My best drama of 2022
It is not only my best drama of 2022, but it is also the drama that got me out of my drama slump, and a drama I regretted not watching it earlier in 2022, but only in March 2023.I was hesitant to watch sageuk, as I am not familiar with Korean actors and in sageuk, everyone (especially those in the palace) looked the same, with the same hairstyle, make-up and clothes. And as I have difficulty differentiating who’s who, I often cannot catch the story. Also I was watching AoS then and deliberately postponed watching this drama to after I have finished watching AoS2, so as not to mix up the characters. Alas, AoS2 took a while for me, despite my enjoyment for AoS1.. that's for another review.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella has almost all of what I looked for in a drama – a drama with strong values (on relationships, honor, justice, equality and good vs evil), embodied within a solid story and plot, spiced with intrigue, power struggle, kinship, a little romance, and honed with good acting, and breath-taking and meaningful cinematography. This is an award-worthy drama from the story/plot, values embodied, acting to cinematography.
Watch this drama and you will experience:
* A mother’s unwavering love and courage for her kids, a Queen’s big love for the neglected “step” son, and abused and belittled commoners, a Queen’s honorable advice for her King, and a Queen’s tenacity to fight higher evil, stand up for justice and protect the weak.
* The four Grand Princes’ brotherly bonds with one another and, in particular, Grand Prince Sung Nam’s bond and courage to look for cure for his elder brother and become powerful to protect his brother’s family.
* Honorable fights and wins, amidst power struggles and plot twists, to uphold equality, justice and right the wrong.
While I’m glad Moon Sang Min was awarded Best New Actor at Baeksang Arts Award 2023, I was still pissed that Kim Hye Soo was snubbed of her acting award, and the drama was snubbed for nominations in Best Drama nor Best Screenplay.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good Enough
Korean Drama " Under the Queen's Umbrella " is a roller coaster.The drama has multiple leyers, with the family drama, the palace politics and the comedy being the very core of it.
The battle between the strong female leads was intense to follow and it refreshing to see the Queen and not the King being the center of the political battles for once.
Also, the family drama was bittersweet, with tragedy but also some warm and lovable moments.
The comedy aspect, moreover, was spot on, without exaggerations to produce laughter. Rather, the funny moments came naturally and were well handled.
Last, but not least, the performances were enjoyable, but the leading lady was a dynamite.
So, overall, nine out of ten.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great Queen
A Queen and 5 princes. The LOVE of a mother for her children. A great woman who fight against everything and everybody to protect these poors guys. I admire this great queen clever and heartgentle. A big support and teacher of life for princes.Instead I hate the bastard grand mother, mother's king.
I also admired the king who support and trust her queen.
PS It's the first time that I discover this "election" of new heir prince. Cemissò / interesting.
Court life is quite dangerous, eventful and stressful.
I also loved the ending, these brothers hugging each other and this umbrella that symbolizes protection for the family.
Was this review helpful to you?
She might be a queen, but her priority was to be a good mother.
Easily one of the best dramas I've ever watched. I thought this was a comedy, but I'm so wrong lolThis drama really emphasized the strong bonds between mothers and their sons. It showed us how mothers sacrificed and protected her children even if it meant they're dealing with a devil.
For the whole 16 episodes, the queen never really took a break; she was 24/7 alert for her sons, grandchild, and also her husband, the king himself. She was amazing; really a strong, wise, and smart woman.
My favorite part was the ending. It was so satisfying and each character got what they deserved. Under the Queen's umbrella, just like the title, she protected everyone even though she had to be soaked wet by the rain. Simply worth the hype.
Was this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece
Story - The story itself is about a mother who will do anything to protect her children. Not only was she a mother to her own 5 children, but she was a mother figure for all the princes in the palace who were struggling. The pacing of the story was very well done; every character was well written and believable.Acting/Cast - No doubt, everyone was great but Kim Hye Soo really deserved the title for best actress.
Music - I enjoyed the music and OSTs in this drama (even though there was only 1 or 2).
