"Circumstances are never a hindrance, we are"
I mean you could compare it to many contemporary historical dramas, but only it is not. I beg to differ, because the emotions I lived while watching this were completely new.Can you just give, without asking for anything in return? No, I didn't think so and the drama reinstates it on purpose.
There are many women who lived in the palace and as we know it, the times were the most cruel to them. It's always interesting and liberating to know of their stories. I try to recall the most things that stood out, but I think the scene which changed everything was the scene by the pond where Sung Deok Im came to know of Yi San identity.
A story should live, even when its characters are not there anymore. We see women, willing to give their all for the people they love, might be the same for every human being not just women. But it's important to know that it's okay to keep things for yourself. " I do love him but I love myself more" A very few historical character has left this huge impression on me. It's a tussle between can you have it all if you just try or will you be satisfied with what you're getting because you're scared to lose.
For me, a historical drama is just more than history, if it's true to its telling but lacks purpose, it's not great. And again, every telling has a hint of narrative. I wouldn't want or care to know whether it was fiction or a real story as long as it convinced me of its truth. I felt relieved of the ending. It's important for a drama of this conviction to leave it open to interpretation.
There's ambiguity in emotions that everyone feels unsure of even when they are on the receiving end. But it's necessary to deliever those feelings with justice, the actors did a wonderful job. I was taken by Lee se young potrayal of Deok mi. What I liked about Lee jun ho's character was he knew when to make the viewers feel distant and close, given the nature of his title. I think this drama deserve a major applause for casting such talented actors, everyone of them including 'the fantastic four' court ladies, the crown prince confidants, the people around Sung Deok-mi. They not only gave depth to the main theme of the story but were unique in their own right. You don't see much of these layers in supporting cast. Given significant screentime, I felt the need to appreciate them more.
I believe you'll like this fresh historical telling, independent in its spirit that felt tiring and trying at times but nonetheless changed my perception of you can only want when you have something. I don't think so anymore.
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Excellent production
In all measures: story, cast, acting, costumes, backdrop, architecture, fighting, chemistry between the main leads, were all first class. To add, very good looking lead actors and actresses, and the music was good.Inspired by this drama, I checked on the history of King Jeongjo (Yi San) - hopefully Wikipedia can be trusted for historical accuracy. There was close resemblance to the real history. His grandfather did kill his father who had a mental problem and went on a killing spree. There was a Noron faction who opposed his succession to the throne because his father was against them. There were attempted assassinations. He did have a concubine who he loved dearly. This concubine died the same year as their first son, the first crown prince, while pregnant with a baby. Because of his mother's memoirs, the reigns of his grandfather, himself and his son were well documented. In this drama, nothing was mentioned of his Queen Hyoui; the real queen was not Hong WonBin who was a noble consort - the English subtitle referred to her as queen. As for the details, the drama disclaimed any adherence to real history; since who would know the real minute details.
What I like about this drama? For all that are listed in my first paragraph some of which I will detailed further:
1. The story was very real - you could feel the flesh and blood in the character - and the story was made very interesting. Of course, since this was based on historical figures you may say. But this drama was able to present history in a very interesting manner.
2. In this drama, Yi San grew up fearing his grandfather who had a violent temper. Yet he had a mind of his own. You can see how Lee Jun Ho played this character so well - the conflict of fearing his grandfather, wanting to do what he thought was right and yet playing the filial grandson. His grief at the death of his beloved concubine was absolutely heart rending. You could see his expression changed when he was telling his mother that he would only marry women of aristocrat families and then realised that the humble maid kneeling behind the blind waiting for him was his crush.
3. The chemistry between Lee Jun Ho (Yi San) and Lee Se Young (Sung Deok Im) was excellent. Yi San would express his love earnestly for her and Deok Im would stare back with her big expressive eyes.
