This review may contain spoilers
A Masterpiece but Heartwrenching
A masterpiece of acting and writing. No doubt about it. From beginning till end, this is cinematic gold. No wonder it’s ratings have been through the roof.
If you love historical dramas, you can’t miss this one. It fills its episodes with so much history and the unique culture of Joseon. It’s captivating really. I feel like I didn’t just watch something, but I learned too. Not only that, but this captures the intrigue of the court better than most dramas. The plots and betrayals kept you watching each episode in anticipation and fear haha.
The chemistry between the leads is literally unbelievable. There were many moments I had to rewatch scenes. I only wish that she would have truly opened her heart to him.
But, in the spirit of an honest review—and this is simply personal—the final episode left my heart shattered. Doing some research, I found they stayed true to the lives of the two main characters, but I wasn’t emotionally prepared for such a heart-wrenching finale. To be honest, I had to skip through some scenes to keep from bawling. The ending itself was also odd to me, but I will admit that it brings the series to a satisfying end.
My heart couldn’t quite handle the reality of the story. To see her fight his love so long and then to suffer greatly when she finally gives in? That was a sucker punch to the gut.
But, objectively speaking—because I want to write an honest review—even the pain made for an excellent and realistic melodrama. It accurately depicts the struggles of life in the palace, not sugar-coating for the sake of a happy story.
If you love historical dramas, you can’t miss this one. It fills its episodes with so much history and the unique culture of Joseon. It’s captivating really. I feel like I didn’t just watch something, but I learned too. Not only that, but this captures the intrigue of the court better than most dramas. The plots and betrayals kept you watching each episode in anticipation and fear haha.
The chemistry between the leads is literally unbelievable. There were many moments I had to rewatch scenes. I only wish that she would have truly opened her heart to him.
But, in the spirit of an honest review—and this is simply personal—the final episode left my heart shattered. Doing some research, I found they stayed true to the lives of the two main characters, but I wasn’t emotionally prepared for such a heart-wrenching finale. To be honest, I had to skip through some scenes to keep from bawling. The ending itself was also odd to me, but I will admit that it brings the series to a satisfying end.
My heart couldn’t quite handle the reality of the story. To see her fight his love so long and then to suffer greatly when she finally gives in? That was a sucker punch to the gut.
But, objectively speaking—because I want to write an honest review—even the pain made for an excellent and realistic melodrama. It accurately depicts the struggles of life in the palace, not sugar-coating for the sake of a happy story.
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