The reason why I gave this drama a low review is not because it is bad, actually was pretty good drama that kept me watching till the end, but it had many moments, particularly at the ending episodes which made it make no sense whatsoever. Stay with me on this, let's first see the good parts:
GOOD:
1. Every single actor and actress perfected their role. 10/10 on acting.
2. Very catchy story, especially for a historical drama, and it's beautiful how they focused the story on more than one character.
3. The main actress portrayed a very strong main role, which was rather amazing and had me always cheering for her.
4. It was thrilling enough to keep me watching till the end, the plot twists kept it running.
NOW here's why even though it has all these good points it yet did not score high, the bad parts:
BAD:
1. Though I enjoyed the plot twists, they were TOO MUCH, too much to the fact that it started ruining the story at the end. It felt like as if the directors and writers desired and valued a storyline with full plot twists and little to no emotional sense to the watcher whatsoever.
2. Some scenes were pathetically annoying in terms of weak spoiled characters, even though the actors themselves acted very well, their roles themselves were annoying. For example, the Emperor or the Dowager, just because they had power they were given a loooooong ass story that just dragged over and over.
3. This proves point 2. there was little character development. I wished that people in this drama would learn from their mistakes to act differently in later episodes.
4. There was little to no emotional sense given to the watcher.
5. Wtf is this ending, explained but rushed, and gave little to no credit to the last characters that deserved it!!
In conclusion, I get that this is meant to be a historical, tragic drama, but they went waaaay overboard with this tragic theme which lowered my rating.
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Stunning is the word that comes to mind. And this is a first when applied to Korean historical dramas which I’ve always shunned under the impression that they were mostly palace intrigues involving a lot of stuffy, elevated speech in grave, dimly-lit, austere settings. Indeed, _Empress Ki_ had enthralled me so that it wouldn’t surprise me if Korean historical dramas comprise my current watch list to the exclusion of all else—at least for the time being.
Its epic scale was its chief appeal. The story’s settings encompass a continent as it begins in ancient Korea and then moves westward to Beijing all the way to the Silk Road and China’s western frontier before settling for good in Beijing and its environs, with a brief sally back to Korea. The story is equally epic as it has, in the broadest strokes, a love triangle involving an emperor, a king, and a self-made empress; strife and unrest among nations and ethnicities; and a palace intrigue replete with the usual murders, betrayals, and acts of revenge, more than meriting the drama’s allotted 51 episodes. There was a moment of doubt, at episode 38, when what seems to be the story’s biggest conflict—the heroine’s ouster of the inveterate tyrant—is resolved; but it didn’t take long for the tension and suspense to rebuild, putting me once again on the edge of my seat chewing my fingernails.
Just how much I was moved by _Empress Ki_ can’t be said enough. Even the villains evoked my sympathy: namely, when Tanggisi helplessly watches his sister get executed and when, fending off his assassins, Regent Bayan calls for his nephew’s help only to fall under his nephew’s sword. Even Yom Byung-soo, who I wanted to see boiled alive in a cauldron (in the old Mongol style), had a moment deserving of my sympathy: namely, when he sighs in dismay at Tanggisi’s mission objective if or when El Temur's hidden treasure is found. (Tanggisi wants to raise an army and regain control of Yuan when all Yom wants to do is retire and live the good life.)
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What I liked:
This drama has a lot of political intrigue, which I do enjoy. I tend to watch a lot of historical fiction so this does satisfy that interest. The costumes were beautiful. The ending was also very well done, so I was pleased when I walked away from it.
What I disliked:
There were many moments I almost wanted to drop this drama due to how lengthy it is, and my inability to feel sympathetic towards any of the characters until close to the end. Empress Ki was a strong female lead, which is nice, but she was not a likable character. I did not enjoy the love triangle. At one point I was hoping they would just stop, because I did not believe any of their characters deserved to be together.
It took a lot for me to continue this drama, so I don't plan to ever rewatch it. I would only recommend this if you are willing to sit through a lot of boring episodes and put up with pushovers and annoying love triangles to get to a good ending.
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It could have ended nicely when she finally became an empress because it was, after all the ultimate goal. What disappointed me was every 10th-15th episode the plot line changes and the story shifts its focus on something else aside from the previous problem on hand. That was really annoying.
I could have loved both kings - Yuan and Goryo alike but instead I fell in love with Taltal, Governor Bayan's right hand and nephew. Sometimes I day dream that he and Sunyang would actually end up together instead of the power driven-infused kings. Their tandem by the end of the drama was more in place than her link with the kings.
The music was timely, I couldn't ask for a better sound track for it. I have already re-watched several scenes from random episodes just because I liked the cinematography and the kick-ass fight scenes and archery of our heroine.