4. The cast was excellent and acted well. An example: King Yeongjo, the grandfather was very acted by Lee Deok Hwa. He looked scary yet was a loving grandfather. The second lead, Kang Hoon (Hong Deok Ro, Yi San's childhood companion) did a marvellous job and so did the rest of the cast. There were no let down.
What I do not like about this drama?
1. This was more a conflict with my opinion and the behaviour of Sung Deok Im. She was consistently pushing away the King because she did not want to be his concubine as she feared losing everything. Something might be missing in the English translation. Because of this, they wasted so much chances of enjoying each other's support. A bit too cliche. What was the everything she was referring to? Her personal freedom? That the King would never be faithful? I could feel her pain in these later in the drama. But she could have been more open about this, especially since she was such a bold character, instead of leaving the King in pain earlier in the drama.
2. The drama gave a twist at the end, which gave a temporary relief to the heart rending - that they might live happily ever after. But that was short lived once I checked the historical account. Nevertheless I think it was a nice twist had I not checked.
3. Although the drama was very well produced, I did spot a mistake in the background towards the last few episodes - a split second of someone walking towards the King Jeongjo and Sung Deok-Im when they were on the bridge hugging, - looks like an image superimposed on the video by mistake.
All in all, I enjoyed this drama tremendously. I placed it in the top league of dramas I had watched. Highly recommended.
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Refreshing Entry in the Sageuk Genre
As an avid sageuk watcher, I found "The Red Sleeve" to be incredibly refreshing — though it's a dramatization, there was a heavy sense of honesty infused into its direction sensibility. I appreciated how the writers didn't shy away from themes of power just to create a swoon-worthy rom-com. The passion in this drama is not so explosive, but quiet and sustained throughout. Some viewers may not find the drama very satisfying, as its not composed in very western story structures that we are used to. The story "The Red Sleeve" tells is holds ambiguity, spans generations, takes a practical approach to characterization.To reference Ursula K. Le Guin's carrier bag theory of fiction, while most modern dramas we see are tales of hero's journeys and triumphant struggles, "The Red Sleeve" instead of a receptacle of true human experience. At times it can seem messy and aimless, but that is a true reflection of life, especially from the female gaze.
The acting in this drama was fantastic, especially with a surprisingly knock-out performance from Jun-Ho! The scores was also amazing as well. The cutting and cinematography was some of the best I've seen for TV.
I'll be honest: this isn't a drama that changes my world or lingers in my heart, but it opened my eyes to the types of narratives that we are allowed to have— that WOMEN are allowed to tell. And that is an empowering feeling.
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AMAZINGLY GOOD!!!
As all good stories go, it all started long ago when a woman, a court maid was jilted and scorned by her lover- the king, who chose another woman instead of her. The king was treacherous- he killed anyone who got in his way. He is also quite a dumb and temperamental king who lashes out in anger when he doesn’t get what he wants. He’s dumb because when something goes wrong, he doesn’t even know how to investigate properly. Lol..Then you have the Crown Prince, who I suppose is still young and naive; what wants to do good and help the people. But he does not yet have the power and authority, therefore he is trapped in his own prison having to succumb to the will of the palace.
The road to the throne develops quite interestingly with a good steady pace. It wasn’t as evil- deceitful-betraying as Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and our crown Prince turns out to be a very good King. But as Lady Court Seo points out to the ever-lovable Royal Head Guard- “A good king does not necessarily make a good husband”.
First one third of the series had its funny moments, we learn that the FL Sung Deok-Im is a free-spirited, bright, intelligent woman who knows how to earn her keep. She and the ML crown Prince Yi San cross paths when they’re young, and then meet again 10 years later. Initially he is taken aback by her arrogance and boldness (because she didn’t know he was the crown Prince) but soon he starts to fall in love with her. Towards the middle, the story focuses more on the evil plots to prevent the crown Prince from advancing to the throne. And there’s one great fight scene(only one!) in episode 7. Then the last 3 episodes are all about the love and relationship between FL and ML.
