Go watch it - it's one of the best shows of 2023
This series is the kind that stays with you a long time after you have finished because the main characters and their stories connect with you at a deeper level. While the plot might not be the most original, its presentation is novel. The acting of the entire star cast is outstanding. Special mention to Park Hyung Sik - the Crown Prince - who looks more royal than the royals themselves and has given one of the finest Prince/King performances out there. It's a complex character, and he has brought out each layer beautifully (the actor's facial expressions are so good that you can make out what he is thinking without him saying a word). It's great to see a Prince who looks and acts like one, but he can empathise and work on his weaknesses. His shy and reserved nature adds to his relationship with FL who is unconventional and fiesty, giving us a very old fashioned romance which is like a breath of fresh air. It's a character-driven story. Even when the PD lets the story slack, the actors pick up and keep you glued. There are no boring episodes. The humour is A+, and some episodes will get your adrenaline soaring. Full marks to the team for the correct period feel, costumes, and mannerisms. While violence is minimal, some scenes can be disturbing. Romance has a Jane Austen feel to it, which is beautiful. Go watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
An intriguing sageuk with mystery and palace machinations
The synopsis for this drama is quite inaccurate. After watching the show, I was laughing at their description of Min Jae Yi as "a gentle and poised daughter." In truth, she was a tomboy who dressed in boy's clothing from an early age and charged kids toll for crossing a river she supposedly owned. She also frequently hopped walls with her trusty maid/sidekick to escape her house and often got into trouble.After being accused of murdering her family, Min Jae Yi didn't randomly run into Crown Prince Yi Hwan; she specifically sought him out, hoping to get his help in clearing her name, while also intent on protecting him, as her Father had begged her to [his last words to her].
TLDR: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Drama
Historical - Joseon period
Mystery - Secret curse letters delivered to Crown Prince; one by one are coming true.
Romance - if you're looking for skinship and insta-love, this is not the drama for you. The romance is about trust and deep abiding love that takes time to develop.
Drama - I laughed, I cried and my heart was touched.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this drama as I had a chance to keep guessing and the revelations came in bits and pieces. I delighted in the rapport between the main leads whose bickering kept me entertained. But they also worked well together when they were investigating crimes, and they eventually were each other's confidants. As always, Park Hyung Sik did a fantastic job as Crown Prince Yi Hwan; he really showed a range of emotions in this role and was so forward thinking in saying that Jae Yi was a woman, not an object. Jae Yi is probably one of the most feminist characters I have encountered. Her true self is the tomboy that jumped over walls, exhorting coins from strangers to help the poor; in the meantime, Society dictated that she had to grow up, get married and place duty above all.
Lee Tae Sun as Kim Myung Jin (coroner, investigator, scientist, general people-helper) stole the show with his lack of self-awareness. Jang Ga Ram (Min Jae Yi's maid) was perfect as Myung Jin's student. They made me smile and laugh so much. The other leads and supporting actors did a fabulous job, resulting in the well-produced drama. Even though I meant to watch this while it was currently airing, I'm now really glad I was able to binge watch in 4 days. My patience would have been sorely tested if I had to wait so long in between episodes.
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It lacked conviction
I'll start with what's more obvious for me, they're very incompetent for those who are praised to be the best detectives. The mystery solving part of the drama was very lacking and that's what annoyed me the most.A lot in this drama lacks conviction and commitment. Deciding to trust someone just because they're supposed to be your friend but had hidden important information from you doesn't seem very sensible for someone in the middle of an investigation. Even when things are blown out of proportion like FL's expulsion, the train of thought associated with everything around it doesn't make much sense.
I couldn’t finish it all, I just watched the last episode. The ending also lacks conviction. It feels like lukewarm water when you're trying to take a shower on a winter day. It's not satisfying
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I'm sad it ended
The story is basically about this women that is framed for the murder of her entire family, while the crown prince receives a 'curse' note that he is trying really hard not to believe and it's about how their lives start to intertwine basically. The women runs away from the soldiers and disguises as a Euninch to stay by the Prince's side and prove her innocence. The story is very different to many other dramas I've watched and I must say I loved the progression of the storyline that gradually revealed many interesting elements but with just enough rom-com too. The leads' love felt so real and pure, unlike most of the dramas where the leads obsess over PDA, I really liked how the leads in this drama were not subtle but their love felt pure and innocent almost. I loved that about this drama. The actors in my opinion have done a TERRIFIC job. ABSOLUTELY LOVED the leads, a lot of people are saying that they didn't have chemistry and it felt forced but I think they had great chemistry. I think most people think that because of the lack of PDA, but honestly it shud be harder to present love without PDA, like just in the 'eyes' you know lol. But basically I loved the cast's acting, regardless of what anyone said they've done suchhhh a great job at presenting this drama that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The music is also really good, I think it's gonna make it into my playlist. Overall, Absolutely terrific drama with a great storyline and a purely innocent love without PDA that is just soo enjoyable and entertaining to watch. ????????♀️???Was this review helpful to you?
