Well written story, good direction, production and music.The thing I didn't like was the wife character - especially…
The way that the ML's separation from his wife is portrayed suggests that she has been at her mother's place for a long time - like few months or more. So when she returned I was confused about how could she be pregnant with the ML's child. At first I was convinced it's actually not his child. Fortunately I was wrong.
Well written story, good direction, production and music. The thing I didn't like was the wife character - especially in the first half of the movie. I didn't like the sweet, anime-like acting. Other than that the acting was very good.
There's also one thing about the story/production that was confusing to me (in spoiler below).
This drama is all about politics and fighting for power. The main focus is on the characters - their goals, ambitions, relationships and emotions - and that is done exceptionally well. I'd say that takes around 85% of the time of the whole drama. On the other hand that is also why sometimes the pacing may seem quite slow (I'd say the events themselves is 14.5% of the whole drama; the last 0.5% I leave for less significant fillers - like... romance 😉).
Historical dramas are not my cup of tea. I've watched this one mostly because of curiosity and the high rating. Taking that into consideration I have to say this drama is very good. I pay respect to the writer who developed the characters so well.
The thing that could be challenging while watching this drama is getting to know who is who. Some characters' introduction could've been done better in my opinion. I had to pause the drama several times just to look at a characters list to figure out "who are they talking about?" 😉
The other thing is romance although I don't consider it a weakness, because the drama is not really about it. If you consider watching this dama for romance let me spoil it for you: There is no progress for the main couple in that area for the whole drama. There is not a single kiss at all in the whole drama. The FL just tears up almost every time she looks at the ML - that's it. They both love each other but they know there are more important things than their love. I'd say there are some love relationships in this drama, but all of them are more realistic than romantic. Don't watch it for romance. Watch it for well developed characters and their relations.
My favourite character in this drama (at least in this season) was Consort Jing.
This season is over 5 hours long! 😮 The first chapter of this season didn't impress me that much (maybe my expectations were to high?). The new kid's acting performance was not as good as the kids we know from the first season. The story also didn't feel that exciting. I think it got a lot better from the 2nd chapter onward.
In short it was an enjoyable show. There were some predictable cliche moments but most of them were well executed. The first season felt better in terms of story but the second one was still okay. The first season's actors performance was still very good. The direction and shots were very nice.
Minor spoiler about the new [Adult] main characters (when they appear):
At first I felt like I've watched so many similar stories before... but this one felt quite realistic and I liked…
I'm disappointed by the "Sad Ending" tag. I was expecting someone to die of terminal illness or some kind of tragedy happening... I think the ending could be considered "happy" - both leads are alive and healthy, they make proper closure to their first love. FL even found someone she wants to spend her life with. What is "sad" here?
At first I felt like I've watched so many similar stories before... but this one felt quite realistic and I liked it for that. At some point it felt like watching Twenty Five Twenty One.
My opinion about the ending in the Spoiler below...
https://koreafilmfest.com/en/film/the-journey-to-gyeong-ju/
Sometimes releasing gas during sex can save your life.
The thing I didn't like was the wife character - especially in the first half of the movie. I didn't like the sweet, anime-like acting. Other than that the acting was very good.
There's also one thing about the story/production that was confusing to me (in spoiler below).
The main focus is on the characters - their goals, ambitions, relationships and emotions - and that is done exceptionally well. I'd say that takes around 85% of the time of the whole drama. On the other hand that is also why sometimes the pacing may seem quite slow (I'd say the events themselves is 14.5% of the whole drama; the last 0.5% I leave for less significant fillers - like... romance 😉).
Historical dramas are not my cup of tea. I've watched this one mostly because of curiosity and the high rating. Taking that into consideration I have to say this drama is very good. I pay respect to the writer who developed the characters so well.
The thing that could be challenging while watching this drama is getting to know who is who. Some characters' introduction could've been done better in my opinion. I had to pause the drama several times just to look at a characters list to figure out "who are they talking about?" 😉
The other thing is romance although I don't consider it a weakness, because the drama is not really about it.
If you consider watching this dama for romance let me spoil it for you: There is no progress for the main couple in that area for the whole drama. There is not a single kiss at all in the whole drama. The FL just tears up almost every time she looks at the ML - that's it. They both love each other but they know there are more important things than their love.
I'd say there are some love relationships in this drama, but all of them are more realistic than romantic. Don't watch it for romance. Watch it for well developed characters and their relations.
My favourite character in this drama (at least in this season) was Consort Jing.
Only the math was weak 😉
I guess someshit must've happened.
Oh well, one less drama to watch 🤷
The first chapter of this season didn't impress me that much (maybe my expectations were to high?). The new kid's acting performance was not as good as the kids we know from the first season. The story also didn't feel that exciting. I think it got a lot better from the 2nd chapter onward.
In short it was an enjoyable show.
There were some predictable cliche moments but most of them were well executed.
The first season felt better in terms of story but the second one was still okay. The first season's actors performance was still very good. The direction and shots were very nice.
Minor spoiler about the new [Adult] main characters (when they appear):
I think the ending could be considered "happy" - both leads are alive and healthy, they make proper closure to their first love. FL even found someone she wants to spend her life with. What is "sad" here?
At some point it felt like watching Twenty Five Twenty One.
My opinion about the ending in the Spoiler below...