How do I start to describe their relationship? It was doomed from the beginning? Either one party would not be truly happy because both had different destinies and both wanted different lives. HE loved her so desperately.. wanted to keep her by his side. SHE rejected him many times because she wanted her freedom, she didn’t want to be confined to the palace and not having him all to herself. It was truly truly very sad... The chemistry between both leads were very very good though, some sweet and gentle PDA scenes.
I did wish we could see more of their happiness towards the end. The last episode was just tragedy after tragedy.. my gosh. My heart couldn’t take it sob sob. [SPOILER: It was unclear though how both of them succumbed to illness and died?? I’m still trying to figure that out. And to lose their son as well... heartbreaking. END SPOILER]
Definitely a highly recommended watch. A tad too melodramatic for me... too much crying. Maybe a few more fight scenes and conspiracies would have been better lol. Well done to all the actors- they did such a good job! The OST was not as memorable for me... it didn’t have that one or two particular songs that moved my emotions.
I will end my review with a quote from the Queen Dowager- “The palace is a dazzling..... prison”.
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Good Enough
Korean Historical Drama "The Red Sleeve" is a drama that chronographs the stories two dominant characters.First of all, the story doesn't overdo it with the romance. It doesn't add any unnecessary love triangle, doesn't alter the historical aspect of the drama to feat the romance's needs, it doesn't get boring or has cheesy tropes. It is a sensitive, subtle, often chaotic, love story that helps to have the two characters move forward and prompts their actions when it is needed.
That is evident by Deok Im's (the female lead) way of thinking. She is an independent woman who loves her freedom and fears that the prince's love will alter her life and her own self as well. She is afraid to lose who she is, and, as she puts it "The prince's life is precious, but my life more precious (to me)". All these, along with her aloof personality, strong energy, reckless behavior, fearless actions, and clever thinking, set her apart from the rest of the silly female characters that lose their own footing when they fell in love with the male lead.
The rest of the characters were delightful as well. Strong and often tragic, they were all great elements to a masterfully created puzzle. The performances were all great as well, and all the actors and actresses had interesting dynamics that worked to the drama's advantage.
As for the cinematography, it was brilliant and feated the drama perfectly. The first part was lighter, with brighter color and many funny scenes. The second part, on the other hand, was darker, with dimmer lights, murkier color palettes and more dramatic events that focused more on the political aspect of the story. The final part, however, was the weaker. It was hasty and didn't present the story as smoothly as it should, though the ending was fitting the mood of the drama.
So, overall, 9 out of 10.
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THE historical romance for 2021
A great drama from the start to the end. I'm not a big fan of historical dramas, but I'm not ready to forget these characters...History may be fictionalized, but the reality (I should say "the cruelty") of the life of the king, of life at court, is so well described.
- Living in comfort, but with a lot of duties, conspiracies and court intrigues that the crown prince of Joseon has to face.
- Protocols and multiple games of influence, super well described.
- Point of view of a court lady (servant), the "little hands" of the palace, without rights, only duties!
- etc
The deep love between this king and this court lady is poignant, and even I, who don't get emotional easily, cried over the final episodes.
The actors are just wonderful. I understand that they received the MBC Drama Awards 2021 "Best Couple".
Multi-award-winning drama, rightly so:
-Best New Actor: Kang Hoon
- Best Scriptwriter: Jung Hae Ri
- Golden Acting Award: Lee Deok Hwa
- Top Excellence Actor Award (Mini-Series): Lee Junho
- Top Excellence Actress Award (Mini-Series): Lee Se Young
- Drama of the Year: 'The Red Sleeve Cuff'
Well, I'll make it simple: WATCH IT!!
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Drama that make my tear flow like a river
Before i watch the drama, I've read their history first and to understand what happened between Yi-San and Deok-Im.After i done read their story, im sure this drama will make me cry, and yes im cry like a kid. This drama shown the real situation in palace. Got some dialogue said "palace is a dazzling prison".
So my advice to who want to watch this drama, read their story first and then you can get feel when you watch the drama.