Rewatch Value - I gave this a 10 for rewatch value which says a lot since I barely, if at all, rewatch anything but this show hits differently. I tend to find most k-dramas very interesting at the beginning but tends to fall off around the end which definitely affects its rewatch value. This on the other hand, was never boring and binge worthy until the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best 2023 drama with Alchemy of Souls
I felt in love with Alchemy of Souls, was sad that it finished and then THIS came to the screens! .... and I am in love again <3 Under the Queen's Umbrella has amazing characters, talented actors and the script that doesn't allow you to leave the room 😍 The production of the drama is insane and beautiful in every shot.I've noticed complains about the story that was carried by one character (the queen) but by the title it should be so, no? 😅😆 she is the star here but it doesn't take away anything from the other characters who were magnificent here. Everyone has its talents and flaws and what is amazing about queen is that she makes people shine. Thanks to her you can sympathize with the princes that aren't the Queen's sons. Drama might start lightly but the deeper you go the more you understand the pressue they are under. Every heir has a lot of weight on their shoulders and their situation is not easy peasy lemon queasy. This is a story about family and survival in one.
Drama starts with a bang and all the princes with their mothers are presented in one moment what makes one big chaos in the head. There is 11 boys, 9 mothers, their stuff and relatives.... memorising them is not a piece of cake! But pay attention to it because when you go deeper into the story you might get lost.
I was waiting long for Under the Queen's Umbrella as I heard about it somewhere in the mid of 2022 and I'm thrilled to see it. On my blog you can find some more pointerd about the drama https://my-asian-dramas.blogspot.com/2023/02/under-queens-umbrella.html :) feel free to leave a comment!
Was this review helpful to you?
2022's Masterpiece!
I have not been watching dramas for a year due to poor internet connection. However, over the past few weeks or months when I saw the poster of "Under the Queen's Umbrella", it made me really curious of what was gonna happen. But then, I wasn't really expecting that it would turned out to be an interesting one. So I always find a way to just watch the movie even if it is ongoing.All I can say is that it is "WORTH THE WAIT", "WORTH THE WATCH", and "WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT".
Exactly, which I could say "I AM NOT MISTAKEN".
Probably the best drama I've watched. And I'll be watching this over and over again!
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL DRAMA FROM THE FIRST EPISODE TILL THE LAST EPISODE!
Was this review helpful to you?
WORTH THE WATCH! Umbrella=Genuine Covering w/ love
I was reluctant to watch this because of the title and synopsis but I am so glad i watched this. It was soooo amazing. It was heartfelt, moving, touch and so much more. I was not expecting that. There was action, sweetness, mystery, plotting, battle of the minds, brotherly love, a little love and more. If I had to sum this up in a few words I would say this series about a queen/mother doing whatever necessary to teach, protect and defend her kids. This differs a bit from other historical dramas about queens fighting for their children. This queens didn’t go around being malicious or trying to hurt other people. I think the title absolutely fits the series “under the queen umbrella” because it was really about her covering/protecting her children from those that were trying to harm them. They series has so many heartfelt moments it was amazing. I can honestly say that I’ve watched very few historical drams that could provoke emotions in me but this one’s absolutely good. I would suggest this for anyone that into historical dramas.Highly recommend this. Definitely a rewatch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Mother's unconditional love
Edit:Feb. 28, 2024
Rewatching this masterpiece after 2 years. I must say, it does not falter, and continuously proves why it is such an S-tier kdrama. Under the queen's umbrella is truly one of the best historical kdramas out there. So please, if you are still in doubt, I suggest you give this show the love it truly deserves.
She is still the BEST AND SMARTEST FEMALE LEADS OF ALL DAMN TIME.
Dec. 13, 2022
Under The Queen's Umbrella redefined historical dramas for me. I genuinely am not the biggest historical Kdrama fan, but this series really changed my overall perception. This will be the first time, I will not give major spoiler in my review as I really hope this review encourages others to give this show a chance to prove itself.