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A good watch!!!
A period drama with political mistery! Initially it started with a bang, but what I feel, that it ended up not as good as it started off.They could've been showed Min Jae yi (FL) charecter more in action. She did her part well. However, the story leaves many open ends. Even at the end she couldn't remember the day when her family was murdered. She was indeed a victim of dirty politics but her situation and grief of losing family was never avenged. I know it's not a love story but I expected more warmth from the crown prince, because the feeling was mutual.
Now come to the ML, the crown prince, started being cursed and all but suddenly he starts doing just fine. I really wanted to see unraveling of that curse part. Also he could have been little more warm towards the FL but even he loved her he kept holding back his feelings even after her honest confession.
The story of twins (the body guard and his assassin brother) was also sort of incomplete.. could have showed little more.
The support roles are pretty fine. The story was absolutely good but after 19th episode it was wrapped up like there is no time in the world!
I mean all these mistery was resolved in just one and half episode in hurry so that many things left open ended.
Wanted more story on that old guy who hypnotized grand prince!
There were many filler parts which could have been removed and they could resolve the mistery from episode 17 may be!
However I liked the story, it's definitely a good watch. I like both the leads. Park Hyung Seek is good but he could do better. I love the FL. She is just perfect and did just to charecter even in the last episode when crown prince came to confess to her.
All over I would say, if you like period drama please give it a try you won't regret watching it.
P. S - I dint understand that justification of the title at all!! If anyone understands please share.. :-)
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All the elements are there: cross-dressing, evil ministers, comedic servants, hinted at love triangle, spunky woman heroine . . . and nothing else. At the 10th episode, we are where we were at the end of episode 2. We have literally no new major plot elements or character developments.
I am disappointed as Park Hyung-sik was excellent in Happiness and Strong Girl Bong Soon and stellar in Soundtrack#1, but here the restraint of the Joseon era seems to knock down his charisma a fair amount. He can't seem to do the 'beneath the calm water lies strong emotion' acting here, even though he's done it well in modern settings.
The drama is well produced - it's almost like they invested in the actors, production, etc. and then decided the plot and character development did not matter all too much. If you are a big fan of the genre, you may like this to pass the time, but I couldn't stick with it.
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I thank all the supporting actors and actresses. I thank the team of Our Blooming Youth. The visuals and the storyline were awesome. I enjoyed this KDrama very much.
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This review may contain spoilers
it's all about the yearning
I really enjoyed this drama.The plot is set up to be a palace/political thriller, which I like, but is really overdone--however, this show twists that plot by adding in a mystery that the Crown Prince and his people are trying to solve. The political drama blends into the overarching mystery nicely, which makes the plot fresher. There were some things in the plot (villain choices towards the end of the show) that I thought were a little silly, and parts of show dragged (too much screen time for unnecessary characters), but I could overlook all of that because I was enjoying myself so much.
Also, I love love both the Crown Prince and Min Jae Yi as individual characters, but I really loved them together. The drama really showed how they respected each other and worked well together as a team. Their romance is slow, but so lovely. It's all about the YEARNING.
I can see how this won't be for everyone, and that's okay. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I think that this drama took an overdone plot and gave it a fresh twist. Do I think some things could've done better or that more time could've been given to the interpersonal relationships between the characters? Sure. Does that lessen my enjoyment? No.
Overall, really loved this one.
