This review may contain spoilers
What happens when four characters are all seeking the same positive goal and yet are coming at it from such different angles that they’re likely to end up destroying each other in their attempts to achieve it? This is the fascinating, risky premise of Conspiracy in the Court. In a mere eight episodes, it manages to deftly sketch out a complex political situation where would-be allies find themselves constantly opposing each other as the real forces of darkness use the disorder to consolidate their power. For the first seven episodes it makes for a sophisticated, compelling show. And then episode eight comes along. Without throwing in specific spoilers, I found it hard to take much away from a show that essentially ended with the message that if you try to fight the power, the power will win. It may be “realistic”, and given the historical context, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it felt like a cop-out for a show that had presented so many smart, idealistic characters trying so many different approaches to address the evils of the world. Was this review helpful to you?
In France, there is this expression "brasser du vent" and I think this idiom fits this drama like a glove. All the characters do is talk but all this talking is just fruitless words.
Also the "plot twists" are obvious to the point that it's annoying (and let me tell you I'm usually a very gullible viewer).
The main problem however isn't the story itself but the characters, especially the main ones. When I first read the summary of the drama and of its three main characters, I was thrilled but then I watched the first episode and I felt betrayed. Where the hell were the characters I was rooting for? You know something is wrong when the main couple is the thing you despise the most about the drama and something was clearly wrong because from the start I was just waiting for the two to die and to stop annoying me with their presence on screen, hoping they would die sooner than later was actually the only thing that excited me about this drama. A white blank page would be more layered than these characters. Let's not forget that the writers kept trying to shove the male lead's greatness down my throat but they didn't bother showing me why. The writing was clearly not strong enough to carry the show on its own so why didn't the people behind the casting make a better job?
Overall the acting was rather good but the main two actors didn't fit their characters nor did they manage to make me -the viewer- care about them. On the contrary, even if I wanted to love the characters, everytime I saw the actors on my screen, I was plainly annoyed. Also there was not even a spark of chemistry between them. The leads should be able to carry a show but these two just dragged it down.
The soundtrack however is a little gem. It is a candy for the ears as well as perfectly fitting the mood -overall sad- of this drama. Song of the Sun and the Moon is definitely one of my favourite things about this drama, if not the only thing I truly enjoyed.
I don't think I will ever rewatch this drama, it was already painful enough watching it once, why even bother watching it twice? The only reason I see would be for "historical" purpose. And even that....meh.
I don't know if Conspiracy in the Court is overrated or if the romance prevented me from truly enjoying it but one thing is clear if you don't think Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet would be a great crossover, just don't watch it (I have to admit that I just can't stand the R&J vibes).
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First I was lost in the history of the era. I’m a history graduate though, so that’s never really stopped me before. Quick Wikipedia peak of the drama’s main overarching political period? Check. Okay, then they lost me with the economics of era. Mercantile affairs, and the political ramifications of possibly re-locating the capital? I guess I can sort of see how that could affect things.
The problem with the drama’s plot-line however, is that all these threads (politics, and history and economics are interwoven with great, gaping thread lines around the show’s main “conspiracy” plot, and haphazardly intermingled with the love triangle/square. I mean, I know Seoul in historical times was small, and everyone who’s anyone probably knows everyone worth knowing, but me, the viewer, had no idea who anybody was, or which side they were on. For an 8 episode drama, there was so much going on that I basically couldn’t keep up with my list of who’s who.
I think Seoul’s Sad Song was hinting at some loftier aspirations: namely, that not every sageuk drama out there is just about the king and his ministers. The welfare of the Joseon people, the advancement of well-deserving baseborn officials, and the dreams of these types of people also matter and can make a difference. Unfortunately, all this was lost on me. For a conspiracy driven thriller, this whodunit story was chock full of inspirational back stories (that failed to warm me to the characters), chilling twists (that moved me to boredom), and enough metaphorical court language that literally drove me to tears. The following example comes right as a BIG revelation surrounding the king’s secret will has just been unveiled:
A : “When the wintry gales swelter us, he said that brushes would be swayed by the wind.”
B: “So… did you find any unyielding brushes?”
A: “In the palace, there was not a single one left.”
C: “You insolent slattern! How dare you mutter such insidious drivel!?”
You insolent writers, how dare you not write more clearly!?!
Maybe I’m lazy, or just plain incompetent, but everything in this drama seemed wasted on me. Though, if there’s anything I’ve learned from watching this sageuk (and others for that matter), it’s that women in the palace are more to be feared than the men. Also, by the state of the practically non-existent but completely soundproof-less walls on traditional Korean homes (of rich and poor alike), it’s amazing that any secrets are ever kept.
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If you like a serious thought provoking drama, this one is for you. But if you just want some entertainment to waste your time, don't bother with this one. I have to say this PD and screenwriter's works can be rather boring to some people and they require the viewers to pay attention to every line of dialog in order to appreciate them. This can be challenging for viewers whose first language are not English or Korean, because the subtitle can be a bit strange.
The show talks about a lot of social and political issue such as capitalism vs socialism, conservative vs liberal. Everyone wanted to build a great country, but they subscribed to different ideologies that eliminated one another. There is no right or wrong, but to say there is no superior way is simply untrue in my opinion.
While it doesn't look expensive, there are some really beautiful shots. I also find the ending beautiful if not satisfying.