I would recommend this to watchers who are into saguek and all the palace/warlord/politics conspiracy, but let me warn you that the romance isn't the main focus here, it might even disappoint.
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This review may contain spoilers
I read a few of the other reviews before I decided to post and I don't fully agree with them. Yes this is a sageuk (historical k drama) and yes it is long. 51 episodes may seem like a long show to watch but it is well worth it. There are of course artistic liberties taken with the story but the traditional story line is still there and this drama also does a good job with costumes and period accurate details. It keeps you on your toes and its not just a happy go lucky show, there is real drama and real suspense. If you can find the time for the whole drama you will not regret it, the characters good and bad make you love them. The lead female is powerful and impressive while being elegant. Leading men both pull off their characters well and while you will most definitely find your self screaming at the screen during this drama, its ability to frustrate and suprize its audience is one of the keys that kept me watching. On another note if you are interested in history or in Asian culture this drama is intriguing and can give you new insight without being opressive.
I don't want to add any spoilers so I am going to have to stop here but as a last word this is my favorite sageuk and I recommend it to everyone.
***re-watch value is only low because it is long.
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Not for binge watching, maybe a little outdated
I started this when I was sick with flu and watched some 20 episodes in 2 days. The first 10 episodes were really good with constant twists and turns. The middle part from 20-40 felt very repetitive with war after war and neverending palace plots. I skipped all fight scenes and Tanashili scenes. They were just too predictable and devoid of meaning. (=Outdated in terms of current expectations). The last 10 episodes were again a rollercoaster. I think it's best to watch this drama as it originally was meant to be watched, 1-2 episodes per week. Probably only then is it possible to appreciate the big scale of the production and the effort that went into making it visually outstanding.Regardless of this perhaps being a classic and must-watch, I felt the characters were rather one-dimensional and there could have been more shades to the culprits. Now they are just mainly hatable monsters. I have to say I didn't feel much empathy for the main leads. There were some scenes that stood out for both Ji Chang Wook and Ha Ji Won, but the space they were given to portray character depth was rather limited (in comparison to action scenes). Therefore Tal Tal emerged as one of the most interesting characters, as there was slow progression in his coming to the fore. All in all, with the ending (not an actual victory) and the permanent wars and power struggles and last speeches of the Empress Dowager and Head of Eagle House, I felt the message was one of there being always shadow forces and continuity in power politics regardless of people in charge changing.
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From the reviews I have seen in here the rating really depends on which guy you want for main female to end up with, if you end up liking the wrong ship its gonna be more painful and I have seen more lower scores because of it. There were definitely some parts of the story which made me so annoyed and that happened near the timeskips. I loved empress ki character for how strong she was against villains.
You will see huge character progression, when you start to rewatch it and see the characters from beginning and then look at them near end its amazing what time and events can do to some people even if its good or bad. If you like seeing strong main female, romance, drama and don't mind historical genres and some political side of the palace then watch it. I enjoyed it so much I wish I had forgotten most of the plot so I get to re-experience everything for the first time!
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This review may contain spoilers
I couldn't stop watching - it's that good
I don't always give drama series 10 stars but the Emperor did it for me. Ji Chang Wook is such a great actor. I especially loved the rage he was able to display. It just seemed so REAL! The Empress' character was perfectly played by Ha Ji Won! She is brilliant and so naturally beautiful. This is the first time I have seen this actor and I was super happy with his performance. I just may have a new favorite. lol This series was well written and all the actors and actresses did a really great job. SPOILER ALERT! I knew right away that darn ****** was a villain...haha! I just hate Spoilers so that is the best I can do for those of you impatient ones. ;) Lots of tears flowing from the characters in this one, even Maha (Kim Jin Sung) was in on it. I really loved this drama. I'm glad I decided to watch it. At first I didn't think I would like it. I think I can finally sleep tonight.Was this review helpful to you?
VERY LONG, but worth every minute
I have a very short attention span, so I put off watching this for a long time. I figured I would watch a few episodes and decide if I was going to actually be able to get through all 51 episodes. Well, it was a first for me, and I loved each and every minute of it. I binged watched it over the course of 4 days because it kept me on the edge of my seat. It had everything you would ever want in a drama, and I mean everything. I can not think of any emotion that wasn’t included the plot. The ending was what I was kind of expecting, so I had tissues on hand. I know it’s long, but it’s worth it. Take it from someone who even has a hard time getting through the normal 16 to 20 episode drama. I won’t watch it again though due to its length, but I absolutely loved it.Was this review helpful to you?
