The acting was amazingly good especially the 4th prince character, his suffering from bullying and being alone even his own mother didn't want him, this made me feel horrible and sad :(
The music was awesome! I believe that I love all the OTS of this drama! One of them is my favorite song ever. I highly recommend this drama
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A different and wonderful experience
Re-watching this after a couple of years made me really want to write a review. Initially I just watched this drama for Baekhyun, but I really stayed because it was that good.Honestly, I don't actually think this is a drama that everyone will love, but I find it extremely refreshing with a much more dramatic/sad tone. I think this is the only romantic kdrama I've watched so far that's not afraid to kill characters off and go full on tragic, and to me that was actually a good thing. Some shows just feel too cliché and restricted by the fact that they are afraid to piss off or disappoint the audience if they don't give everyone a happy ending.
The plot is well built and the story is not overly complicated or anything. The characters are pretty good and some have really interesting archs. What I think is a very postive aspect is the fact that they are not so black and white. They are flawd but it doesn't feel like they are evil Disney villains twisting their mustaches (at least most of them are not that stereotypical). One character that I think they ruined completely is Chae Ryung. Her motivations to do what she did are so stupid I couldn't help but feel no empathy for her in the end. I was also a bit upset that the time-travelling thing was not porperly explained, but it didn't bother me too much as it was not the central aspect of the story, only a plot device.
The soundtrack could've been a little better. Not that the OST was terrible, but I think that instrumental songs fit this type of hystorical drama better. Another thing that wasn't so good was the camera work, as almost every scene is shot uncomfortably close to the actors faces.
The acting was really good. IU did a fine job, but nothing amazing by any means. Lee Jung Gi had a delivery that really impressed me in some scenes, though. Baekhyun also exceeded my expectations, considering he didn't have much acting experience and overall there's no one who was bad with their portrayal.
One thing that this drama does really well is the ending. I think most korean shows have this fatal flaw of being boring in the last few episodes, but Scarlet Heart never looses traction throughout the narrative and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
As the story progresses, there are many instances where you get the feeling that something bad is going to happen but you still keep watching on the hopes that you're wrong, which keeps you entertained and makes you connect much more with the characters, since you actually fear for their lives cause you don't know when the writers might try to kill or harm them. Because of that you may think that people who don't enjoy angst or a tear-jerk might not like this, but I still think it's worth the experience (coming from a fluff/rom-com enthusiast).
In the end, I praise this drama for not being afraid to hurt the audience's feelings, taking us on a well constructed, intense and more realistic story that not everone might enjoy, but that everyone should give, at least, a try.
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---but where to watch
On of the best written, acted, composed dramas you will ever watch-- if you can find a way to watch it. I was lucky enough to catch this when it first came to Netflix a few years ago and loved it so much, I found myself buying a Chinese knock off DVD set from eBay. The rights were purchased this summer by a Chinese company for the most ever spent on a Kdrama, over $400k an episode, that's over $8 million! I do hope that this will again become available for the masses to stream- legally...Owning the show on DVD has allowed me to put myself in anguish a solid 3-4 times over
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It will squeeze your heart
If you are uncomfortable with a drama which is senseless and illogical one than this is not the one. If you only enjoy the episodes without thinking too much than definitely you can try this.Even though this drama is portrayed like old history type but they invested less for that, but given more weightage for love, romance and family story type of things. They have just tried to attack the viewers emotionally.
I started to watch this drama because of my love IU and from the first episode itself I started to enjoy but after some episodes it started to squeeze my heart. Too much emotional and a heartbreaking one. Even though sometimes I felt like it is senseless and not syncing but I couldn’t control myself to continue with it. A very nice story, new concept, good cast, background music and acting but really sometimes I felt it is executed badly and immature because sometimes some small issues are portrayed seriously but seriously or big issues are considered very carelessly according to their comfort to continue the story. Yet it is worth to watch, if you are think you are a cold hearted person try this drama but if you have blood pressure problem watch this with precautions.
After watching this drama what I learned two things “IF YOU DO MISTAKE IN SELECTING A RIGHT PERSON AS YOUR SOULMATE NOT YOUR LIFE BUT YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WILL GET RUINED”
And
“A GIRL OR WOMEN IS THE MOST POWERFUL CREATURE OR CREATION OF GOD, SHE IS CAPABLE TO DO ANYTHING, SHE CAN TURN ANYTHING INTO A DIAMOND OR THE ENTIRE MINE INTO A DUST”.
