I loved this drama up until the last episode. The acting was stellar, but they made some poor story/editorial choices, and the pacing felt off. Both leads were cunning strategists, they could have figured something out.
Great review of one of the best dramas I’ve watched this year. Kim Min Ha’s performance took my breath away- how she moved between carefree teen and shattered adult. The balance between her and Gong Myung’s character was delicately balanced and brimming with a whole spectrum of emotions. This entire production is a masterclass in storytelling.
Good review. I would love to know who wrote this gem, because they know how to tell a story without depending on all the lazy scriptwriter tropes that have crept into dramas lately. I also give gold stars to the director who elicited wonderful performances from all the actors and brought this story to life. I will follow her work in the future. This drama was so refreshing and will go on my rewatch list.
Yoo I am in love with this drama. So freaking good and the actress playing the FL could send to retirement most…
I agree. I liked the FL in Heroes and I like her even better here-she really shines. I also liked the ML in Supervisor Husband, but he’s outstanding here. His micro expressions and range are so good at portraying his complex character with divided loyalties. This whole production puts many longer dramas to shame.
Oh my, that last episode says it all about loss and grief and living on. So well done without preaching or melodrama. The two leads were awesome, and good work by the supporting cast.
I liked My Beloved Summer, but dropped Melo Movie. I started it for the actors and dropped it because the story just didn’t hold together. I give you credit for watching it to the end. I feel your frustration.
Excellent review. I would add that the final episode felt like a pitch for a second season. Many details were left hanging and questions in the story were unanswered. I felt scammed and I’m not sure I care enough about the characters to watch a second season, if there ever is one.
I have watched both and prefer the Korean version. Lee Joon Gi’s performance is very charismatic.
I’m glad to hear from you and I agree with you on many points. The romance in Chinese Scarlet Heart never made sense to me. I couldn’t see why Ruoxi fell for the 4th Prince, but I got it completely in the K version. I also liked the characterization of the 8th Prince-his weakness, his family pressure and his ultimate betrayal. I did prefer the other Princes in the C version though, especially Lin Geng Xin as the 14th Prince. Perhaps because that adaptation has more episodes, there was more time to develop them. The subplots involving the Princes in the second half of the K version seem rushed and full of gaps. It does feel like they were running out of time to tell the story. Still, the K version has a higher rewatch value for me, but that’s just my taste. Take care, and happy drama watching.
Thank you, I always enjoy your articles! I see so many of my favorites in your article and the comments below. I still laugh every time I see Veronica Park’s name-Secret Life of my Secretary. Her love story was more interesting for me than the main. And Mr. Cha and Ji Na from Doom at Your Service had such great chemistry. I still rewatch clips of some of their scenes.
finally binged this one , and I must say - it was a good 16hr of run time lol . I just hated that they couldn’t…
I think it’s because he knew it was Hae Su’s wish that her daughter would live away from the palace and all the scheming. He did lift the exile decree for her “father “ and asked them to visit the palace more often.
Take care, and happy drama watching.