STORY: This drama is bittersweet. This drama has a lot of twists and turns yet I found myself craving for more as I watched. I've always loved a strong character for a female protagonist thus this was a drama I've been looking for. There is a dash of comedy here, a lot of romance, action and thriller too. While watching this drama you'd find yourself feeling for the characters themselves.
ACTING/CAST: I loved this drama not only because of Ji Chang Wook, but also because of the other actors and actresses present in this drama. Ha Ji Won and Joo Jin Mo, for example. They have exemplary acting skills. The antagonists are so moving I could feel my blood boiling every time they strike! Of course, a twist in the historical life of Empress Ki is very effective. Ha Ji Won pulled off Empress Ki really well. I loved how the casts grew aside with their characters in this drama.
MUSIC: I'm not much of a fan of the OST of this drama but, it was fitting.
REWATCH VALUE: I'd watch several episodes though, but not every single thing since it's very long.
OVERALL: if you like a historical drama with comedy, romance, action and thriller all in one, this drama is worth your 51 hours.
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This blew my wig straight off... and that's ok
Had this on my ptw since I first became a member of mdl (2018) and I finally decided to watch it... wow... just wow.Anytime a show gets hyped I am reluctant to watch it because 7/10 the show is trash and the only thing getting hyped is the oppa or unnie, in this case the hype was warranted.
When I say everything from the lovely sets, beautiful costumes, AMAZING performances, and addicting story- this drama gets a standing ovation. I literally stopped watching the other dramas I had started before this because every episode's cliffhanger was a nail bitter.
Ha Ji Won portrayal of a strong, kickass girl, who we see developing into a cunning and ruthless woman- *chefs kiss- absolutely love to see it. I now want to see more of her.
Park Jin Tae *le sigh. I've only seen him in one other role 'A Frozen Flower' and just like in that I felt for his character; never matter if he's a good guy or bad guy, I always pity him- that's good acting.
I must give a special shoutout to Ji Chang Wook. I've seen some of his stuff and he seems to always play the same type of character so I blew him off as one of those "pretty face but no substance" kind of actor- I have to take that back after seeing this. It's unfortunate though that he hasn't been given roles as meaty as this and a chance to show off his range.
Not going to spoil it but there were a couple parts of the drama that were...iffy/ meh for me but overall this show is worth the watch ESPECIALLY if you love historicals.
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Not bad; just not great
Right off the bad, I want to say this: the first 20-25 episodes or so of this drama are nothing short of spectacular. The story is absolutely riveting and takes no time to draw you in. From the first second, you're immediately plopped into the mesmerizing and eventful world of Seungnyang, a.k.a., Empress Ki. The very beginning of the drama starts out with an immense orchestral piece that shows Empress Ki marrying the Yuan Emperor and Wang Yu, the King of Goryeo (Korea), looking off into the distance with immense disappointment and melancholy. That scene alone is one of the most powerful scenes I have ever witnessed in a drama; what a way to start! The following episodes then revert back several decades to how it all started (how Seungnyang was born, how she became the way she is, how Wang Yu took the Goryeo throne, how the Yuan Emperor fell in love with Seungnyang, etc etc). It's all done tastefully and with excellent pacing.Then, things start to hit the sh*tter.
I don't know what happened, but somewhere around episodes 20-25, it felt like the writers just gave up on the story. I get it, this is first and foremost a drama and it's not looking for anything "realistic" or "historically accurate"; however, the absurd meter goes beyond the charts in the latter half of this drama. There is just so much stupid stuff that happens in the story that is becomes a parody of itself; beyond comical! It's really sad because all the actors in this drama are just doing an incredible job with their roles, and there was a lot of heavy buildup to the climax, but it all falls apart as the story progresses beyond episode 25. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but just know that some of "schemes" that occur in the latter half are just ridiculous and reach peak melodrama. It's like the writers couldn't decide whether it wanted to be a palace harem drama, a "Mary Sue"-type story, or a "forbidden love" situation. Oh what the hell, just lump them all in together and somehow squeeze it into 50 episodes or so.
The music is godly; easily 10/10. I'm not a fan of K-Pop music, but the melodies and singers are really just out of this world. Don't even get me started on the orchestral pieces; some of the greatest music to come out of a K-Drama, and I really mean it.
Overall, I give it a 6.0/10. It's a drama that you can tell a lot of work was put into, and there's just so much effort that was put from everyone (except the writers lol) that I must rate it above average. However, because of the absurdity of the show in the latter half thanks to the writers simply giving up on making any logical sense, I cannot recommend it anything higher than "above average".
I recommend you watch the drama, but just know what you will be getting yourself into. The first 20-25 episodes alone are worth watching, maybe skip ahead / fast-forward after that.
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