In this genre I think “ONE AND ONLY” a Chinese drama is much better than this.
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This review may contain spoilers
After the opening episode, I was left disappointed by the poor editing and camera choices - I am a technical nerd, forgive me - and found the acting and writing to be “hammy”. The writer, Jo Yoon Young, had struggled to convincingly introduce the characters and background. The humour wasn’t totally spot on, although it had its moment. However, those thoughts simmered after a strong second episode that was able to interject life and humour into all the characters, and while there are some minor things, such as the So’s eye being covered up by make-up and the we are led to believe that no one else would’ve had the idea to, especially when it was stated that cosmetics were popular of the time period, the story did progress and effortlessly turn a comedy ensemble into a true tragedy - one that I expected to see in the first place. Continuing on with plot developments that I found flawed, I didn’t think that the 3rd Prince Yo’s fake death was necessary. It felt like a cliff-hanger to draw ratings rather than proper development. Self-imposed exile sounds much better to me; realistic, also.As for the positives of the drama, it is a strong, gripping experience. It lulls you into a tale of romance and brotherhood but soons into a tragic tale of palace politics, for all involved. The first half of the drama was absolutely crucial for both setting the stages for what was to come, giving each prince a clear motive for each and every action throughout. Unfortunately, despite almost every one of the brothers trying not to fulfil the history of the King needing to kill all male rivals, that tale was inevitable (almost). Honestly, I’ve seen plenty of sad dramas but some of the deaths were tragic, even for my cold eyes. What was the most crushing? Honestly, it might have been the Crown Prince’s. He was the prince that the drama showed the least of but he was a tragic figure, plagued by illness (natural and otherwise) and the way he died was…well heart-breaker. Most of them were, but something about him really touched me. Of course, we may talk about the finale. A not so surprising death was Hae Soo’s. It was fitting of the drama and quite frankly, a needed one. I can often struggle to finish shows, not for any reason but it is a habit of mine. Often, I’ll wait for days or weeks before I do but the last episodes did their job of hooking me as a viewer.
Lee Joon Gi got snubbed at the 2016 SBS Drama awards for his nominated award but Kang Ha-neul won his. I won’t say who deserves what but the acting of the two does warrant praise. Lee Joon Gi was able to be the dark hero - murderous and vengful to the end but I was taken away by Kang Ha-neul’s silent anger. It radiated off the TV screen in such an intense way. Plus, his chemistry with IU was stronger than Lee Joon Gi’s in my opinion. Not that I disliked theirs. And his relationship with Park Shi Eun’s Lady Hae was perhaps the strongest of the show. IU’s acting seemed to get mixed reviews but I think hers was good. Likewise to Lee Joon Gi and Kang Ha-neul’s characters, her character changes to a more reserved one. IU is cheerful and full of life in the first half, in the second she has grown into a true Court Lady, stoic, full of grace and pride. Her acting suited the character. So I don’t see her as a weak link. The weak link was Byun Baek Hyun’ Eun but no one really cared when he was a wonderful bright spark. One that you missed when he was gone.
Would I watch it again? Yes. Absolutely. Not immediately, give me time to breathe. It’s one of those dramas. But I will.
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Lovely Chemistry between the leads
IU and Joong Ki does not disappoint! Scarlet heart:Ryeo was one of the dramas that I actually watched every episode as it released due to the cast.The pair's chemistry is amazzzzzzzzingly good, Joong Ki being Wang So and IU being HaeSoo. The producers did a fabulous job casting all the princes especially Hong Jong Hyun as 3rd Prince Wang Yo, honestly made me want to hate him to death as he was very dramatic and evil in his ways.
Rewatch value: I've personally rewatched this thrice and it really doesn't disappoint, You get a great cast with lots of chemistry, you get aesthetically looking princes and some funny moments in the drama with Baekhyun always being funny.
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YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS!
