A drama that deserves more attention!
This is a gem. Ji Sung exceeds expectations as usual, and to get the whole cast to act on point is a directorial feat and/or a cinematic wonder. The drama is an acting school in itself - so many complex characters portrayed beautifully. I didn't want the story to end.A big thanks to the team for adding this amazing jewel of a tv show. I hope the team continues to create more such quality content. ✨
"What can this world do to not need a Kang Yo Han?" Tell us in a sequel, please 🙏🏻
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This review may contain spoilers
Hilariously good!
I had my doubts when I read the premise - a man in a woman's body sounded odd. However, I'm so glad I watched this!Most dramas let go of their comic sequences once they get to the more serious plot points - this drama kept cracking me up throughout. I didn't want it to end!
The acting is brilliant - Mr Queen & King Cheol Jong, alongwith the supporting cast - fit so aptly in their role. I loved seeing how they embodied all the different emotions of their character, alongside a healthy dose of humour. The ML surprised me the most - I didn't expect to like him as much. His reactions to the queen's antics are phenomenally done!
I can see myself coming back to this drama, time and again, whenever I need to lift my spirits.
--spoiler ahead--
I have to say: I severely missed bong hwan in the ending - I wished that he would return to the king but he didn't. "The thought of both Bong-hwan and Cheol-jong going through life with a gaping whole in their hearts longing for something they will never have again just kills me." - this feels extremely unfair to cheol jong & bong hwan. Even though they're played by the same actress, I wanted bong hwan to continue in joseon rather than so yong.
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The cast & plot make up for the poor editing & transitions
Despite the classic chinese drama style bad scene transitions, this drama roped me in firstly for its plot, and then for its cast. I have new favourites in, especially Bai Shu (yang bawan) & Sun Qian (chun yu) - their reactive acting was exceptional, and the rest of the cast were great too! In the beginning, I found Chun Yu's acting quite expressionless but, in time, that explains itself.Few scenes (especially in the beginning) were not convincing enough, and repetitive dialogues made me roll my eyes, but again, the plot (what happens next) kept me going.
It's purely the cast and visual fx that pulled the 9 star rating. Even when I got bored in parts, I came back for them. I will definitely rewatch this drama for the cast. Their chemistry was spot on.
All in all, I highly recommend the drama.
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Endearing watch + so many positive charcters!
This is such a light, positive drama - even the negative characters don't remain so for long, everyone is good! (rare in recent dramas) or at least has a good side worth appreciating.The casting is great. I began watching because I was curious to see the moment when a 30 year old wakes to realize their age while feeling like a 17 year old + I admire the actress. I continued watching for everyone's acting + the positive vibe of the drama.
Even though the plot continuously teased on disclosing the suspense for our main characters, I didn't mind due to the positives.
And when finally the main leads discovered what was going on, it happened all too soon - everyone adapted fast, understood eachother quickly, accepted their reality quickly etc. This felt unreal. But again, I didn't mind. It was coming to an end.
I liked the end takeaway - choose what makes you happy, you don't have to achieve your goal the fastest, just happily at your own pace. As long as you're happy & doing what you love, you'll be aligned with yourself & likely, win. The journey matters.
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Loved it! A slow unfolding of life that I would rather not fast-forward.
I started it for the main leads + the premise seemed fun (timepass) enough. I kept watching for the beautiful representation of life between the highlighted moments, movie & life mirroring each other, the parallels between the reel & real life so poignantly depicted.It's an art to make slow dramas that capture the audience without frustrating them. I enjoyed the ride. I'll definitely watch it again.
Kudos as always to Park Bo Young, I'd happily watch anything with her in it - she's a lovely actress with such a range of depicting emotions.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm so glad they make dramas like this!
The plot is intelligent and edgy. The characters are layered, especially the male and female lead. Loved the interplay & chemistry among the 5 main characters (female lead & her 4 potential suitors), and not just the romantic ones. Enjoyed following the minor cast like Me Lyu, Fangyin, the 2 martial arts protectors of Xie Wei. Loved the drama opening. It barely took any time to get me hooked & enjoy the gripping ride until the end.Suffices to say, I loved the drama!
It left me with much to think about: what it takes to tow the line between good and bad, where to draw the line for myself.
Spoilers ahead:
The villians are rruly despicable, piling on their heinous acts until there is no scope for redemption. I wonder if this was the intent if the story writers - to push until the point of no redemption & leave no room for doubt in condemning them for all their wrongdoings.
And, never mind the cliches associated with it, I loved watching Xie Juan in the real world, smiling freely for once 😍
I highly recommend the drama if you enjoy smart characters, intelligent plot lines, suspense & well-crafted political intrigue, leads who save themselves & others - yes, the female ones.
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Tight plot - where everything eventually gets explained + Beautiful acting
I began watching this show as a fluff timepass but ended up getting glued and looking forward to more. All the actors did a great job and Ding Yuxi was outstanding. Part of the viewing fun was simply watching Mu Sheng's expressions - he outdid himself.I can definitely see myself rewatching this drama.
I also enjoyed the story pattern of taking a cliche - ridiculing it through a character - and then breaking said cliche.
Esther & Ding Yuxi's chemistry was a lot of fun to see playing out. And the camaraderie of the main & supporting leads was lovely to watch too.
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The perfect fusion of humour into a serious story arc
The minamdang gang is pure fun! I had a great time laughing along with the actors - the cast & crew did an especially great job of fusing humour without ridiculing the seriousness of the story arc.Seo In Guk is an absolute treat to watch! Loved his acting & expressions throughout. This drama is a lovely destressor without giving up on the great story & acting.
The few cons I found were easy to overlook in light of the acting. Any scene with Seo In Guk was an absolute joy to watch.
This is going to be one of the dramas I rewatch as a mood lifter in the future.
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