both feminists in a way that’s fitting for their time and their viewpoints really touched me.
trigger warning: sexual assault
a line that will stay with me from the ML is when a woman he knows tells him how she has “dirtied” herself for “sleeping” with the barbarians (the foreign ruler actually raped her). she blames herself as if the violent act was her fault, despite being the victim. but the ML says, “if a dog bites you, did you dirty yourself? if a barbarian beats you, did you dirty yourself?” you can see the glint of realisation in her eyes after hearing his words. they took away her shame and guilt because it wasn’t hers to carry in the first place.
it’s the first drama i’ve ever watched that depicts how gruesome and barbaric war really is.
i also really love the touch of realism in the drama. for example, the blood stained clothes the FL wears for days while fleeing from the war stays on her for a couple of scenes, which makes sense because they don’t have time to wash their clothes or properly take care of themselves during a time of war while fleeing for their lives.
the stylists and make up artists did a great job at portraying the characters as sick because they really looked like they were going through it!
the battle scenes are the most frightening i’ve seen so far from any drama. there were scenes where my body was tense with anticipation or worry from both the politics and the life or death scenes. i physically squirmed when a sword was pierced through someone’s body as if it’s happening to me. at times it felt like a horror movie!
none of the characters are one-dimensioned and the actors delivered astounding performances. phenomenal. i feel so proud as if i know the cast personally.
the story telling is so evocative and thought provoking.
the ML’s voice is everything. my phone literally vibrates when he speaks. so raspy. so deep. so calm. so confident. his appearance is a delightful treat for the eyes.
approaching the final episodes, i was worried if the end was going to turn this drama into a ktrauma for me. i can’t fully express how glad i am it didn’t because i enjoyed every minute of it!
this drama is definitely first-class. i’m fondly going to remember this one.
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a remarkable, sensational work of art
i don’t have the right words to describe how much of a masterpiece this drama is. the acting is beyond phenomenal. IU killed her roles as both the mother and the daughter. it really felt like two different people. the storytelling is so unique. the cinematography feels like a hug to the heart. there are so many life lessons to be had. so many words of upliftment, hope, and healing. the drama encourages one to look for the beauty to be found in our everyday lives. i’m now looking at my own life and life itself through a different lens. feminism is a big theme here and it’s especially touching considering how patriarchal the society the main couple grew up in was. i had seen clips of this drama before watching it and knew it was going to be beautiful, but i got so much more than i expected.Was this review helpful to you?