This was one of my first historical drama with the BEAUTIFUL IU acting in it, also the first time watching her.... I have to say its amazing. The drama skillfully combines historical elements with romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, creating a rich and immersive narrative. The plot revolves around a modern-day woman who is transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she becomes entangled in the complex relationships and power struggles of the royal family.Not to mention the amazing bunch of actors gathered for this drama is a cherry on top, its all so compelling, and you cannot stop watching.. stayed up all night watching this and couldn't even skip! (Except for the embarrassing parts because I cant handle those) Thats how good this was.
Furthermore, the show features breathtaking cinematography LIKE ITS GORGEOUS TO THE EYE!!! And elaborate costume design (IU looks good in everything!!!!, and even though its not historically accurate, it still captures the essence of the historical setting. The combination of a compelling plot, well-crafted characters, and visually stunning production values makes the drama stand out and contributes to its reputation as an amazing and memorable series.
The ending really shocked, I wasnt upset though, its understandable and its quite satisfying.... but I do feel like its in need of a 2nd season because.... I just feel it needs a bit more, I feel like they can pull it MAYBE ITS BECAUSE I JUST MISS IT TOO MUCH.
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I was surprised to see how much hate it got in its earlier episodes, because that was the part I loved the most. There were funny fish-out-of-water scenes for our female lead — but she wasn't stupid, the chemistry with both male leads was building, and there was the backdrop of people willing to take extreme measures for the throne so there was always the feeling of there being high stakes.
Once things started ramping up, however, the sub-plots disappeared and even the main competition for the throne started feeling less high stakes when all the cards were pretty much already laid on the table.
The romance dwindled as well, mostly self-sabotage by the characters who were lacking development and seemed to constantly be changing their minds without good reason.
And much of this has to do with the terrible use of time skips. Time skips where nothing really changes BETWEEN characters really have no purpose, especially since we were given such little context for why things changed. To add, they started adding more characters and focusing on side ships at the halfway mark who I didn't care about.
They really underutilized the time-traveling aspect as well. Hae-soo had visions every once in a while, but her role in history was very passive and reactive.
All in all, I honestly felt everything was predictable, especially the ending. The difference was, at the start, I was emotionally invested in it and by the time it happened, the dynamics between the characters had changed so much I stopped loving them.
Also: a "gotcha, they're not actually dead!" moment for a villain simply shows me to that they didn't build up the infrastructure for a system of obstacles and needed one character to drive the whole thing. It also feels lazy to have not one, but TWO kings descend into madness — neither of which were explained very well.
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Excellent acting & best story plot
I rate this 10/10 because this drama isn't only about a romantic lovestory. It's a 360° drama about love, family, friends and the saddest part is they show all the types of betrayal. Before watching it make sure your heart's ready to break into pieces because it's one of the saddest dramas yet THE BEST so far. It hurts so good.Plus, the excellent acting of all the actors made it more effective. Special mention to Lee Joon Gi as the main character, no doubt he's one of the veteran actors in South Korea he amazingly portrayed 4th Prince Wang So showing all his emotions: lack of love from everyone surrounding him and life full of loneliness.. I fell inlove with his expressive eyes from the very first episode of this drama!
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utterly frustrating to watch and yet i will still definitely rewatch it LOL
i absolutely loved the actors/actresses for this show i thought they all fit their parts very well (although the acting could get quite dramatic it IS a drama after all). the costumes were beautiful, and there were some really beautifully cinematic shots! my one major gripe is that some of the characters quite often made the most hair pulling frustratingly stupid decisions ever： ). i definitely prefer the deleted scene ending, but i will still definitely rewatch this because of the gorgeous actors + IU and great OST and because the romance is just top tier for me fjfnfnfbbfWas this review helpful to you?
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SPOILER BUT HONEST OPPINION
Still don't know how Hae Soo got pregnant by So. It should have been Jung's baby to make more sense. At the time that she should have become pregnant she wasn't married or engaged. Hae Soo was even shocked when So started talking about children and after the real proposal, which she denied, she couldn't have become pregnant. In the time before the proposal she already started to have doubts and started to fear/trust him less. It would have made more sense if the child was made oud of wedlock between Haeso and Jung because they actually got married. So could have wanted the child because he knew it was HaeSo's child. He loved Haeso so much that he would even take her child if he wasn't the father, as long as he could have a (living) part of her to remember her. And how can she be in a coma for 1 year while she lived in the past for 6 or more years?Was this review helpful to you?