Like:
Cast, story, production and music was top notched. The drama so beautiful and emotional to watched.
Dislike:
This drama should be at least 20 episodes..
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Best Historical Drama I've ever watched!
Never liking any historical drama before unless the actors are all my top list or the story is solely romcom without political war (somehow impossible for saeguk drama), but yeah usually watched it only for my favorite actors. Usually drop any historical/saeguk drama after a few episodes, but this one is a total exception. Leaving you curious on how the love story will unfolds.This was based on true story and previously released novel, and I can say this is the most beautiful historical drama in my opinion. The story is deep and the chemistry is on point. Not to mention the roller coaster emotional ride each episode brings you is on another level.
Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young absolutely aced this role perfectly. Chemistry is not something you need to ask, and how they portray each role is definitely gorgeous. There is also the famous Lee Deok Hwa to help the series boost and several new rookie stars such as Kang Hoon, that you will also enchanted to as the beautiful Hong Deok Ro.
The OST is beautiful as well, as I usually don't really like historical OST because of too historical, yet these music hits differently.
It's a must watch 2021 drama for me and I'm not regretting any single second I invest on them for both the series and the talk show they had as for having a high rating.
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Crouching Prince... Hidden Maiden
When I absolutely love a K-drama I wait before I write a review. The reason I do this is I know repeated viewings often change my opinion of the drama after the newness has worn off. For this reason, I waited a LONG time before writing my review for The Red Sleeve. I wanted to see if once the newness wore off I would feel the same, and I am happy to say after repeated viewings I still love "The Red Sleeve".Seriously, there is just so much to like in this drama. The music is sublime The scenery is vivid and stirring. The acting takes you to another level, and the chemistry between the ML and FL is so potent you will feel it!!! Particularly, the scene where Jun Ho confronts Doek Im in a fit of jealous rage in the library. That scene set the internet on fire because it was 🔥🔥🔥 Seriously the chemistry between Jun Ho and See Young was so potent I frequently rewatch that scene for the buzz of their chemistry.
But... what makes this drama great is the addition of other fine actors who fill their roles capably and evoke presence and gravitas when they are on your screen. Lee Doek Hwa is a joy and terror to watch. Jang Hee Jin is powerful, while being understated in her role as Queen. Plus, the humorous presence of other side characters, like Doek Im's friends and the Prince's scheming aunt--who gets the shit slapped out of her--makes this a joy to watch on several levels.
One of the beauties of The Red Sleeve is it played up the dramatic politics of the women within that era while never overshadowing them with larger male-dominated political plots. You understand why every character does what they do because there are no villains or heroes. It's just people trying to live and love as best they could during a very turbulent period.
Is "The Red Sleeve" perfect? NO...it's not, but it's damn near perfect, and entertaining on so many levels that it is worth your time, and I highly recommend it.
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This review may contain spoilers
I wish they showed more of her reign after getting pregnant.
The chemistry in the first few episodes was really fluffy, I was surprised how dark it quickly went midway through. The middle arcs where they were trying to beat the opposing factions were a bit dragged. I wish they cut down those parts and instead prolonged the time when she was finally a concubine.I also got a little annoyed at how much the FML kept refusing the ML's proposals. She's a court maid and it's part of her job to satisfy the needs of their king. not to mention they like each other anyway. She said she didn't wanna share her man's heart but she's a court maid and she's gonna be there forever anyway. might as well get a promotion and have a family.
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Good beginning... Terrible ending...
The obviously overrated marks made me give this one an opportunity... And now I'm totally disappointed.If this series had ended on ep 16, it would have a good ending... but no... they had to destroy it all along with my feelings.
Seriously, if it wasn't for the first half of the episodes this whole series would be a complete waste of time.
Starting with the childish, prideful and unreasonable FL. Her decisions don't make any sense, there are countless times when she behaved frustratingly selfish and puts everybody in danger. She makes the ML look like a fool in many occasions and I truly pitied him all the time.
