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.
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?