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Slow storyline that's getting boring to watch
I'll keep this review short as I've seen other reviews give much more detailed version of what I'm going to say anyway.Unfortunately, it starts really dragging out the plot to the point where I'm skipping through episodes. I'm on episode 12 already so I will finish it, even if I have to keep skipping through because I would like to know how it ends. However, so far the characters just don't seem to be doing anything? I feel like it's clear who the bad guys are or what is related or not within the whole ghost letter and murder mystery thing... Yet, it takes the characters an extra episode or two before they link two very obvious things together. It's almost like they can be really smart in one scene and not at all in the next.
Honestly, I think this could have been a 5 star drama if it was half the amount of episodes. I think 20 episodes is too long for this storyline. It is a shame, as the two lead actors would be interesting to watch if the plot wasn't becoming so slow and repetitive. I don't think it's worth rewatching at all, once finished. If you're bored and really want something to watch though, I would still recommend that you attempt to enjoy this. The first few episode are great, just be prepared to skip through the later ones.
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Slower but no less amazing!
I have such mixed feelings about this one. I loved so many people in this one, Park Hyung Sik was amazing in it! It did have a secret that dragged for way to long and made me very frustrated but there were so many other things happening to keep your attention. So many parts I had to rewind and watch over and over because it was hilarious or so cute!The romance didn't feel very deep, but it was still enjoyable. The cast really made this show great! I watched it on Viki and reading other viewers comments were fantastic. I felt so connected with other watchers and we all hated the same people and loved the same people!
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Park Hyung Sik does it again!
As a fan of Park Hyung Sik, it is to no suprise that I was hella excited to watch this. This drama was full of excitement, and i finished it in less than 3 days. It's sooo good. The plot is interesting with little to no plot holes.One thing I disliked tho was the ending. Ofc I'm happy they got together in the end but I felt like it was kind of rushed a little. Maybe 1 more episode to show how things ended would have sufficed. Nonetheless, the actors did a spectacular job, as did Park Hyung Sik (as always <3)
Totally recommend !! ?
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A very good sageuk / investigation with Park Hyung Sik
PLOT: on her wedding day, the FL, daughter of a governor, sees her entire family die. She decides to flee all those who accuse her, with her servant. She ends up with the Crown Prince (the ML) who gives her a position as eunuch and searches with her for clues about these assassinations and the strange/troubling affairs that are shaking the Court... Conspiracies, influence games, revenge, etc. .The story also highlights the vulnerability (internal and external) of the royal family at this time, and the weight of the great families/clans.
PROS:
- good balance between investigation - humor - action scenes
- The story is carried by Park Hyung Sik (no wonder he received an Award for this role ♡´･ᴗ･`♡) and by FL (Jeon So Nee, actress I didn't know but who is remarkable ).
- Fortunately there is the CL2, excellent, which brings a touch of lightness to this rather dark climate.
- The production is dynamic, the clues are placed in the right place to keep the permanent attention of the viewer.
- The settings, the images are beautiful and some shots are really superb.
- The OSTs are excellent.
CONS:
- A beautiful chemistry between the 2 leads, but really no intimate scene, just a final kiss. It's not enough!!
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Un très bon sageuk / investigation avec Park Hyung Sik
PLOT: le jour de son mariage, la FL, fille d1 gouverneur, voit toute sa famille mourir. Elle décide de fuir tous ceux qui l'accusent avec sa servante. Elle aboutit auprès du Prince Héritier (le ML) qui lui donne un poste d'eunuque et cherche avec elle des indices sur ces assassinats et les affaires étranges/troublantes qui secouent la Cour... Conspirations, jeu d'influence, vengeance, etc.
L'histoire souligne aussi la vulnérabilité (interne et externe) de la famille royale à cette époque, et le poids des grandes familles / clans.
PROS:
- bon équilibre entre investigation - humour - scènes d'action
- L'histoire est portée par Park Hyung Sik (pas étonnant qu'il ait reçu un Award pour ce rôle ♡´･ᴗ･`♡ ) et par la FL (Jeon So Nee, actrice que je ne connaissais pas mais qui est remarquable).
- Heureusement qu'il y a le CL2, excellent, qui apporte une touche de légèreté à ce climat assez sombre.
- La réalisation est rapide, les indices sont posés au bon endroit pour éveiller l'attention permanente du spectateur.
- Les décors, les images sont beaux et certaines prises de vue sont vraiment superbes.
- Les OST sont excellentes.
CONS:
- Une belle alchimie entre les 2 leads, mais vraiment aucune scène d'intimité, juste un kiss final. Un peu juste!!
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