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A classic drama of lasting worth and timeless quality
Conspiracy in the Court.A classic drama of lasting worth and timeless quality, well-made with great acting, original soundtrack, and superb dialogue.
I recommend critically acclaimed mystery thriller “Conspiracy in the Court” wholeheartedly for its fine substance and art direction. It has a good intense story plot with a newcomer young and promising talented actor charming "everyday hero" Jin Yi Han as Police Officer Park Sang Gyu and Lee Chun Hee as the leader of merchants, also Actor Ahn Nae-sang as King Jeongjo and Actress Kim Ha-eun as Lee Na-young and other group of newcomers with their impressive acting.
Park Sang Gyu was the only son of a noble Park In Bin and a servant, he suffers the pain and discrimination growing up due to his vague social status. He meets and falls intensely in-love with Lee Na Young, the only daughter of Minister Lee Cham Pan. Lee Na Young teaches her family's servants, including Yang Man Oh, how to read. She believes in “Silhak”, a Korean Confucian social reform movement in late Joseon Dynasty. She encourages human equality and believes that society will change someday. Yang Man Oh leaves Lee Cham Pan’s noble home and becomes a wealthy merchant as well as the leader of merchants that has a painful unrequited love for Na Young. In the meantime, Na Young inspires Sang Gyu to go to China to study about “Silhak” and he comes back after 4 years. Upon his return to Korea, he cannot find Na Young. While Sang Gyu studying in China, Na Young’s father is accused of conspiracy and her mother later dies after banishment. Na Young becomes a slave, and she suffers tremendous hardship including repeated rapes and sexual assaults by her owner(s). Eventually, she meets Hwang Jip Sa, who teaches her acupuncture and how to use herbs, and ultimately, she is trained to kill using her skills in herbs and acupuncture.
Park Sang Gyu becomes a police detective. While investigating a serial homicide, awkward and clumsy detective Park Sang Gyu seizes a bunch of wild star anise herbs from a smuggler and suspects the odorless star anise herbs are the means for homicides. In the meantime, Sang Gyu receives guidance from Mentor “Hyeong-Nim” Seo Joo Pil to unlock the homicides. Under “Hyeong-Nim-Mentor” Seo Joo Pil’s guidance, Sang Gyu grows true confidence as a detective. He even gets promotion from the King Jeongjo and becomes State Tribunal Inspector after saving King Jeongjo’s life from an assassin. However, he has disagreement with his mentor regarding his father, the Noble Park In Bin. Mentor Seo Joo Pil believes Nobleman Park In Bin is involved with the smuggling activities with Merchant Yang Man Oh. Sang Gyu feels so tormented after “Hyeong-Nim” Seo Joo Pil was ambushed and killed by the smugglers led by Merchant Yang Man Oh. Then, as Park Sang Gyu begins to solve the homicides, he discovers that Lee Na Young could be involved with the homicides, and he ends up in agonized disappointment in Silhak.
I am not going to tell the story, however, I whole heartedly give a ten out of ten to “Conspiracy in the Court”, it is a beautiful mystery and love story, for its fine substance with lasting worth and timeless quality, and excellent performance by the cast and artfully directed. I really enjoy the usage of figurative language and proverbs dialogues in “Conspiracy in the Court” that is enthralling and enhancing the historical drama series charms. The Original Soundtrack “Seoul’s Sad Song” is so enchanting, it is truly a beautiful song. I would give a ten for rewatch value as well. Wish Broadcasting studios would make more historical drama series like this one.
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A show that stands the test of time
Conspiracy in the Court is an 8-episode series set in the last days of King Jeong Jo’s reign. This mini sageuk turns out to be so special I swear I’ll remember it forever.The show starts with a serial murder on the streets of Joseon and ends with the revelation of a horrifying secret inside the palace. It is a wonderful blend of action, thriller, mystery and romance, while remaining strong in both plot and character development. At 8 episodes, the twists and turns of a fast-paced plot is more than enough for a thrilling experience. What’s impressive is that each event propelling the plot also adds nuance to the characters, down to the minor ones. Everyone is fleshed out in a natural and almost nonchalant manner, so when a momentous decision triggered a plot twist, I already learned everything necessary to explain the actions of all involved.
Such detailed characterization is no small feat considering each character struggled with both internal conflicts and external obstacles. Some conflicts at the core of the show are conservatives vs progressives, hope vs reality, (familial/romantic) love vs duty. Imagine what miracles (or tragedies) occurred when these characters interacted and influenced the plot. Some had clashing objectives. Some shared goals but chose different execution. Then things happened, people evolved and alliances changed. At the end, two unions emerged on the opposite sides of history. History already declared who lost, but what was left of the losers?
Conspiracy in the Court, which aired 14 years ago, was a forgotten show of the 2000s. In my heart, though, it proudly stands the test of time. I’m so so impressed with the people who made this show. How did they build a plot that seamlessly weaves action, mystery, philosophy and romance? How did they write beautiful monologues and dialogues? How did phenomenal actors (like Ahn Nae Sang) breathe life into powerful speeches that fully embody their characters? It’s heartwarming to know there are people who possess this much creativity and willingly work hard to share their works with the world. This is not the kind of show to sit back and enjoy, more like fasten your seatbelt, stare at the screen and immerse yourself in the despair of unsolvable conundrums. But overall I’m happy with the torturous (sorta) experience, and will patiently wait until I get to experience these feelings again with another special show.
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