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Epic, gut-wrenching yet beautiful piece of drama.

I must say I'm in awe of the cinematography, haunting ost and overall production of this epic historical drama told over 11 structured episodes. I love the mystery, melodrama, the mission and at the center of it lies a love story between Hongrang and Jaeyi, both struggle with past and present demons, violence and abuse. Great acting from all the cast particularly our protagonists Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah, special mention of the mother Yeon Ui played by the seasoned Uhm Ji Won, she's amazing, eats up every scene she's in. I'm not so fond of the abuse and cruelty against children, the grand prince (Kim Jae Wook, great charisma and acting chops) the overbearing obsessive older brother Mu Jin, never liked him from the start. The ending so.... sad only because our dear Hongrang suffered much in his life and he deserved his happiness and peace, but I'm okayed with it, at last he can truly rest and await for his Jaeyi. Overall 9.5 rating... recommend it.

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Gripping, brutal and no punches pulled.

I entered this drama with an open mind and wondered what fresh story line it offered. To say the least, I was bowled over by the intricate woven plot that linked our protagonist Baek Jung Sik played by the amazing veteran Jo Jin Woong to each richly matured well rounded characters played out from the first episode right up to Mr. Smile at the end of episode 8. Superb acting from a stellar cast, Yeom Jung Ah, her role as a shady, manipulative politician is a standout, that said, each main character is just as devious with their own agendas. Lots of pain and punishment along the way, I averted my eyes from a couple of scenes, other than that, I loved it. Recommend to anyone seeking clever, strong storytelling along with thrills and spills that can get messy yet a satisfying finish. Hoping for season 2 soon.

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UNFORGETABLE, SMITTEN

This is the first Jbl series that I'm giving a 10 rating. It's that good! I'm drawn to its touching, gorgeous storytelling, at times brutal and yet filled with so much tenderness... beautiful production and cinematography, great ost, unforgettable scenes, top notch acting, the actors playing Minase Jin and Hirukawa Haruki are just perfect in their roles with sizzling chemistry leaves me with a warm lasting impression long after I finished the show, that I had to rewatched. There's a line in episode 3, after beaten by his father, Haruki waited for Jin, he asked purposefully, "If I get hit, will you feel sorry for me again?" such rawness and desperation on Haruki's part for attention, Jin's orderly life started to unfold and slowly being intoxicated as their relationship develops. And in the very next episode, another scene, (Think it's a first for me) Haruki's response to Jin's cold, "Infect me" before he dived in for a kiss, Astounding! As if it wasn't enough, Haruki licked his hand afterward... I'm speechless. Sorry if I spoiled some viewers' joy but believe me, there are many beautiful poignant scenes, all 10 episodes plus 1 special, you will be spoilt.

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Heart wrenching yet so endearing

I cannot fault the heartfelt love, longing, loss and loneliness depicted in this drama. I literally journeyed with our ML, GoYeong, such a beautiful man yet flawed in many ways. From each encounter he meets, a layer is peeled off him exposing the joys, the hurt, regrets, all the highs and the lows that defined his existence, in the end, he makes the decision to remain true to himself. We live in a fickle and harsh world where we can't always get what we wished for, this is the reality, not fantasyland, seldom a happy ever after. I was emotionally torn for our Go Yeong wanting him to have lasting happiness with Gyu Ho, his true love. I see this ending as an open one.... one day they'll be together again, never to part. Kudos to the all the cast, production crew, director and the screenplay adapted for the show by Park Sang Young, the author. Great cinematography, vibrant colors depict the city nightlife, the soundtrack, everything perfection. Thank you.

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