There is an amount of pointless suffering and plot holes that makes you wonder if the script writer even cared about the audience.
IF YOU TRUST THE ALL THE HIGH RATINGS LIKE ME AND GIVE THIS ONE A TRY, JUST REMEMBER THAT I HAVE WARNED YOU FIRST!
You'll cry rivers, if you like suffering, great! But it doesn't mean every body does...
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Solid (and romantic) historical drama!
The RED SLEEVEEvery part of this show is working hard. The cinematography, lighting, costumes, acting, direction and script are all ranging from solid to great. The episodes are addictive. The characters feel real and three dimensional. Their relationship feels authentic and full of tension. They have great chemistry. Overall, I have to recommend it to people, and I think it probably is the best historical drama I've seen in years.
I think the show is doing two things simultaneously, and those things sometimes clash and sometimes work together to create really juicy layers for the story. On the one hand, this is a historical romance, plain and simple. Two beautiful people who have fallen in love. It's idealistic, satisfying for the audience, full of really romantic moments. But the show is also tackling the power imbalance inherent in their relationship, and how that shapes the story. Historical dramas love to have a 'spunky female lead' but what are the actual implications of that with regards to the time period, women's roles, love, and the palace? I think it's a very compelling and unrepresented question, but it doesn't always make for an entirely... satisfying viewing experience.
For the first 9 or 10 episodes this story is trucking along in full blown romantic drama territory. History, but with all the trappings, tropes and viewer expectations of a drama. They save each other, the female lead causes trouble and gets out of trouble with few consequences, the male lead is smitten with her but she isn't so easy to catch. It's very well executed, super entertaining, and the right mix of emotionally deep and satisfying fun. During this time, the female lead states that she doesn't want to be a concubine, and older court ladies warn against her future should she end up with the king, but we see it as the necessary cold feet that will eventually be resolved by love — a mere storytelling plot device. These very serious concerns of autonomy, purpose, freedom and sense of self will be magically soothed by the balm of true love. Right???
But that is not what the drama is interested in doing. Instead, we see that once he becomes king her refusal is in earnest. He loves her, but he won't force her; and she loves him but doesn't want to be trapped by him. And we see THAT situation, where nobody could ever really win, get played out to its full extent.
The ending was tough not so much because it was tragic, but because it showed the real life consequences of their love story. What would actually happen if this independent, free-spirited woman became the king's concubine? They love each other, but all along she has been worried that if she becomes his consort she will lose everything and be trapped. And guess what? She does lose everything. Herself, her friends, her purpose, her son, and her life. When they reunited in episode 15, I felt like somehow the problem was solved because they had reconciled and they loved each other. But the show doesn't give us that. Instead it shows us that their relationship was never going to be a balanced, loving relationship. How could it be? He is a king and she is a concubine, there to serve him. They can never escape it. She never even really truly tells him that she loves him.
After she becomes his concubine, she says that sometimes she wishes that they were just two ordinary people. She wonders what life would be like for them if they could just live normal lives together. He says that he can't imagine, that he's never thought about it. While I know it has always been on her mind. I think that is one of the most tragic moments in the drama, right at the end, when you realize that it can’t have a happy ending. They will forever be separated. The ending isn't some cheap tragic nonsense they tacked on at the end to make it seem significant, like she suddenly dies and that's the sad ending, or he goes crazy and kills her. No, you realize that all along, this romance that you've been rooting for has been inherently flawed. They can never be happy together in this life. The power of love will never make them equals. She is trapped forever, and she will never be free. And he loves her and cannot let her go.
It’s for this reason that I think the actual final scene of the drama is a cop-out. It ends with the King reuniting with her (is it reality? Is it a dream? Is it the afterlife?) and they hug each other. In this place — wherever it is — she is smiling happily, waiting for him. It frustrated me that the drama ends with this vision of her, rather than following her request that in another life, if he sees her he should pretend he doesn’t know her.
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