For a drama that encompasses the political dynasty and power struggle. This show gave me so much emotions to feel throughout the whole time. Not a single episode, I felt bored or is a waste of my time. 16 episodes definitely gave it the good pacing as the story progresses eloquently.
For a drama that is built over hype, this live up and well beyond the expectations I initially had. Our Queen is hands down, the best FL and the smartest FL for all of the main FL for ALL KDRAMA RELEASED THIS YEAR AND LAST YEAR arguably. The queen genuinely cares for all her children and disciples. I have nothing but praise for the casts, the writers, and the directors. Given the speculations regarding a second season, I think it would be nice to have but definitely unnecessary. I am very satisfied with how the ending went. ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT UNDER THE QUEEN'S UMBRELLA HAS ONE OF THE BEST WRITTEN, CONCLUDED KDRAMA ENDING. For the past few years, kdramas have had really terrible poorly written ending
Moreover, I love all the narratives and topics they inserted smoothly into the series. For highlighting, LGBTQ+ issues and showing that they do exists in past. I love the visibility the show had for the LGBTQ+ community. Also with how men and women have societal standards that causes inequality between the opposite sexes.
In terms of antagonists, I think the antagonists of this show is written quite well. I felt angry and agitated to the point where i want to go inside the screen and punch all of them. Also their backstory makes sense and it is not those type of antagonists where the background story is shallow or almost no connection the plot or whatever.
I guess to wrap my review I just want to say, I hope you enjoy one heck of a ride and send Under The Queen's Umbrella lots of love.
Was this review helpful to you?
WE NEED A SEQUEL!!!
HOOOYYYYY THIS SAGEUK IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME AFTER MR. SUNSHINE THAT IDK WHAT SAGEUKS I SHOULD WATCH ANYMORE!!!I give all of them 10 except acting(which i only give it 9.5)—well, it's kinda understandable that most of the youngsters here is newbie so they're still need more projects to improve their skills in fast. But it doesn't mean their acting is bad. In fact, I don't think there is any other actors in outside that can pull a character such as tsundere but cool as Seongnam, lil brat but funny as Muan, or naive but smart as Cheongha except their respective actors themselves
Oh ya, Happy New Year!! tvN and 작가님, it's not too late. Please make a sequel just how Mr. Queen also has its own
Episode 1: King and Queen's love story
Episode 2: Kang and Cheongha's "baby wolf"
And if Bae In Hyuk is just chilling while jobless right now, then we also need the late crown prince and Min Hwibin's love story (aka put them in episode 2 and then we'll the baby wolf story in episode 3)
😎🤘
P.S: Seeing a handsome guy like Moon Sang Min kinda gives a vibe like Titanic's Leonardo DiCaprio, Twilight's Robert Pattinson and Atonement's James McAvoy
Was this review helpful to you?
The Strongest Female Lead in dramaland!
This drama has been so far the best I watched in 2023...The Queen... where to begin. She was the epitome of her title. What a strong character who was far cunning yet kind, brave yet strong . And whatever endless title she held, be it a wife, mother, stepmother, daughter in law, grandmother, etc etc. she was mesmerizing to watch in her role.
Truly an inspiring female lead. I couldn't be in awe of this character and KHS as the queen was just utter perfection.
Would strongly recommend this drama to anyone and everyone who would love a quirky strong and brave heroine. Doesn't matter if you are looking for it in a modern or historic time period., because this queen truly transcended time.
Was this review helpful to you?
It lives up to its promise
I had high hopes for this drama ever since it was announced and they got even higher when I first saw the trailer. I'm happy to say that it delivered in every way. The titular Queen is probably my favourite Queen ever from a period kdrama. She was compassionate, smart, loving, kind, just, and ruthless when necessary. She sounds almost too good to be true but Kim Hye Soo brings the character to life in a way that makes you believe she can and does exist.The palace intrigue was intricately woven and also enjoyable. I had no real idea how things would turn out in the end but once it ended I was left feeling like it was the only possible outcome. I would watch a dozen more episodes of just the Queen trying to manage the shenanigans of her children.
Was this review helpful to you?
