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This review may contain spoilers
Regal romance, dignified sorrow—The Red Sleeve leaves a lasting impression
I have been hesitating to watch this drama as I already knew from the get-go how this will end. But, despite my concerns, I’m glad that I gave this a try.
Since most of the reviews here have provided the gist of what happened in this drama, I will spare the regurgitation and get straight to what I deemed are the strengths and the weaknesses of this drama.
As most have most have pointed out, the acting of both leads stood out and I completely agree. I have watched both Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young before in their much newer works, and I am amazed that Lee Jun Ho is even the same person as acting as Gu Won in King the Land. Not to say, that his performance in King the Land was shabby, it’s just his acting here was so much better. I probably could say the same of Se Young in TSPMC, and perhaps it’s the testament more of the directors and writers of The Red Sleeve, who gave them both a worthy vehicle to showcase their full range of talents.
The rest of the cast also benefited from the strength of the script, and the guidance from those at the helm. Supporting characters are as complex and vital to the plot as the main characters, with no one feeling unnecessary. Everyone had their own role to play in the bigger picture. I especially loved the character of King Yeongjo, and the actor that brought His Majesty to life.
Speaking of plot, it’s intricate without being confusing, and I loved how the team handled the political intrigues without putting the romance on the back-burner. Also prominent in this drama is how friendships are being portrayed. In spite Deok Im’s rise in status, she still held the friends she grew up with, in high regard. They worked together despite their conflicting views and lay their grievances aside to support each other.
I have a few reservations though, that prevented me from giving this a full mark.
Firstly, I am wondering why they showed the funeral procession of the late Royal Noble Consort Yeong, and the Head Court Lady Jo’s heavy emphasis to Deok Im, on how it was an honor to die within the palace, if this was not to be reframed in the last episode. After not-so-subtle hints about this importance, I would have expected a similar procession to be shown at the finale.
Secondly, if the drama were to base a lot of the events on Korean History, despite some liberties they have taken to embellish on the romance, I didn’t see why they would omit one of the most important tidbit that actually happened upon Lady Seong’s death: the 26,000 trees that King Jeongjo planted in her graveyard that later became a well-known park in modern day Korea.
Thirdly, I’m not sure whether it’s heavily influenced by historical facts but the “forgiveness” of Hong Deok Ro, didn’t sit well with me. Granted that Yi San thought it was Deok Ro who saved him once when they were children, but that favor has been long repaid throughout the course of the drama, and is not a “hall-pass” to commit numerous atrocities. Many people have died for less serious crimes, and this guy just gets away with it and even be roaming the streets to live out the rest of his life.
Other than these small shortcomings, the Red Sleeve is a beautiful tale of perseverance in the face of adversity, and a love that spans decades, regardless of social class.
Since most of the reviews here have provided the gist of what happened in this drama, I will spare the regurgitation and get straight to what I deemed are the strengths and the weaknesses of this drama.
As most have most have pointed out, the acting of both leads stood out and I completely agree. I have watched both Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young before in their much newer works, and I am amazed that Lee Jun Ho is even the same person as acting as Gu Won in King the Land. Not to say, that his performance in King the Land was shabby, it’s just his acting here was so much better. I probably could say the same of Se Young in TSPMC, and perhaps it’s the testament more of the directors and writers of The Red Sleeve, who gave them both a worthy vehicle to showcase their full range of talents.
The rest of the cast also benefited from the strength of the script, and the guidance from those at the helm. Supporting characters are as complex and vital to the plot as the main characters, with no one feeling unnecessary. Everyone had their own role to play in the bigger picture. I especially loved the character of King Yeongjo, and the actor that brought His Majesty to life.
Speaking of plot, it’s intricate without being confusing, and I loved how the team handled the political intrigues without putting the romance on the back-burner. Also prominent in this drama is how friendships are being portrayed. In spite Deok Im’s rise in status, she still held the friends she grew up with, in high regard. They worked together despite their conflicting views and lay their grievances aside to support each other.
I have a few reservations though, that prevented me from giving this a full mark.
Firstly, I am wondering why they showed the funeral procession of the late Royal Noble Consort Yeong, and the Head Court Lady Jo’s heavy emphasis to Deok Im, on how it was an honor to die within the palace, if this was not to be reframed in the last episode. After not-so-subtle hints about this importance, I would have expected a similar procession to be shown at the finale.
Secondly, if the drama were to base a lot of the events on Korean History, despite some liberties they have taken to embellish on the romance, I didn’t see why they would omit one of the most important tidbit that actually happened upon Lady Seong’s death: the 26,000 trees that King Jeongjo planted in her graveyard that later became a well-known park in modern day Korea.
Thirdly, I’m not sure whether it’s heavily influenced by historical facts but the “forgiveness” of Hong Deok Ro, didn’t sit well with me. Granted that Yi San thought it was Deok Ro who saved him once when they were children, but that favor has been long repaid throughout the course of the drama, and is not a “hall-pass” to commit numerous atrocities. Many people have died for less serious crimes, and this guy just gets away with it and even be roaming the streets to live out the rest of his life.
Other than these small shortcomings, the Red Sleeve is a beautiful tale of perseverance in the face of adversity, and a love that spans decades, regardless of social class.
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